Where to Buy C20 Front Brake Hose?

[bry593]

Hi all,

I am rebuilding the brake system on my 1971 Chevrolet C20 and am having a difficult time finding front RH and LH rubber hose from hardline to caliper.

I ordered a pair made by Dorman from RockAuto. These were p/n H380712 (RH, 3/8 NF) and H380713 (LH, 7/16 NF). Although the overall length in a straight line is about the same, the flexible portion (the rubber hose part) is an inch too short. Net effect being that the hose gets heavily strained (kinked) when the suspension is at full droop.

Anyone know where to buy hoses that fit?

Thanks!

[AussieinNC]

H380712 is for front right...
H380713 is for left front...

Both hoses should have total length of 12.25 inches...

Make sure they sent you the correct hoses...

[Steeveedee]

If you have disc brakes on a '70, it has calipers set for '72 and newer. The hoses won't reach if your hard lines are behind the cross member. I bought lines for a '73, which are far longer. I took the clamp out of the middle and routed them so they don't hit anything. I didn't move my old hard lines or replace them with the newer style.

[bry593]

The Dorman assemblies are close to OE length. The problem is the metal crimp portion is longer the OE, so the flexible portion is about an inch shorter, just enough to keep it from working at full suspension droop. I have a picture of the two taped together showing a direct comparison. However, I don't have a photo host so can't post it here.

There are several threads from others having this problem in the past, but none pointed to an off the shelf assembly made correctly. If no luck, might try the 1973 3/4 ton lines. Hopefully these are not so long as to rub and abrade on nearby components.

[bry593]

The overall length of the Dorman lines is about 12.5". Unfortunately, too short and end that takes a clip will not. Clip groove too short and has wrong size hex. Typical aftermarket junk.

The 73 3/4 ton lines are going to be way too long, at least for a stock height C20.

[bry593]

I'm sending my old hoses to E.L. Johnston Auto Parts in College Park, GA.

They will either rebuild using my old fittings if possible, or make build complete new assemblies.

Turn around is about a day.

Will let you know how it works out.

[bry593]

By the way, the Centric 150.66301 rear brake hose fits well on the '71 C20, 127" wheelbase, coil spring truck.

[bry593]

Update!

The vendor has the caliper block style fittings in stock! He said they are only used on the C10/C20 trucks and no other cars. The other end of the hose he can't get anymore. He did offer clip fittings that are close, but would have to grind down the drawn cup portion of my factory brackets. I didn't like that idea, so he is going to reuse my clip end fittings. He'll chuck 'em up in a lathe and turn off the ferrule and tube, drill out the fitting slightly and then silver solder a new tube and ferrule in place.

I asked him to add 1/2" extra to the hose since it seemed the factory was a little tight at full suspension droop.

Things should go back together just as GM intended. Will let you know how they work out.