Brake line selection - what size, material, etc..

[Asshat]

Looking for a good explanation and recommendation for running brake lines. Planning the cross member swap; I’ll have discs up front (from a 74 C20) and rear drums (from an 83 C20).

Really just concerned with running the front lines, properly flaring the tubing and using the correct fittings and tees. I believe steel is the easiest to work with; I figure I’ll probably need no more than a 25’ roll.

Also, 1/4” ok to use for front discs from master cylinder, all the way to the back tee?

Seems like there are so many options out there. Any help would be appreciated.

[PGSigns]

For the front lines look at the ends on the new hoses and match the line to them. I use nickel copper and the stainless spring armor on all my brake lines. I run the armor on the lines anywhere it may need protection like along the cross member I have this style of tool. You can find it cheaper if you look around. Works really well. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...%20(Feb28_2020)
Jimmy

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

For the front lines look at the ends on the new hoses and match the line to them. I use nickel copper and the stainless spring armor on all my brake lines. I run the armor on the lines anywhere it may need protection like along the cross member I have this style of tool. You can find it cheaper if you look around. Works really well. https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...%20(Feb28_2020)
Jimmy

Can you show some pics of the armor? Not sure what that is.

And, is a $200 flaring tool really necessary?

[tinydb84]

I used NiCopp as well. No leaks and it was the first time I ever ran my own lines. I ran 3/16'' on the whole truck (disc/disc) and the breaks work great.

That tool is nice but if you only need one size this one will work great.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-5...s%2C212&sr=8-8

Also, this tool can be used on the truck if you mess up or dont want to pull the line back out.

[Asshat]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

I used NiCopp as well. No leaks and it was the first time I ever ran my own lines. I ran 3/16'' on the whole truck (disc/disc) and the breaks work great.

That tool is nice but if you only need one size this one will work great.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-5...s%2C212&sr=8-8

Also, this tool can be used on the truck if you mess up or dont want to pull the line back out.

I have this, so I’m pretty sure it will work.

[LS short box]

Times three on ni-copp line. Flares really nice. The cheap flaring tools are hit and miss on how well they make flares. When you cut the lines don't crush it with tubing cutter and deburr the inside of the tube. I use 3/16" every where.
If you don't want to buy a flaring tool form the lines as needed and the take them down to a repair shop with a good flaring tool. That's what I did before I bought good flaring tool.

[Llay R. Rac]

Can the ni-copp line be bent by hand without a tubing bending tool?

[LS short box]

The ni-copp line bends very nicely. Almost too easy.

[mongocanfly]

heres the brake line armor pg referred to
i got 25ft rolls of 3/16 and 1/4 off ebay..
on my IH, since i used all chevy axles and brake system,i just duplicated what was on the old burb
all front lines are 3/16...the rear is 1/4in to the rear, then splits to (2) 3/16 lines to each rear wheel..
i usually just buy the 6ft sticks of brake line at oreillys then cut what i need off of them.i bought a bunch of fittings off ebay as well
i have the eastwood flare tool..(similar to the one pg showed).expensive ,yes....but its a great tool..
just keep in mind that brake line fittings are inverted flare...make sure your tool will do the proper flare
ive got all kinds of benders , but only use them for tight bends...all others i bend by hand..

[tinydb84]

With the nicopp bending is super easy. I got this tool and it worked great:

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Brass-For...%2C212&sr=8-16

[Asshat]

Would you guys know what fitting goes on the end of the brake hose?
The front end is from a 74 C20.

[LS short box]

A guess on my part but either a 3/16" or 1/4" inverted flare.

[tinydb84]

Of the top of my head I believe it was a 3/16''-24 that screws into it and a sheet metal nut that screws over it to hold it in the frame.

The roll of brake line I bought came with a bunch of fittings and one of them fit it.

Sorry- 3/8''-24

[Asshat]

I was hoping someone had a part number.
Not sure if I can use the one that is on my 63.

[PGSigns]

Go to the local parts store and get a 3/16 and a 1/4" tube ends and keep em in you tool box. That way you can test lines like this and know what you have. When it comes to brake lines DO NOT cheap out on a flair tool. If you don't feel comfortable with it just buy Nicop lines in premade sections and mix and match to get what you need.
Jimmy