Replacing brake lines

[dzwestwindsor]

The brake lines on my truck are fairly rusty and I want to replace them. LMC has pre-bent lines for sale, but I want to make my own.

I have a 1971 C20 with power disc brakes in the front. Before I start ripping out the old lines I want to have everything ready. I've never done this before, so I need some pointers.

Are the steel lines for my truck 1/4"? Can I just get a roll of these: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/p...08%7CL3*15690#

and then double flare them/bend/cut them?

I'm mostly concerned about the connections- where do I get the brass fittings that screw into the MC and such, and how do I know which ones to get? I can't seem to find them on auto parts websites.

I'd appreciate any help, thanks.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I bring my brake parts with me. I brought my MC and proportioning valve with me to one of the chain stores to pick the correct fittings, between the two parts, I needed 3 different fittings! The chain stores will have all of the fittings, but they may be "behind the counter."

I've never used the rolled line before... I always buy the straight pieces. Every other flaring tool I used that was "cheap" was crap and didn't make the flares right.

Eastwood makes some killer tools for bending/flaring, but be prepared to open your wallet.

Flaring tool:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eastwood-Pro..._Tools&vxp=mtr

Bending tools:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eastwood-Bra..._Tools&vxp=mtr

In this case, since you're "going back to factory", and/or don't plan on really flaring and bending lines again any time soon, you'll be much better off buying pre bent lines. I'm a tool junkie and I had to "make up" the lines for my mustang and I have a couple other projects I'll be using the tools for.

[ChevLoRay]

Check out www.inlinetube.com

They have pre-bent lines in stainless for a little bit more than mild steel. But, they also have the tools that are for making your own, too. But, you gotta invest in them, first. Which is why I am going to order mine from them, instead of buying tools I will never need again.

But, my chassis is naked and now's the time to put them on.

[LockDoc]

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I used the newer NICOPP brake lines (nickel+Copper+Iron) on one of my projects. Really easy to bend and they will not rust. CNC 325 is 3/16" and CNC 425 is 1/4". I bought mine from this guy:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC-325-3-16...d=141112260250

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CNC425-1-4-C...d=141112260250

Best price I could find at the time. You can actually coil it around a 1" wooden dowel by hand without kinking it. It also flares easy with a regular double flaring tool and there are coated flare nuts available. Some of the auto parts stores carry it but it is quite a bit more $.

LockDoc

[k2rm]

I used this tool to bend 3/16" stainless lines. it was pretty easy to bend. You can see the tight bends I made to accommodate the Wilwood Master and Proportioning valve. The hard part was flaring the stainless.
Amazon.com: Lisle 44150 3/16" Tubing Bender...

[truckdude239]

i bought mine from www.inlinetube.com