I just put new brake lines on my 89 Chevy.  A few years back I
replaced the main line to the rear, but now one of the center tee to
wheel lines sprung a leak.  I replaced both of the rear lines that go
across the differential.  My question is the clips that hold them to
the rear end tubular piece all broke off.  When frame clips break I
always drill a new hole and install some sort of bracket even I have
to make something.  But drilling into the rear end does not sound like
a good idea.  What do the mechanics use when those clips break?  I was
thinking about those plastic cable ties, the heavy duty kind.  I dont
have any on hand though, so I just wrapped bailing wire around the
rear end tube and the brake line until I can come up with somethingf
better.  

One other thing.  Is there a reason that replacement brake lines
always have a long thread on one end and a short thread on the other?
I have always wondered that.  Better yet, which one is supposed to go
to the wheel cylinder and which to the hose or another line?  It seems
like it dont really matter, I just put them on which ever ways seems
to fit the best, but is there an approved or preferred way, and why?
(I ususlly put the long one to the wheel cylinders, mostly because
wrenches are always lacking space to swing them against that backing
plate.

Thsnks for all advice.

John