Brake Line Question for '79

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JohnO - 17 Apr 2006 13:19 GMT

While replacing the cylinders on the rear brakes of my son's Mustang,
the brake line's compression nut was firmly stuck to the line itself.
The nut and the line are just so happy together, they won't part.
Replacement lines are cheap, so I twisted the nut (along with the line)
anyway and got the cylinder removed and replaced.

I picked up a replacement 20" 3/16 brake line at Autozone, for all of
about $3. Bending it into shape was easier than expected. However, it
turns out that the compression fitting upline at the 'splitter' block
is larger than the connection at the cylinder.

I don't see the right part on Autozone's website, but I'm not sure I
know exactly what I'm looking for, either. Is this an unusual part, or
do I need some sort of adapter?

-John O

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Brent P - 17 Apr 2006 13:29 GMT

> While replacing the cylinders on the rear brakes of my son's Mustang,
> the brake line's compression nut was firmly stuck to the line itself.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> know exactly what I'm looking for, either. Is this an unusual part, or
> do I need some sort of adapter?

Did you get the correct diameter line? If the answer is yes, then you've
come across something similiar to what I have with Fords.

For factory assembly ford uses non-standard brake line fittings
for the purpose of preventing assembly error as far as I can tell. Or
maybe for the ease of tool use on the line. The fittings will for
instance be the thread size for the next line size up from the line it's
on.

I have dealt with this in two ways. My prefered method is to salvage the
fitting from the factory line, cut off the flare on the new line, swap
the ford fitting on and make a new flare. Most brake line I have to cut
anyway to get the length right so it's no big deal. When I don't have to
cut the line I'll use a brake line adapter fitting.

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JohnO - 17 Apr 2006 13:40 GMT

> Did you get the correct diameter line? If the answer is yes, then you've
> come across something similiar to what I have with Fords.

Yes, it's 3/16, and the next size up (1/4) is a lot bigger.

> For factory assembly ford uses non-standard brake line fittings
> for the purpose of preventing assembly error as far as I can tell. Or
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> anyway to get the length right so it's no big deal. When I don't have to
> cut the line I'll use a brake line adapter fitting.

Do you use a special tool to make a good flare? Or can someplace do
this for me?

Thanks!

-John O

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Brent P - 17 Apr 2006 14:47 GMT

>> Did you get the correct diameter line? If the answer is yes, then you've
>> come across something similiar to what I have with Fords.
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Do you use a special tool to make a good flare? Or can someplace do
> this for me?

You need a double flare tool. They aren't too expensive and can be found
easily. Now making a good flare on the other hand takes practice.

Here's one:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=0
0947063000

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JohnO - 17 Apr 2006 15:22 GMT

> > Do you use a special tool to make a good flare? Or can someplace do
> > this for me?
>
> You need a double flare tool. They aren't too expensive and can be found
> easily. Now making a good flare on the other hand takes practice.

Thanks, you're right that's not expensive, but I wonder if an adapter
might work out considering the one-time need and the practice thing.

:-) I'd hate to make a bad connection on this system.

One of these is what I'm looking for, right?

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=56
56&categoryID=156

-John O

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Brent P - 17 Apr 2006 16:48 GMT

> One of these is what I'm looking for, right?
>
> http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=56
56&categoryID=156

Doesn't look exactly right.... (probably because of the specialized trailer usage) but the
theme is correct. You can find them at most autoparts stores. They seal as regular brake line
fittings and will have the proper flare built into them.

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JohnO - 17 Apr 2006 17:56 GMT

> > One of these is what I'm looking for, right?
> >
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> theme is correct. You can find them at most autoparts stores. They seal as regular brake line
> fittings and will have the proper flare built into them.

Aha, you're 100% correct. The local parts place had the brake line
adapter I needed. Ya gotta love telling the guy at the counter the
story, and having him say "I know exactly what part you need," dropping
it on the counter, and then it's like $2. :-)

Thanks guys, advice very much appreciated.

-John O

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Backyard Mechanic - 17 Apr 2006 15:15 GMT

> While replacing the cylinders on the rear brakes of my son's Mustang,
> the brake line's compression nut was firmly stuck to the line itself.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> -John O

Dont reflare!
Go to a local parts jobber or napa. there's a brass male-female adapter.

Autozone, for some reason never found out there are fitting adapters made
for this. They try to sell you on reflaring or else some kludge short-
line adapter.

Signature

Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

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JohnO - 17 Apr 2006 15:26 GMT

> Autozone, for some reason never found out there are fitting adapters made
> for this. They try to sell you on reflaring or else some kludge short-
> line adapter.

Thanks, it's good to know I'm not just missing something obvious.

Will these adapters seal tightly by themselves, or will I need some
silicone tape or something equivalent?

-John O

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Backyard Mechanic - 17 Apr 2006 15:34 GMT

>> Autozone, for some reason never found out there are fitting adapters
>> made for this. They try to sell you on reflaring or else some kludge
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Will these adapters seal tightly by themselves, or will I need some
> silicone tape or something equivalent?

Nope, they're brass; made to mate with flare socketry... uh, that's TEFLON
tape you're referring to.

Signature

Yeh, I'm a Krusty old Geezer, putting up with my 'smartass' is the price
you pay..DEAL with it!

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JohnO - 17 Apr 2006 15:42 GMT

> uh, that's TEFLON
> tape you're referring to.

Oops, of course.

Thanks.

-John O

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elaich - 17 Apr 2006 16:31 GMT

"JohnO" <t696asm@yahoo.com> wrote in news:1145283991.600858.241420
@e56g2000cwe.googlegroups.com:

> Will these adapters seal tightly by themselves, or will I need some
> silicone tape or something equivalent?

Since the original fitting was a flare type, make sure the adapter is also,
or it will leak. Both the male and female ends of the adapter will have to
be machined to accept a flare.

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