Make your own brake lines? Options

[Rav914]

Have you made your own steel brake lines? I broke one yesterday working on the hell-hole (the long one for the passenger rear). I did some research and it looks fairly straightforward, just need to buy the proper tools and practice.

But before I do, or PM bdstone914 for spare parts, I thought I'd query the local brain trust.

Thanks,
Nate

[jmill]

Stores such as NAPA, Carquest, and others, sell brake lines with the correct fittings. Why would you buy the wrong ones, cut them up, and change the ends? I'm having a hard time understanding the thinking behind that one.

The Cap'n

You point is a valid one. If they have them with the diameter, length and fitting type you desire your all set.

Unfortunately, the availability of off the shelf parts is dependant on your location. Racine, WI lacks the large number of tuners and hot rodders to support a decent inventory at most auto supply stores. When I built my 53 Chevy, which I later sold to Pepsi, the longest length available of the shelf in the diameter I required had the wrong size fittings. To avoid special ordering parts or adding additional fittings and potential leaks I chose to buy the long lengths and replace the fittings. Fittings are easily changed, adding length and changing line diameter not so easy (which was my point.)