Brake Lines Options

[TINKERGINEERING]

Ok so brake lines are next in my restoration. Is it a good idea to try and bend my own stainless steel brake lines? There is probably a thread already on this, but I haven't found it (Let me know if there indeed is one). But have any of you had success with this? Drop any tips below
thanks-
Frances

[bdstone914]

Stainless steel is not needed or easy to form the ends. I have formed a few from straight lunes from FLAPS. One thing to watch for are the fittings. The lines from FLAPS do not have full thread like original lines. I had one nearly stripped out the threads in an aluminum caliper.
I woyld hit the easy button and buy a set from PMB

[bkrantz]

Stainless steel is not needed or easy to form the ends. I have formed a few from straight lunes from FLAPS. One thing to watch for are the fittings. The lines from FLAPS do not have full thread like original lines. I had one nearly stripped out the threads in an aluminum caliper.
I woyld hit the easy button and buy a set from PMB

And be warned that stainless lines are a beech to get to seal at all the fittings. I had to crank down all the fittings WAY more than than I ever did for mild steel lines, and even then it took several tries for one joint.

[fixer34]

Stainless steel is not needed or easy to form the ends. I have formed a few from straight lunes from FLAPS. One thing to watch for are the fittings. The lines from FLAPS do not have full thread like original lines. I had one nearly stripped out the threads in an aluminum caliper.
I woyld hit the easy button and buy a set from PMB

And be warned that stainless lines are a beech to get to seal at all the fittings. I had to crank down all the fittings WAY more than than I ever did for mild steel lines, and even then it took several tries for one joint.

I initially ordered some stainless lines but sent them back for the steel ones. As noted above, had ones I could not get to seal without tightening down more than I was comfortable with. Since there are no gaskets/washers involved, a good seal requires the ends to 'crush' a little.
The big advantages to stainless are corrosion resistance and much higher braking pressures. Unless you plan to take yours swimming in the ocean or do regular panic stops, steel lines are all you need.

[bkrantz]

Stainless steel is not needed or easy to form the ends. I have formed a few from straight lunes from FLAPS. One thing to watch for are the fittings. The lines from FLAPS do not have full thread like original lines. I had one nearly stripped out the threads in an aluminum caliper.
I woyld hit the easy button and buy a set from PMB

And be warned that stainless lines are a beech to get to seal at all the fittings. I had to crank down all the fittings WAY more than than I ever did for mild steel lines, and even then it took several tries for one joint.

I initially ordered some stainless lines but sent them back for the steel ones. As noted above, had ones I could not get to seal without tightening down more than I was comfortable with. Since there are no gaskets/washers involved, a good seal requires the ends to 'crush' a little.
The big advantages to stainless are corrosion resistance and much higher braking pressures. Unless you plan to take yours swimming in the ocean or do regular panic stops, steel lines are all you need.

If I did it over again, I would do what you did. And I agree that for our typical use, Stainless is overkill.