914 fuel line options?, what to replace the original lines with Options

[VintageExcellence]

What are you guys doing on fuel lines. I am restoring a early 914-6 with the 2 different size plastic fuel lines through the chassis. I pulled the original lines out, one broke from being brittle and the reason I wanted to change them. What options are out there?

I see stainless steel line replacements. Looks like Tangerine has a set for sale. Anything else out there?

[phatnine11]

Ok, the question is about SS vs mild steel. Most folks would probably chose SS due to the fact that RUST is a dirty and nasty word around 914 people. The fuel lines will reside in a rusty location unless the center console has been rebuilt. Beg, borrow or buy a bore scope and have a look.
Phatnine11

[jcd914]

This question may be heresy, but are SS lines necessary? Would regular steel lines provide a pretty long service life? There is a how-to on the bird for making fuel lines from steel brake line. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hide.gif)

A more basic question is: is having and driving a 914 necessary?

If you are going to go to the trouble of updating your fuel lines (which I think is a really good idea to avoid that burnt-up car thing), the incremental cost difference between SS and mild steel lines seems trivial. Especially when reasonably priced SS lines are available sized and bent to the exact correct spec.

Please add me to the list of satisfied Tangerine customers. Chris is the best.

Okay, I'm going to poke the bear again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/poke.gif) The problem is that when you are doing a bare metal full restoration on a budget, these trivial incremental up-charges add up to real $ in a hurry. So I try to figure out which provide real bang for buck versus just paying extra to have a knob that goes to 11. That's why when I bought brake lines, I opted for PMB's economy mild steel kit because even those lines in a well-maintained system will outlive me and the savings was substantial.

I'm not questioning the quality of the pre-bent kit options, or the wisdom of paying what is necessary for a safe fuel system. I'm just wondering what the safety and longevity of SS fuel lines vs mild steel would be. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif)

Yes you can use mild steel tubing to make your own fuel lines.
Buy zinc coated/plated tubing and rust won't be a problem anytime soon.

You could also buy stainless steel tubing and make your own lines.

Either way you have to figure out how to get a beed on each end so your fuel hose doesn't slide off and bend them to shape. Probably the same amount of work and similar cost.

My car came with SS lines (Chris's) so I didn't have to chose.

Jim

[worn]

I bought ss tubing from JEGS and silver soldered AN fittings to the ends. That was because I like to learn by doing everything myself. Else, supporting those who support the marque, 914 specifically, is the way to go.

[Mark Henry]

I did my '67 bug in 3/8" brake line, I had to do two lines because my engine is EFI. It's my summer DD and they still look like new.
Make sure you use proper gromets where lines go through steel panels.