[DeTomaso] Hard brake lines

[Mike Thomas]

It's a double flare, and the problem is that the Pantera uses a 45 degree
flare while most of what you buy now has been flared to 37 degrees.  When I
called around last year, the ones I talked to (Quella and Byers) said they
would be happy to make some up for me.  Another problem you are going to run
into is the junction block.  Since it has already been set for years to the
flare on the end of the old line, you are going to have a very difficult
time getting a new line to seal to the old flare in the block.  It's best to
change the block as well.

When I refinished by engine bay this last year, I took the opportunity to
redo the brake lines across the back of the car, and put in a
through-bulkhead fitting with a 90 degree bend to do away with the loop
sticking out into the engine bay.  As Mike Drew suggested, I bought 3/16"
brake line with the right thread fittings from NAPA for next to nothing and
hand-bent the lines myself using a broom stick held in my vice.  In the
pictures I've attached, you will notice that I replaced the old three-way
junction block with a two piece unit that does away with the very difficult
near-90 degree bend of that short line on the right side as it comes out of
the back of the stock junction block.  The two piece junction allowed me to
eliminate that bend as well.  The other photo I've attached shows the driver
side line with the 90 degree fittings.  The new 90 degree fittings were set
up for 37 degree flares, but the flare tool I used was a 45 degree set.  To
compensate, I ordered from Aircraft Spruce some aluminum flare seals that
when placed between the male and female connections of the fittings deform
enough to seal the flare.  I've had no leaks from day one.

I would be glad to give you more details off-forum if you wish.  Anyone else
wishing to see the pictures of what I did, also just contact me off forum
and I'll be glad to send them to you.

Thanks
Mike Thomas
Panteras Northwest 

-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On
Behalf Of MikeLDrew at aol.com
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 9:47 AM
To: tbaranek at earthlink.net; detomaso at realbig.com
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] Hard brake lines


In a message dated 12/24/07 9 05 0, tbaranek at earthlink.net writes:


> While changing brake pads and stainless steel flex brake lines I 
> (stupidly) sheared the left rear (driver's side) fitting on the hard 
> line.  So I'm looking for a vendor/source (part #) for the ~1 foot 
> hard line that goes from the distribution block to the rear wheel 
> inner fender on the left rear (driver's side).
> Or options!
> THANKS!
> 

I haven't looked at stock hard lines in awhile.   Do they use a single
flare? 
  If so, then it's child's play to go to any auto parts store and buy a
one-foot line with the flares and fittings already attached, gently bend it
by hand 
and install it.   

If it uses something like double flares or bubble flares, then you'll have a
tougher time....

Mike


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