Brake Line Size Recommendations, yet another odd question I'm probably going to replace the brake lines on my 62 skylark. Nothing is rusted but it will see street strip action, I don't want a surprise! Switching the master cylinder away from the "suicide master cylinder" and will have front disk brakes. What line size and material do you recommend?
Well, Buick increased the size of the front-rear line on the A-body from 3/16" to 1/4" when they went to the dual master in 1967. I can't figure a performance difference, maybe it was more for reliability.... less chance of losing performance from a dented line, and more fluid capacity would allow the fluid to absorb more moisture before failing? As for material, plain steel is fine, copper-nickel is easier to work with and more corrosion resistant, stainless is real nice but tough to work with.
You will need to install a 10lb. residual pressure valve for the rear line. Originally it was part of the original master cylinder or else you will end up with a low pedal. Tom T.
Use 3/16" line for the front lines. From your proportioning valve (I would get an adjustable one) to the rear axle T run 1/4" line, then From the T out to the rear wheels run 3/6" line. Keith