I am trying to get a rear metal brake line from prop. valve to rear axle for my 76 Buick Electra Limited 4dr Sedan. I found a brake line that is off a 1976 Olds 98 2dr coupe. They chassis appears to be the same length. Can anyone verify this for me? It seems like most mid 1970's GM vehicles are the same in terms of chassis when it comes to Caprice, 98, Electra, Lesabre, Catalina, etc...
You aren't using used brake lines are you? Just go to the local auto parts store, buy some 1/4" brake line and a cheap tubing bender and make your own. If memory serves me, it should use 1/4" from front to rear and then 3/16" to the wheels. It will be too long to go front to rear without splicing a couple lines together so make sure you use the correct inverted flare seat coupling to screw them together so there is no drop in pressure. Never use compression fittings on a brake system. I know circle track racers who do it all the time but in many states it is illegal on the street. Don't put your life and mine in danger because someone is not willing to pay the $1.39 for the right fitting to get the job done.
unable to create brake line Actually, on this Electra, the line itself is 3/16" but it has an 1/4" inverted flare nut with a real odd thread on it. The proportioning valve will not accept a NAPA, Checker, Home Depot, Menards, Western Auto, etc....fitting. We've tried all avenues on this one. The current nut is too rusted(minnesota winters) to reuse otherwise, we'd try to recreate it. Unfortunately, we are in a time crisis that inlinetube.com cannot accomodate. We have a 1976 Old 98 coupe that looks to have the same line. I'm no shadetree mechanic, and actually have more experience than my message suggest. I've utilized used brake lines before, as long as they are in good condition with no cuts, burrs, or obvious damage. if removed using the correct tools and properly handled, they can be used again. A majority of the time, the brake line will fail almost immediately by seeping or all out failing upon the first major sets of pressure to the pedal. Remember, when you change a rubber brake hose on a car, you usually do not replace the metal line that meets it at the chassis.
This is very common turf among street rodders. The only way to do this safely is to make a new line. If you are in Minnesota, Car Quest and NAPA sell rolls of seamless brake line in many sizes. The larger fitting on the combination valve is very GM generic, local U Pull R Parts would be a source for a good used one. Double flaring kit and an inexpensive tubing bender and the old line for a pattern and that is all you need. It takes virtually the same amount of time to make up and install a new line as it does to install a used brake line. With a 455 powered 5,000lbs car, I would NEVER go used on brake lines! IMHO, Tim
