I am going to do some updates, and much due maintenance on my GSX this winter and it really is due for new Brake Lines, Fuel lines, and a Fuel tank. I figured I would probably purchase the fuel tank from Auto City Classics. Not sure whether I would go Stainless Steel or Galvanized. I know which is correct. I used to purchase all my fuel and brake lines from the Right Stuff, but since Dave sold the company some time back.... I have been less than pleased. I put their lines on several cars and they were always perfect, up until a few years ago. Where is everyone purchasing their line sets from, and why?
I know you aren't asking about the tanks but I thought I'd share my opinions. Get the galvanized tank that is made by Quanta. It will outlast our lifetime and will give your GSX a nice factory appearance. The stainless tanks look nice but look modified in my opinion. You might also want to get a new set of gas tank straps. Buick used galvanized straps (Chevrolet and Pontiac used straps painted black). I've bought a couple of gas tanks lately ('69 GTO and '67 GS) and I bought the galvanized Quanta tank. When I asked Auto City about their offering it was not a Quanta Tank and was painted steel. So if you order from them specifically ask what you are getting or else you might get a painted tank which would be a disappointment if you were expecting an original appearance. For the tanks I bought recently I got Quanta part # (gastanks.com) and then searched for the best price. For the GTO tank Rock Auto was much lower than anyone else and for the '67 GS tank Amazon was the lowest price and provided free shipping. When I tried to buy directly from the manufacturer the shipping quote was almost as much as the price of the tank itself. I don't like the way the manufacturer packages these tank but both arrived undamaged. GTO tank (Pontiac used painted straps while Buick had galvanized straps. For fuel and brake lines I prefer the look of galvanized. They are easier to seal than stainless, have a factory appearance, and will last another 50+ years. The stainless lines look modified, are sometimes prone to leaking, and cost a little more. For a car driven in the snow stainless is great.
I am in the market for a fuel tank and lines as well, this is my winter project. I will look into the Quanta tank. Anxious to hear about fuel lines.
My experience with pre-bent brake and fuel lines (2-cars used on so far) is that they are not bent exactly like the factory ones. All the ones I have used required a bit of adjustment, some quite a bit, in order to fit correctly. I always use the steel ones, as they are way easier to "adjust' than the stainless steel versions.
I will say that in my experience, I like the standard galvanized lines.. they are easier to "correct" the bends that are not perfect, look correct, and seal much better than the stainless. You get a bad flare in stainless, and you will tear your hair out trying to fix it. And in reality, no 50 year old car that your spending time and money on, is likely to see rain, let alone road salt, so durability/corrosion resistance is not an issue. The Quanta fuel tanks are excellent, just make sure you get the correct neck on your new tank. 69/70 are substantially different than 71/2. JW
Thanks for the input. I agree on the galvanized lines. I have done several, and I mean several cars in the past and I understand tweaking lines, but as of late, I have been building custom cars, not restorations. Just thinking someone is on top of the game these days making accurate reproductions.
Found this thread and my question fits in I think. I was looking for fuel and brake lines on the inline tube page and noticed they offer DS and PS routing lines. What is the difference I don't get it https://www.inlinetube.com/collections/all/?year=1971&make=buick&model=gs 455#?f=Fuel Lines|Hardtop| I'd go with steel as well. Stainless is much harder and prone to leaking if you do not replace EVERY component.
Right now my car has no fuel return. I figure when I order my new tank it would be wise to add one. So I should order the one with two vents, or three? Also what other modifications do I need to make? Do I need a different fuel pump for the return system or does it run from the carburetor?
It runs from the fuel pump on mine. Fuel supply and return are on the DS (haha)...and the Vapor line is on the PS. I think you have a return line but no vapor line?
Thats the thing, you'll start breaking cage nuts, then the hole saw has to come out, then welding, paint work. Its a huge undertaking. It's not for the faint of heart
I just replaced every body mount and lifted the body off several inches on one side...still could not get the fuel line out. So I thought I will keep it because it looks great... Happens that I had the vapor return line out since a few months...I ran into a door with it beeing uncarefully and it snapped right in two pieces...it was rusted inside... So now new plan...lift off again and byebye old lines... But even when lifting the body one side it's a pain....
I went Nicopp for all the lines, including fuel. I used stainless gravel guard per the factory setup. After hearing some concerns about these turning green, I hit them with some black spray paint. Not as factory as those pre bent lines but easy to install without tearing the car apart. Most importantly, I know that I won’t spring a leak out on the road. After I pulled the old lines I was glad I did it as there were a few hidden spots on both the rear brake line and the fuel lines that were pretty rough….
Normally, I agree...however, I am positive I have a brake and fuel line leak....so, replacing I will go.
