Re: [Amc-list] replacing brake lines?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

If you're comfortable doing a brake job you can handle replacing the lines. The lines are actually easier IMHO -- nothing to do but bend lines and tighten fittings. You can buy lengths of brake line with fittings already on the ends up to 6' long (hmmm.... might be 5') from the local parts store. They will also have brass couplers, and you'll only need one to go to the back. 

Take the lines loose one by one, LABEL THEM as to where they go, then carefully measure for length. The lines you buy will be in 6" increments. Rather than cut lines put a bigger bend or an "S" bend in to make up the few inches. Brakes need to be double flared, and the cheap flaring tools don't work well, and double flaring takes a bit of practice even with a good tool. Unless you're going for a 100% museum quality restoration hardly anyone will notice a few more inches of brake line anywhere. 

Make sure you get a bending tool and don't try to make any sharp bends. To line will tend to flatten out a bit as bends are made. A little is okay, but try to bend to sharp and you'll close the line up. About a 2" radius is as sharp as you can go. If you need any real sharp bends, like a tight 90, use short lines and a 90 degree fitting. I don't think there are any though -- the sharpest you should have is coming right off the master cylinder. 

You will also need a good flare wrench to remove the old lines and tighten the new ones. The old one may be stuck. Spray them good with penetrating oil and let soak a few hours (overnight is good!) before loosening. I use the flare nut wrench until it feels like the nut is going to round, then cut the line before it does and stick a socket on the nut.  If it rounds off use the vice grips (like I neede to tell you that!). 

An alternative would be to get a brake line kit. Your car is close enough in size to a Javelin that you could make one fit with minimal bending, but may have to replace a couple of the short lines with longer or shorter ones and maybe add to the line going to the rear. I'd just bend my own using the originals as a pattern. 

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Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:47:59 +0000
From: adam young <adamjyoung70@xxxxxxxxxxx>

It's been a while since i have written... somthing about haveing a 17th month old in the house and another on the way in September tells me my rambler is not going to be done in the next decade. one thing my rambler needs is all new brake lines. The previous owner put in some new parts but the lines are in serious shape.  How much is this going to cost if i take it to a shop. Is this something a first timer should handle? Is the cost of doing it myself outweigh the risk of speeding down a hill without brakes? As mentioned before i have little ones and my budget is extremly tight. would it be worth having a professional do?

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
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