E-Type brake pipe fittings?

[billca]

I'm in the mood to replace the rusty brake pipes on my 1967 E-Type. I would like to make them but am not sure what types of fittings and tubing to ask for at the local auto parts place or to order online. I will also get a flaring tool and tubing bender. Since these can be expensive, I want to get something that will work for several '50s and '60s British cars in addition to the Jag. What suggestions does anyone have?

Bill C.

 

[piman]

Hello Billca,
I can recommend the following company which supplies ready made kits for British (and other) cars, also the material and tools to do your own if you so wish:- https://www.automec.co.uk/
I have been using their flaring tool and copper tubing\brass fittings for a very long time now.

The obvious problem is the location but, unless you plan to do several cars, buying a kit is probably the best way to go, you can fit it and forget it. Shipping shouldn't be to expensive for a kit, but the flaring tool, if you go that route, is quite heavy.

I hope that at least gives you some information.
By the way ther was a discussion on this forum a long time ago about the use of pure copper brake lines which is what Automec produces. I believe that material is not available or generally used in America.

Alec /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thirsty.gif

 

[billca]

Alec,
Thanks for the reference to Automec. I checked it and it does look like a good source of brake pipe sets. I may use them, but at this point I would like to learn how to use local tools and material since I have several other cars that probably need new brake pipes. In principle, it's usually easier to make them when they aren't too complex AND I can get the parts at the local auto parts place.

I think you are correct that copper brake lines are not popular in America. I don't know how valid the objections are. Perhaps another reader knows.

Bill C.

 

[Dave Russell]

[ QUOTE ]

I think you are correct that copper brake lines are not popular in America. I don't know how valid the objections are. Perhaps another reader knows.
Bill C.

[/ QUOTE ]

Several materials have been / are being used for brake piping.
First & worst is regular copper. Copper work hardens with vibration & flexing & fatigue cracks. Not good for brake or fuel lines.

Low carbon annealed steel has been used for many years. It is not subject to fatigue failure but has rust & corrosion problems.

Various coatings have been used to protect the steel, such as, copper & tin plating. A typical brand is "Bundy"

A 90% copper - 10% nickel alloy (UNS C70600) has been used in Europe for many years. It has the fatigue resistant qualities of steel & very high corrosion resistance. I don't know whether present US car manufacturers & racing organizations are It's use or not.

The confusion may be between copper, copper plated steel, & 90/10 copper - nickel.
D

 

[PC]

The copper fan club has an article on the history of copper/nickel brake tubing on their website.

Stainless Steel pipe is commonly used in military and aerospace hydraulic systems. It's sometimes used in high-end custom cars and street rods as well. It isn't normally seen on racecars because it's a bit pricier and rather more difficult to form and racers aren't usually concerned about long-term corrosion.

Titanium is also used in aerospace hydraulics but don't expect to see it in a car outside of Formula 1.

Classic Tube sells stainless kits for E-types. They also sell tubing, tools and accessories for DIY. Inline Tube sells stainless tubing, tools and accessories too. Their full kits are mostly for American muscle cars but it might be worth asking.


PC.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif

 

[billca]

PC,
That was a good lead. Classic Tube does have the pipes in their online catalog.
I enjoyed the Copper Development Association site. They had lots of good information about automotive applications of copper alloys.
Thanks.
Bill C.