Replacing all metal brake lines...

[77MidgetMkIV]

Hello all,
I am in the process of a complete brake rebuild. I want to use the nickel/copper pre-fab'd lines that Moss sells. My questions:
1. Has anyone else used them, and if so, are you happy?
2. When you installed, was your engine in the car? If not, how hard was it to locate the lines?
3. Did you pre-bend the whole line and maneuver it in, or did you bend it as you installed it?
4. Any pointers, suggestions, tricks?

Once I finish the front hub assembly rebuilds (rotors, bearings, etc), I am going to start running the lines. Any help would be appreciated.

thx

 

[spritenut]

I have used these kits on 3 or 4 cars now.
I bend them as I go. They bend real easy by hand for the longer curves and a cheapo coil spring type tube bender works great on the tight curves.
Do keep an eye on the "other end" as you bend the lines, you could get snagged and scratch that paint. (don't ask how I know) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Frank

 

[sparkydave]

I used the Moss kit as well. For the shorter pieces I used the old ones as a guide and bent them by hand before I put them in. The long one from front to rear I did some bending under the car too, and it's not too hard to do. There is one clamp along the left front that's hard to get a screwdriver on because it's between the transmission and the frame, but I managed to use a phillips screwdriver bit in a 1/4" socket with the small socket wrench, and that worked. I've also heard that the other end of that screw can be found under the floor mats, so you can get it out with a set of vice grips.

 

[77MidgetMkIV]

Well, the MossMan is making a delivery today, according to UPS, so the new lines will be there when I get home! I bought a bender last week, and also finished stripping the lines out. I took all of them out intact except for the long run to the rear axle, which I cut in half, so I have references for all of the new ones. That one screw up next to the tranny was a PITA until someone let me in on the ole "lift up the carpet and there it is" trick. came out in 30 seconds with pliers. ALso stripped down the front axle assemblies and took out the coil springs this weekend. New springs are ready to go in. Old ones were about 3/4" shorter than the new ones from wear, I assume.

Making progress! I want to be /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif by the end of the month.

 

[77MidgetMkIV]

The lines are all fitted and installed! I did the primary and secondary MC lines last week, and today, I fit the rest today, as the wife is away for the day, and that meant a quality day in the garage with the dogs. I also got the stainless/teflon hose kit from Moss, and was very happy with the fitment of that as well. I did buy a medium quality tube bender(~30 bucks from NAPA), and it helped a lot for the precise bends, but I did most of the non-precision bends by hand. That front right line is a PITA!!! I also completed assembling the rear brakes completely. The shoe springs were mixed up from the PO, but I figured that out after an hour.

All in all, not a bad job (toughness wise, that is). When I take my engine out next year (doing a rebuild), I am going to re-do the front right line.
Next up- The Moss man needs to make a return visit with the front bits (bearing, pads, shims, etc)...

Question-has anyone replaced their spring pan bolts with regular grade 8 bolts from the HW store? I want to replace mine while I have the springs out, but wanted to get someone's opinion.

thx all-I am now 7 lines and 3 hoses quicker to the road! for now, it is approximately beer:30 PM EDT /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thirsty.gif

 

[SilentUnicorn]

[ QUOTE ]

Question-has anyone replaced their spring pan bolts with regular grade 8 bolts from the HW store? I want to replace mine while I have the springs out, but wanted to get someone's opinion.



[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, not a problem

mark

 

[77MidgetMkIV]

thx. that is what i thought.