Source for brake line fittings

[ZekeD]

I am converting my 49 3A to dual masters, and I want to put new lines in.   My napa store wants $7 for a 3/16 fitting!   Is this right?  Is there a better source for steel fittings.   Walcks wants to sell you the whole prebent package, but I just can't afford it (and don't want to either).   Thanks

Zeke D.

[Kirkski]

Zeke I get mine at Napa as well...

[bretto]

I think I paid only about $5 for a 5 pack at AZ.  Perhaps that $7 is for a pack?  $7 is a bit steep if its for just one.

[ZekeD]

Yup!   I asked the counter guy if that was the price for just one, and it was.    Now for $2.50 I can buy a straight piece of 3/16 with both fittings and flares.    Go Figure?

ZD

[athawk11]

I have purchased the complete, straight brake line assemblies from NAPA, cut them to size, re-flared and bent them to shape.  Fairly straight forward if you have a decent double flare tool.

I think you want the 1/4" tubes though.  3/16" seems small.

I have also purchased the kit from Walck's.  I know money is tight, but this kit is pretty impressive.

Tim

[ZekeD]

Thanks, Tim.

3/16 is what was on the jeep, and I wondered if going up to 1/4 would have an effect on the dual master.

With respect to brakes: is it Volume or Pressure that makes the difference?

[athawk11]

That's a good question Zeke.  I suspect it's probably a little of both.  Because the brakes are a closed system, my guess is that larger lines would just increase the responsiveness of the system, allowing a faster pressure build up to the wheel cylinders, and maybe less foot pressure to engage them.

Tim

[ZekeD]

Ok!   I'm going to go with the 3/16 ( caus I bought them  already)and then put an upgrade to 1/4 on the later list.

Thanks

[macrisel]

Most all my brake lines came from Walcks in their kit.  Very nice product and it fit *fairly* well.  Since then, I have bought two products that are amazing for fuel/brake lines:
Eastwood Pro Brake Flaring Tool
http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html
Eastwood Tubing Bender and Forming Pliers kit
http://www.eastwood.com/tubing-bender-and-forming-pliers-kit.html

Both are pretty pricey but SOOOO worth it if you are bending steel/stainless lines.  If you watch them they go on sale pretty regularly and you can get them 40-50% off.  Since buying them, I have bent/flared numerous lines for several projects and will use them to bend the entire system on my next project to account for any custom stuff.  The flare tool is especially great and so simple stupid to use.  No more off center double flares.............

Like Brett, my fittings were pretty cheap at my local NAPA store and I think a 25 foot coil of 1/4" line was around $10 the last time I bought some.  Shop around and look at McMaster Carr online or something similiar.

Heck even NAPA online has the fittings for around $1 each......http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Brake-Line-Fitting-Metal-American-Grease-Stick-Company/_/R-BK_6413298_0006464518

[ZekeD]

Ooooooh,    Want!      It is a little pricey ("Spendy" in the local parlay) but a man needs tools, right?  Besides, it's just me, dogs and horses so who is to complain? 

Thanks Mark!

[Kirkski]

Sweet, can't have enough tools!

[ZekeD]

My Dad always said "There are No Tough Jobs.....Only jobs for which you lack the proper tools!"

I agree with him totally!

ZekeD