[LA Z]

I HAVE A 76 280 AND ALL OF THE FLARE FITTING NUTS ARE ROUNDED OFF (NO DOUBT FOR YEARS OF BRAKE CHANGES). DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO MAKE OR REPAIR THESE LINES OR WHERE TO ORDER THEM AT A REASONABLE PRICE (VICT BRIT AND MOTORSPORTS ARE PRETTY EXPENSIVE). THE LINES I AM REFERING TO ARE THE HARD METAL LINES THAT RUN FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (FIREWALL) TO THE REAR BRAKES AND ALSO TO THE FRONT BRAKES. ANY INFO IS APPRECIATED. PS I DO HAVE A TUBING BENDER AND A FLARING TOOL THAT WILL MAKE DOUBLE OR SINGLE FLARES.

 

[avernet]

You can get the lines with the nuts on the end from your local parts store and bend them yourself. They are very cheap. However I don't know how successfully you could get all the correct bends. I had to replace the length of solid tubing that went from the brake line to the caliper on the front of my 72. The pipe was $1.50 and I was able to bend it by hand to the simple S that it needed. Hey if you have the time it might be worth a shot

 

[Roadman]

Hi LA Z----------------You seem to have all the necessary tools to do the lines yourself, which would be the best way to save some money. You can get brake line tubing in bulk from Jeg's or Summit. They may carry stainless steel line too, which would be more expensive than regular steel. Just make sure you do double flares on each end, and stay away from copper tubing. It will quickly fatigue and crack due to vibration stress. Good luck!

Roadman
Gulfport, MS

 

[GekkoZ]

Hey I was wondering if you received any more Info about the Brake Lines, as it happens I also own a 280z with a simillar problem, I actually broke the left side line trying to change the hoses to the wheels and then I tried to get it off the three way connector now that is also broken, were do you live if I may ask, I live in san Diego and I am looking to have the whole thing replaced I am giving up and looking for a pro to do it.

Rand

 

[helowrench]

One alternative to consider:
Only replace about a foot of the line. Find a nice spot to splice at and cut the old line then form a new section of line with the flare on it and install using compression fittings. It saved me much time and trouble on a couple of cars.
The compression fittings are only a couple of bucks a piece and save you the trouble of complicated bends.
Just a thought

 

[Ron Diederich]

LA
Instead of replacing the lines have you tried just to use them as are. Try vice grips
and some PBB rust solevent to remove the fitings. I know its not the best way but if youre in a pinch it might work. BTW I invested in some brake line wrenches. best investment ever. The other way would be to spice into at appropriate spot.
That just pisses me off when previous owners hack the lines. I replaced the short ones to the calipers because of that but not the long ones. Another infamous spot are the lines that lead out of the clutch or mastercylinders. aaaaarghhhhhh..
The real secret is to use a small wire brush the size of a tooth brush to scrape away the crud so the rust solvent can penetrate. then with brake line wrench wiglle gentle back n' forth then spray again.. wait .. and try again
whatever.. good luck
Ron