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Bend brake lines?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 9:22 pm
by jbmilman
Hey folks, I am finally back working on my girl and I am having a blast. Seriously couldn’t do this without the support from the members of this site!

My quick question is on the rear brake cylinders. I got the 510 and the adapters but the line is just that much longer now and I’m afraid it will rub. Has anyone out there just bent the line or what solutions have you guys found?

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 9:59 pm
by Bwk2000
Haven’t had to do it on the roadster yet (knock on wood), but replacement lines on any of the other classics I’ve owned never were an exact match and every one of them required a little ‘adapting’ to get them to fit right - Same problem more or less.
Seen too many lines accidentally kinked when done by hand, so I’ve always used a small tubing bender (simple lever action one like a can opener) with good results … Just take your time if you decide to go that route.

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 10:57 pm
by theunz
That hard line makes some very tight bends and fitting with an adapter seems like it would be difficult. Instead you might just have some flex lines made with the proper end fittings.

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2021 11:11 pm
by jbmilman
Not a bad idea. I would definitely be willing to swap out for flex lines. Is there an easy button route for that?

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 12:25 am
by zippy67roadster
I had stainless steel hoses made for my 1600 race car so I could pull the axles out to change the differential without having to bleed the brakes every time I made the swap out. They weren't too expensive even with having them made long enough to slide the axles out enough to clear the differential.

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 12:30 am
by jbmilman
I’ve been searching for some diagrams of the brake lines but I can only find the front. Is there a disconnect somewhere close to the rear end or will I have to get this thing on a lift to get the lines off?

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 7:41 am
by C.Costine
There is a rubber line that runs from the frame to a Tee near the center of the axle. A separate line runs out to the wheel cylinder on each side. You need to get under it so if you don't have access to a lift you need at least a floor jack and four jack stands.

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:58 am
by theunz
When I had my flex lines made it was only about $75 for the pair at a local hose shop. Just be sure to measure carefully, l did mine for the same reason zippy67roadster did, so you can easily work with 2 or 3 extra inches.

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 4:48 pm
by jbmilman
Glad you guys convinced me to get new lines. There is a flex cable that is at the union for the two rear lines that was just rotted! Off to find a local shop to make me some new lines!

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:04 pm
by redroadster
JC whitney had 1.25 & 2.5 bender I use ,works well
They take practice but then your a pro , theys $$$ to ship
HF has a 12$ double flair tool 25' line 17$

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 6:59 pm
by OU812
I have 1966 SPL 311 1600. I 've been working on the same brake lines on the rear axel. Been looking for the brass fitting for the rear axel brake lines, that bolts to the housing. Any suppliers or any one have a part number? I do not have the original fitting to work with. Thank you OU812

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 7:40 pm
by jbmilman
I just cleaned mine up really good and unfortunately I didn’t find any reference numbers or markings at all. I have been trolling E bay and there is a used one for $45 right now. It has both lines with it.I searched Datsun roadster brakes.

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2021 10:25 pm
by zippy67roadster
jbmilman wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 4:48 pm Glad you guys convinced me to get new lines. There is a flex cable that is at the union for the two rear lines that was just rotted! Off to find a local shop to make me some new lines!
I sell a set of 3 braided stainless hoses, the 2 front to the calipers and the 3rd is to replace the one you state is rotted. You can find them here: https://sincitydatsuns.com/store/p146/S ... hoses.html

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2021 3:17 pm
by eddyb
pm sent

Re: Bend brake lines?

Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2021 12:12 pm
by OU812
I've been sending messages... must not be going through. Please send pictures of what you have. Than You OU812