Brake Pipes

[Bitzer!]

Hi all, it's been a while due to work commitments but I'm back on the '75 Blazer.

The brake pipes/lines are shot so the intention is to rip it all out and start again.

Couple of questions, what size pipe? 3/8 or 1/4 and do I re-use the 38 year old fittings or where do I get new from?

I'll order new rubber hoses and get them sent over here (UK) but will make the copper bits!

Any ideas welcome.

Thanks

Andy

[DnStClr]

Copper? All brake lines will be steel tubing, Andy. You can purchase them in sets- here's a link to a company called IN-Line Tube, which carries the set for your Blazer. The tubing is already pre-bent for your application. If you scroll down to the year of your truck you'll see the price- @ $165 U.S. for steel and @ $195 for stainless steel.
http://inlinetube.com/Preformed%20Lines/Web%20Line%20Listings/CT-CAT-10.htm

For another source, GMC Pauls is also good and a little cheaper.
http://www.gmcpauls.com/4wd_blazer___jimmy_brake_fuel_&_transmission_lines.htm

[bake74]

     If the price and shipping is a issue, you just need to copy your old one's and bend/fit them to your blazer. 

[Captkaos]

See if you can get the fittings off before commiting to reusing them.

[Bitzer!]

Thanks guys,

Now I'm a little confused! (it doesn't take much  )

All the UK suppliers list "copper" brake pipe for replacement. Will it make a difference?

Forward planning I think I should buy new fittings to be on the safe side - Any idea of the sizes for wheel cylinders etc?

I've done most things but never full brake line replacement. As the body will be taken off I'll copy what's there. I really don't need to be paying the import costs and shipping. It almost trebles the price!

Oh - what diameter pipe?

Not quite lost the will with this project - I just need 9 days a week!

Cheers

Andy

[DnStClr]

Steel tubing is used because of various reasons- the most important is that the brake booster increases pressures in the system that can reach over 1500-2000 psi.  It's also more tolerant to damage from road debris being thrown up into the under-carriage of the vehicle. Copper tubing, being softer, is prone to damage and can't handle the higher hydraulic pressures built up.
Brake lines are typically 3/16", 1/4", and 5/16"- depending on their location. On my truck all 3 sizes are used. Fittings are another headache- the banjo fittings at the calipers, for instance, are sometimes 10mm.
If you plan on making your own lines, you will need 3 different tubing benders because of the brake line sizes and a 45 degree tubing flaring tool that can double flare the different sizes of tubing. The bends and lengths of tubing you cut can be critical. They need to be close.
 For these reasons, tubing manufacturers offer sets of brake lines that are specific to your make of vehicle.
Someone with better knowledge can give more info on the sizes required for your Blazer.  ;
 -I have to keep editing my posts-
To measure the brake pipes (tubing), measure the outside diameter of the tubing.
 

[Bitzer!]

Cheers DnStClr, I was half tempted to run the lost in braided for ease but no, I'll do it properly!

With some research I've found it's called "bundy tube" over here - goodness knows why.

I checked out the links hoping to find the sizes but alas, it wasn't to be. As I write this I've remembered a company in Germany that does the Chevy bits and bobs. The $ to £ rate is definitely do able and the shipping/import costs will be considerably less!!

I'll also be needing the trans-cooler pipes so maybe the time is now to bite the bullet.

Wished I lived over there - I'd be able to build a new one every month as the parts are cheap and accessible 

[DnStClr]

Well, after doing a bit of study on it, I've found that Copper/Nickel tubing is indeed used in England for brake tubing, and it's available in sizes you need to complete your brake line replacements. The tubing is a 90/10 composite and certainly has been in use in Europe for many years.
Do you have a local auto parts store that might carry it?

[VileZambonie]

NiCopp alloy is where everyone is going. Rusted brake lines is a bad thing. You can buy all of your lines in bulk coils or rolls and then just purchase the appropriate fittings or even an assortment. All you need is flaring tool set or even invest in a hydraulic flaring tool. I have one and will never go back. It's a thing of beauty.

Read this: http://www.copper.org/applications/automotive/brake-tube/brake.html

[Bitzer!]

Cheers Vile, that made good reading.

My main issue is the curley wurley bit from the master cylinder is going to look pants in copper! Maybe I get stainless part imported for that for that and the rest in copper?

The connections in the middle will be easy enough but is there a thread size known for the new fittings into the flexi pipes, wheel cylinders etc?

[VileZambonie]

Play around with it. when making the curls you can slide long lengths of heat shrink over them then wrap them around a pipe of the appropriate diameter pipe and heat shrink them or just leave them bare. You can paint them or even have them chromed or coated. You can also wire wrap them for a factory style look.

[Catrik]

What size might the fittings be on an 86 K10? Need to replace the one that goes to rear, so size on the proportioning valve and what goes to rear brake hose. And the extension coupling too, in case I dont have time to do the front part of the pipe. It doesnt leak but might replace it too while at it.