Headers Hitting Fuel & Brake Lines

[LTZ C20]

Hey everyone. So yesterday I put new headers on my 79 C20, same truck with the new engine. My passenger side header is touching 3 steel lines that protrude from the frame. 2 lines are fuel lines and the other is a brake line. The lines run down the length of the frame, when they get close to the motor mount they (for no apparent reason) pop out about 2 inches or so and then tuck back onto the side of the frame. I guessed they where to clear the mount but there is plenty of room to still run on the frame behind the mount.

Does anyone know why they stick out and then tuck back again?

Also anyone have any ideas on how to separate the lines and header? I really don't need an engine fire.

[LeftysRodandCustom]

What kind of header are you running? If anything your clearance issue should be the starter on most chevys. The best way would be to bend new line but thats much easier said then done if this is a running vehicle. If you can bend them in place without kinking them I'd say go for it. And consider a bit of header wrap after you're done if you arent happy with the clearance. Heat is bad on the fuel line for obvious reasons like fire and a loss of power that a denser fuel charge would allow you. Heat is also the enemy of brake systems as it can cause fading.

[LTZ C20]

Yea that's what I'm worried about. I'm using Hedman's 69230's, non smog.

[LeftysRodandCustom]

If you've got access to a double flaring tool the worst case scenario here is attempting to bend them and they kink. In that case you could just break out the tubing cutter and flaring tool and splice in a new section. The brake line if i remember right has a union in it at about the crossmember so you could just undo it there and run new line up to where you need if a splice makes you nervous. Same with the fuel line but I'd just run a new one if you went that far. Its rubber coming out of the tank so it shouldnt be too tough to run a new steel section from there forward. I know none of this sounds like a good time either.

[bake74]

Yea that's what I'm worried about. I'm using Hedman's 69230's, non smog.

      How are you getting around CA. smog ?     

[FlatBlack77]

i had this exact problem with my 77 c10. i have no idea what brand of headers i have but they hit at that very spot. i just bent them out of the way very slowly little by little and they didnt kink.

but as said above if they do kink you can always fix it. it would be a pita but its not impossible

[Mario]

I don't recall for certain, but I think I'm running the same Hedman headers.  My truck is an '81 K20, and didn't have an issue with the brake and fuel lines.   Just an idea, but maybe Hedman has cut back on their quality control, and let out some less than perfect tubes.  That may be the case, if you got them at "too good of a price".  I would suggest calling Hedman, and see if it's a known problem with a recommended solution.  Good luck Man!

[LTZ C20]

Lefty, I know that's my worse case scenario, maybe my lazy side is talking, that just doesn't sound like much fun lol.

Flat black, sucks don't it?! I'm gonna try that first. There the original lines so I'de like to keep them if I can.

Mario, I got them from Summit. My buddy has the same set on his K20, no problems. I put them on my C20 so they don't show below the frame. The drivers side went together absolutely PERFECT. No problems. Maybe that set me up for this problem.

[LTZ C20]

Hey guys, just thought I'de give an update on this. I fixed the issue today. I took pictures too. I know how much we all love pictures.

So I used a 2x4, split into thirds. So the piece I used was about .75 inch wide and bout 14 inches long. I used it to reach to the lines, then whacked the crap out of it to bend them. I was careful to not break them tho a little bit lol.

Here's the problem. The header upright is on the left and the lines and frame on the right.

[LTZ C20]

Here it is at the front of the header and back side of the motor mount.

[LTZ C20]

Here's where I was putting the 2x4 slat. I was hitting it pretty hard and numerous times. I was able to reach into that small space at one point. With a little brute strength I bent the brake line and 2 small fuel lines out of the way with my hand after some 2x4 encouragement. The thicker fuel line required mainly 2x4 hitting and prying but I got that too.

[LTZ C20]

Fixed and enough space not to worry me.

[bake74]

     Glad to hear you got it so you are satisfied.

[FlatBlack77]

nice fix dude

[LTZ C20]

Thanks! Yea I plan on starting it tonight, hasn't run for awhile with the trans being built. Gonna let it run for a bit and check for leaks.