Brake lines for M51A2

[Robo McDuff]

I got the flexi brake lines today but here in the Netherlands they don't have the original brake fixed lines for my 1973 M51A2. Off course, the problem with getting something similar is that the US brake line nuts differ from the Dutch (metric). Besides, it looks like all these little shops with these old men who knew how to make just about everything on the spot have disappeared.

I am scared to take off the old ones before knowing where I can get new ones, so I need some info please to describe what the endings should be:

- what is the nut size and brake line diameter for the brake lines?

- are the endings the standard "flared type" like in this picture at left?

 

[doghead]

Yes, the lines are double flared 45 degree.

The brake line size varies depending on which line your replacing. The line that goes horizontally along the front axle is 1/4". The flare nuts(american thread pitch) are standardized based on the brake line size.

Flaring bulk brake line is not difficult. Several good You Tube videos out there. Look for "double flare brake lines".

Here's a link to a place that has lots of good info. http://www.momar.com/www/handyman/H/pdf/H15.pdf

 

[vtdeucedriver]

I got the flexi brake lines today but here in the Netherlands they don't have the original brake fixed lines for my 1973 M51A2. Off course, the problem with getting something similar is that the US brake line nuts differ from the Dutch (metric). Besides, it looks like all these little shops with these old men who knew how to make just about everything on the spot have disappeared.

I am scared to take off the old ones before knowing where I can get new ones, so I need some info please to describe what the endings should be:

- what is the nut size and brake line diameter for the brake lines?

- are the endings the standard "flared type" like in this picture at left?

Yes on the left

 

[vtdeucedriver]

If you really are nervious about it, I dont know if you can find them there in the right size but a good set of Line Wrenches will do wonders. If you have just a standard box end wrench then you can make one by just notching out a small amount of metal so the line can pass and then put it on the nut. This will give you more area to grab the fitting without stripping it.

 

[Robo McDuff]

I want to replace two lines:
- the FIXED line on the front axle running between the line splitter ond the differential and the flexible line going to the left wheel brake cilinder. That line is OK but has a sharp bend with a dent in it.

- the FIXED line going on the rear rear axle from the splitbok (or whatever you call it) to the left brake cylinder. THat one has some strange bends also, but also "putted rust".

The rest of the lines are actually in pretty good shape.

Thanks for the advice, my scare is I will wreck the nuts when trying to release them. Getting line should be less a problem UNLESS the size is different from what is standard here.

 

[doghead]

I have used a flare nut wrench with vise-grips clamping it tight to the nut, with good results.

The thread size for the 1/4 brake line inverted flare nut will be 7/16"-24tpi.

 

[Robo McDuff]

what was not poissible in the big towns a local garage will do. Very friendly people, full of advice. I bring them the old lines and they will make the new ones within a few hours inbetween normal work. Both rear axles will set me back about $ 50 at most. Biggest problem, get the nuts off without destroying them to much because they have to reuse the original nuts; no new available here.

They also found me a place to buy DOT 5 brake fluid for garage prices well below my cheapestother sourcews, and a lot quicker (like, drive there, they will have it ready for you now).

Work result yesterday: one front brakeline taken off, one new one made and a lot driving around for nothing trying to get proper material and stuff. Not very productive, but we are getting there. Today: all the rear axle lines taken off, tomorrow I will have new copper ones.

 

[doghead]

Interesting, here in the USA, our auto parts stores carry both metric and American thread inverted flare nuts. In general, I never reuse them, just buy new.

 

[Robo McDuff]

Interesting, here in the USA, our auto parts stores carry both metric and American thread inverted flare nuts. In general, I never reuse them, just buy new.

That's because in the USA you have to have the normal ones for normal cars and your own funny old types in non-metric

I love the American independent not-follow the trend but setting it mentality, but you do can take it too far, you know. Non-metrics (including Fahrenheit) is just taking it too far (better stop here, opening up a can already I think, but could not resist it).

To be honest, about 20 years ago there would be a lot of smaller shops carrying everything here as well. They mostly closed up. Often, the old guy going to pension and the kids not interested that much or seeing that they could not copmpete against the big ones. Pitty.