Re: Wile Family's Second Packard

Posted by HH56 On 2013/12/30 21:53:42

Only thing I'd wonder about is the flare in the old (or new) steel tubing. I know I have had little to no luck getting a leakproof double flare connection in steel tubing with my hand set. Hopefully if you go that way your luck or tool is better.

A couple of other possibilities if you want to stay all metal is cut the line and connect the original part with a compression fitting and adapt to a flare fitting. Connect that flare side to a new length of premade steel tubing. I believe Napa carries 5/16" in various premade up to 4' or so lengths.

If just a tiny spot maybe the damaged area could be cut out and the two lengths rearranged slightly and connected with a straight compression fitting. If that is not possible then depending on where the break is use rubber tubing and clamps to connect the two and protect that from damage if needed.

Ultimately the tubing should be replaced but a temp repair should get thru the winter and beyond until you can do the work. When you do replace it suggest cunifer tubing instead of the steel. It bends and works so much easier. If you are going single length, there will be a challenge getting a long piece routed thru a couple of spots with the body on so the extra flex helps. You might even do it with premade steel sections which works fairly well -- although it would need a few extra joints that way. I did a 56 brake line with premade lengths and hid a couple of connections above the outrigger brackets.