Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Anyone have trouble installing stainless brake lines from Neal Porter on their 1956 Senior Packard's? I'm experiencing problems in mating them to the existing fittings in the car. Would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

What exact problem are you having? Not bend correctly, fitment, not threading?

In my experience recently trying to use some of the replacement brake lines, slave cylinders, etc. from NAPA et. al., I found that some of them were using 7/16" and some of them were using 3/8" and in some cases adapters were needed such as Eaton WH7828 (see the Parts cross-reference)

Parts Cross Reference

Eaton Weatherhead WH7828 from NAPA

Eaton Weatherhead Adapter 7828 Specs

It's possible that on your car the lines you had on it before had already been swapped out previously for something with a different size, or maybe what you just purchased was designed to use an adapter, or ??

Bends not matching existing lines. Attempted to install line from pressure brake switch to left front brake fitting, won't thread into both, thread into one will not mate with other end. Long line across frame L/H front brake to R/H front brake does not match existing line.

These are supposed to be direct replacements for the factory lines. Threads are correct to the existing fittings, just the lengths and/or bends aren't correct.

If the lengths do not match, then I would call them and tell that that something is wrong.

Stainless is very hard to bend and can be brittle. Most of us have bent up our own lines and use the newer coated lines that places like NAPA sell. Much easier to bend and making flairs is not that hard.

But if you paid for direct replacements (but in stainless) the I would get ahold of them as perhaps they send you ones from the wrong car/model.

Can't speak for the lengths but on a Clipper using stainless from another vendor I did have to rebend a small amount in some places. The stainless is very hard to bend too and it must absolutely hit the mating side square on. If angle is slightly off the nuts will not be able to draw the tubing in and align it to form a perfect seal like they can with softer tubing. A misalign can also damage the softer brass side of the fitting to the point it will not seal again even if the tubing alignment does get corrected.

They pretty bad.

The line that feeds right wheel. Was even way off.

Stainless its a bitch.

But if one has a jig. That is supposed to be the bend then there should be no issues.

That’s why I always use Classic Tube for all my lines. Sure, I’ve had the occasional problem but they always make it right!