Hey to all! I'm new to the board, but have owned several 3rd gen t/a's and loved them all!! I'm about to dive into an 85 t/a right now, and kinda fix it up for my daughters first car. I have a few questions about the brakes. This car is a front disc/rear drum car, and it came from northern ohio. One of the metal brake lines blew out on me due to rust. Upon quick inspection, I could see that the line is really crappy looking, and needs to be replaced. Do you have recommendations on an aftermarket brake line? Would it be cheaper for me to have some local shop bend a new line for me? Also, for a daily driver, is it worth the money to swap the flexible lines for stainless steel ones? I had the rotors replaced, and had new pads and shoes put on, and it actually stopped quite well before the line blew. Thanks for any advice!!

 

finelines makes replacement lines

they ss flex lines are a good investment, they will help things stop a bit better and they are not 20 some odd years old and in questionable condition.

besides, half the time you try to replace a brake line, the nuts are rotten together and you ruin the flex lines as well

 

most auto parts stores carry premade lines in different lenghts . remove old line , take it wth you to parts store . most stores can give you some advice . unless it's a complex bend you should be able to do it by hand . just go slow and easy . if you don't feel comfortable with it , maybe a shop is in order . standard flex lines are fine . also check all other lines for condition . you did say your daughter would be driving it . also flex lines are unique to their position , r.f. , l.f. and so on . flex lines are keyed to their own brackets .

 

Cool! Thanks for the advice. I don't know if I can get the lines off without destroying them. I'll just have to give it a stab. Thanks again for the info.

 

Welcome...don't bother with bending your own, you'll waste time and it won't look or fit like it should. I HIGHLY recommend Fine Lines Inc. Just buy new lines, prebent for you, flared and ready to install. I use these guys primarily in my rear conversion kits. Good luck.

Ed

 

I agree with Ed 100%, unless you just have a small blowout/break and the rest of your lines are MINT, don't bother bending your own. Spend the money and go for the Fine Lines stuff. I've used their parts on several cars now and it's great quality. Plus you can opt for the stainless, which is both pretty, and lasts MUCH better.

Also, as far as flex hoses go. I'd say if you're doing other lines, go ahead and replace them. I vote for stainless braided pieces but DO NOT...I repeat DO NOT buy Russell hoses. I lost my 1984 Trans Am due to a failure of one of their lines at a crimp. I have Earl's hoses on my 1992 and they are MUCH higher quality. STEER CLEAR OF RUSSELL HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS!

Best of luck, make sure that brake system is in tip top shape, it's the most important part of your car (along with steering of course )!!!!

-Paul