I've lost all the brake hard lines for my project. I have an 87 Firebird, 86 4-wheel disc master cylinder and proportioning valve, and a 95 T/A rear axle and disc brakes. I intend to convert the front to the 13" C5 disks.

Got a little sticker shock on the shipping from fine lines for the front to rear brake line. What do you recommend for this first piece?

 

You are right, the price to package and ship those long lines doubled the product price. Luckily I was able to go to a salvage yard and had them pull me one for 1/3 the price of new (before shipping). Unless you can do the same or know/like to make your own lines you are stuck paying the big bucks for it.

 

I doubt you'll find a real clean set from a Michigan car. Best bet is to find a scrap car and do the best you can.

Ed

 

Anybody run braided TFE line for their whole brake system? When I did my fuel and power steering systems, I decided it was cheaper and easier to make my own braided lines (Aeroquip). They'd all match at least.

 

Nothing says you can't do it, but braided lines will flex a little bit. It's best to have as much hard brake line on the car as possible to maintain as much pressure as you can, and flex line only where it's needed.

Ed

 

I can see where that could make a big difference with that much line, thanks for the insight.

If I order lines based on my '86 4-wheel disk MC & proportioning valve, I believe I will end up with rear center flex line "T" looking for 10mm inverted flare axle lines. Anybody know what the LT1 caliper flex lines are looking for? 10mm bubble flare? Should I buy bubble flare lines and re-flare the T end or vice-versa? Both flaring tools are available for "borrowing" from my local Murray's.

 

Just get lines for your '86 and you'll be fine, they were all Metric bubble flare through '92. The LT1 calipers will attach to the flex line via the banjo bolt, no need to be concerned with flaring here. If you need lines, again, buy for your 3rd gen.

Ed

 

Well, I had difficulty figuring out the brake hard line sizes and fitting threads to bend up my own so I thought I'd post it

Front lines are 3/16" (a.k.a 4.75mm) bubble flare with 10mm x 1.0mm thread tube nuts. Rear axle lines are the same.

Front to rear hard line is 6mm bubble flare with a 12mm x 1.0mm thread tube nut at the body to axle flex line. The front fitting at the proportion valve is a 14mm x 1.5mm thread tube nut (why???).
If you use 1/4" line (6.35mm) be warned it will throw off your proportioning a little.

Only place I found to get the 6mm pieces was Auto Parts Mart out of PA. Local parts stores in MI treated my like I was trying to get parts for a Skoda. Local Murray's (O'Reilly's) did have bubble flare tool for loan that was really easy to use.