Im dropping my rear axel to service all the parts and drop fuel tank in an on-going effort to restore my 1989 Iroc-Z 5L TPI (305 motor). I got the drum brake lines brackets off so they are lose but I have this one line with one connection I cannot undo with a wrench (12mm). I cannot drop my rear axel as I will rip this line out. It is right next to the fuel lines. I watched so many videos and they all either gloss over this entire process or these lines or its a slightly different setup and doesn't apply.

I've worked on my Mazda 3 but never any fuel lines or something this involved so this is probably a super simple disconnect im just too worried of breaking something. Some things are hard to figure out when they are coated in rust. The line in question is the line that is grayish and has ribs.
[img]blob:https://imgur.com/a0aa7688-7da5-44a3-95ee-cae4b1237c5c[/img]

 

Yeah, your gonna need to disconnect either end of that brake line. Soak with PB Blaster and use a line wrench. Or if all fails..ViseGrips.
You got some rough looking brake lines. That one pic on top actually looks like there is a hole in the line by the fitting.

I would seriously consider some new lines.....the rubber ones AND the steel.
Just my thoughts.

 

so is it just a matter of turning that nut a 12mm wrench fits on the left side of the bracket in the top pic and the rust is just making that really hard?
Replacing all the lines is definitely a consideration but right now my focus is dropping the fuel tank. Its not getting started anytime soon.

 

Correct...turning the nut or fitting is all you need to do. Just dont strip the flats....then you will be using ViseGrips!

 

ok, thanks for the quick help!

 

you bet, good luck. Soak it good and go gently

 

Every thing is rusty and crusty under there and once u start to take things apart
your in for a LOT of hard work and replacing a bunch of stuff!

Even break the fuel vent valve and your in a world of hurt.
NO replacements for those puppies!

Why can't u just lower the rear down as far as it will go and do your "service"
work on it then?

Been there and done that on these snow and salt land rustbuckets!

 

Those brake lines are toast. If they're that rusty on the outside, and the brake fluid probably hasn't been flushed in a decade... They're probably rusty on the inside too. Just save yourself the trouble and order reproduction lines and replace the hoses. Even if the hoses LOOK ok, the metal in the end fittings is probably so rotten the fluid passage will just end up getting blocked anyway.

 

And I'll be #3 to tell you those lines are trashed . ALL of them , Both fuel and brake lines , and since the tank is coming out anyway , start there with a new sending unit (which incorporates all the lines up till the fuel filter area) and then go from there right on up to the engine bay with all new stuff . The amount of rot those lines have are gonna clog your injectors and make life really difficult come startup time .

When you talk "restore" it's these little items that mean the most toward keeping the car reliably runnable , instead of being a constantly breaking down POS ...

 

I ended up doing just that, the brake line gives me enough clearance and i've been working on the parts.

Yeah Im not planning on throwing it back together with sub-par parts that are as crucial as the fuel line. It got brand new injectors in 2013 that have been used only a couple times (and the guy soent $1500 installed for them). The fuel lines will be revamped before it starts I assure you. (I purchased the car about a month ago and its been sitting since 2013 before I bought it)

What are some good kits to do this? When looking online I can easily find single lines especially the fuel pump to tank. Im not educated in fuel lines enough to make a good purchase decision in terms of quality/cost. Im 18 and not looking to spend an insane amount on the parts as im already heavily in costs for everything else im repairing/replacing (but im prepared and willing to pay whats required to do this). What's the general cost of redoing this? Would anyone be able to link me some kits that I would need to do the new lines?

Help and advice is much appreciated, I used to be big into computers and spent a lot of time helping people on forums new to it and i'm appreciative for people who help me in an area I myself am not experienced in like you.

 

https://www.inlinetube.com/1978-1992...reformed-lines

Go for the stainless steel.

 

​​​​​​​Thanks

Is it just me or am I just finding "tank to pump" lines. What length does this specify? Is that all the way to the front? Because the fuel pump is in the tank so im a little confused. If I buy the kit for $119.99 for stainless lines what does it give me and what else do I need?

 

Best way is to call or email them.
When I did my GMC truck, I bought the complete set for the entire truck.
I would think that they have a complete set for your car.

 

Thought I'd throw this in as an option too. If you have a local clutch and brake place they will bend you new lines for usually a pretty low cost as long as you bring the line in. I had to have a new line bent for my '93 suburban that ran the length of the vehicle and it cost my $15.