Z28Camaro30Ann

iTrader: (15)

I am trying to install my line lock/ABS delete kit on my 97 SS, but the brake lines on the car are so darned old that they are soft, so when I go to flare the old line, it just pushes the line down instead of flaring...basically skins the outer layer of metal off of the line. I have run out of room to work here and need to replace the line. I am considering installing Steel Braided lines throughout the car. They are already steel braided from the caliper to the first joint. I am thinking about just running steel braided line from the proportioning valve/solenoid, to the front and rear brakes.

My question is, has anyone done this? Where did you get the hose? How much was needed? What fittings and what size line is needed?

94LTZ

iTrader: (5)

I told you i did this last i saw you, i got mine custom made from tubes and hoses in Loveland by my buddy. they look really clean with the black cover. We used stock size hose and fitting. Kinda costly.

IllusionalTA

iTrader: (9)

just bend new steel.. it's easy.. and you can make it look as nice as braided at half the cost..

Z28Camaro30Ann

iTrader: (15)

Brock, I was going to text you today! I just woke up so I was checking this then shooting you a message...I just wanted to get a head start.

IllusionalTA, Yes it is a viable solution.....however, 10 years down the road when I need to do something to my brake lines (if I do), I will have this same problem because the metal gets soft and the flare tool tears it up. If I go steel braided, I don't have to worry about that anymore.

IllusionalTA

iTrader: (9)

the rubber in the braided will degrade inside the braid.. Get a high grade stainless , it'll outlast the car..

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Sounds like you need a better flaring tool. Metal doesn't get "soft" from being old.

Z28Camaro30Ann

iTrader: (15)

I think we figured out the problem. I don't know TOO much about brake lines, but I figured the kit that SJM provided was ready to go...I was wrong. The flaring tool SJM sends with the kit is an SAE kit......our brake lines are Metric. It is not getting a good enough bite on the brake line and it is just stripping the metal from it. I am going to rent a Metric flare tool from Vatozone tomorrow and see if I can get this done

96LT1355Z28

iTrader: (2)

Agreed or torque yours more. I have to use a screwdriver for leverage on the wing nuts on the clamp to keep it from sliding. Makin flares can be a PITA but once you figure out your method it isn't bad.

StraightTimeStirrups

Which kit did you go with?
How much did it cost?
Did you keep the ABS or Delete it?

I have to order a kit tomorrow for my 93 T/A.

Joe

OptiParkD

Yeah it looks like I'll be ordering the same kit this week but im also considering doing dual master cylinders

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

Our brake lines are not metric. They are 3/16" for the front and a single 1/4" for the rear.

SS RRR

iTrader: (2)

Also isn't one of them double flared and the other single?

96LT1355Z28

iTrader: (2)

The line that connects to the master cylinder is a bubble flare. You can buy a pre-made line and bend it how you want or I went to NAPA and got an adapter that screws into the bubble flare and converts it to a single flare.

sweetbmxrider

iTrader: (13)

Soft brake lines, that's a good one.

Z28Camaro30Ann

iTrader: (15)

The lines would not flare using a standard tool...no matter how tight I torqued them down. I used a screwdriver and actually torqued so hard that I broke the tabs off of the wingnuts and it STILL slipped when I tried to flare the lines...I tried 3 different standard tools and NONE of them worked. I tried cutting the line back a little bit and flaring...no....I tried everything I could think of and nothing worked.....so I said eff it and went to AutoZone and rented their metric flare tool.....worked PERFECTLY on ALL of the lines the FIRST time and no leaks!

Therefore, the lines MAY be standard, but something does not jive right with 97 Camaro SS brake lines and a standard double flare tool. IF anyone s reading this, save yourself the heartache and the trouble and just use a metric tool...you will be much happier in the end...the one provided with SJM is standard and worthless IMO.