Alex,
Brake lines can be formed by hand as long as you are careful not to
kink the tubing in the process. A bending tool comes in handy when
making tight curves, 3" or less. Compound curves, however, can be
quite difficult even with a bender.
Teflon tape should not be used on brake line fittings. Teflon is used
for tapered threads on plumbing pipes, to aid sealing and ease of dis-
assembly. Car hydraulic lines seal on the flare, not the threads, so
Teflon is not necessary.
A word of caution--there are a lot of self-proclaimed "experts" out
there writing books full of bad or misleading information. Many seem
to have no real mechanical background, experience, or training. When
consulting these books it's a good idea to thoroughly research the
qualifications of the source before accepting any input, to determine if
the "authority" is in fact equipped to dispense mechanical advice.
Doug Reid, 18G Motorworks
>Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2006 09:09:50 -0400
>From: "Alex" <alexmm@adelphia.net>
>Subject: BT7 brake pipes
>
>I'm preparing to re-do the calipers on my 1960 BT7, and have ordered
>components, including new brake pipes, from Inan at Healey Surgeons. >She
>tells me they're shipped straight. Of course, the ones on my car have a bit
>of a "service loop" to them.
>
>I was wondering if they could be carefully formed by hand, as she suggests,
>
>or is it imperative that they be formed with a tool (either a bender or an
>internal spring-like former that keeps them from collapsing).
>
>Also, in a book I have entitled "How To Restore British Sports Cars," by
>Jay
>Lamm, he suggests using Teflon tape on the flare nut threads! I've never
>heard of that. I use Teflon tape on home plumbing joints, but never gave it
>a thought for high-pressure hydraulic lines.
>
>Any suggestions or ideas on bending or fitting would be appreciated.
>
>
>== Alex in Maine
> 1960 BT7 3000 Mark 1 - "The Blue Mainie"
> Former owner of 1957 100-6, and 1967 3000 Mark III BJ8
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