Listers,
Seeking advice on main runs of brake pipes for racing a vintage production
car -- specifically MGA. I'm NOT talking about the flex lines near the
wheels themselves.
For the "major" lines running throughout the car, that are normally
hard-piped on a street car, what is recommended?
Have read C. Smith book -- not terribly specific in when to use hard lines
vs flex hose.
Alternatives I can think of:
1) I already have a set of British-made, COPPER ALLOY pipes, with
factory-type end fittings, made to length for my car. I am assured that
these are NOT the type of copper that work-hardens & cracks. Could use
these in combination with the usual braided-steel flex hoses at the wheels.
WOuld need to make some alterations for dual-circuit brake set-up.
2) Local shop that will be working on the project, has ability to fabricate
& bend STEEL pipes, and of course would use braided steel flex hoses at
suspension points.
3) Should I insist that local shop use stainless tube rather than plain
carbon steel?
4) Friend with sports-racer has recommended using FLEX HOSE for the entire
car -- no hard piping at all. Easier to do than hard pipe. He specifically
recommends Goodridge brand dash-3 size braided steel hose, which is
supposedly a "tighter braid" and therefore resists expansion better than
Aeroquip or Earl's or other brands. Says that even with all those long
lengths of flex hose, the brake pedal will not be spongy, and that formula
cars & sports racers are usually plumbed this way.
Any experts have advice for a naive production-car driver?
Thanks,
Mark Palmer
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