I have flex lines throughout my 1969 D-sports racer for both brake and
clutch. It has given no trouble and there is a very firm pedal.
Paul Meis
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>From: "Mark Palmer" <mgvrmark@hotmail.com>
>To: vintage-race@autox.team.net
>Subject: Brake line advice
>Date: Sun, Jan 14, 2001, 11:45 AM
>
> 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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