Stripped brake front brake line - just my luck!

[seattlebug]

I was installing a disc brake conversion kit on my 66 while I'm waiting for some other engine test tools to come in. All was going great until I went to remove my drivers side front brake line from the hard line. The hard line looked like it was already pretty stripped, needless to say I didn't exactly help it. Now it's stuck on there and I've ordered a stud extractor to see if I can get it out that way.

Next question is - do the likes of O'reillys or Napa sell the bubble flare hard lines needed? I can't see anything on their site. What diameter do I need to get? If anyone has a part number - let me know!

[wayne1230cars]

Sounds like they have been on there a while or were really over tightened. I have always just ordered new metal lines from a VW supplier like Wolfsburg West or CIP1. They are fairly inexpensive as are the flex brake hoses. Best to use an 11mm flare wrench on the metal lines to loosen and tighten.

This link shows the brake line lengths in millimeters.
https://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1084
Someone will chime in with the metric thread size.

As an aside, the rubber brake hoses can and will degrade from the inside. They may look ok from the outside but can really cause some braking issues once this internal deterioration starts. If you are uncertain of their age, consider replacing all 4.
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[heimlich]

You can make your own hard lines. I've found the copper nickel hard lines easy to work with and flare.
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[seattlebug]

I've gone ahead and replaced all the rubber hoses so far - now on to the metal ones. I was hoping for a local auto store, so I can get them tomorrow and have some fun installing them at the weekend. WW and CIP will probably get me back up and running by next week - but where's the fun in that.

[heimlich]

Making your own brake lines is much more fun.
_________________
www.vwnos.com [email protected]
Classic Brands. Classic Quality.
Not all parts are made the same. NOS OE/OEM parts made mainly in West Germany, Early Germany, and Early Brazil are where VW produced the best quality parts and best fitting products.
5% Off your order with coupon code: 5%OFF
Restored Distributors Available (<--Click here)

[Eric&Barb]

Add a dab of anti-seize to the threads on those brake line nuts to keep them from rusting, will aid in getting them loose many years later.

Also good to add anti-seize between the nut and metal brake line to keep out water and later rust that will lock the nut to the brake line, which causes the brake line end to twist off.

Just make sure not to get the anti-seize on or into the very tip of the metal brake line where it can contaminate the brake fluid.
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