DeTomaso Mailing List: September 2000, Message #87

In a message dated 9/4/00 6:28:42, engles@qns.com writes:

<< You've raised an troublesome point about the longetivity of our
original brake lines.  

>>>Don't blame ME! :>)  Somebody else started this thread! :>)

>You mentioned "(the) standard lines lasted twenty
five years".  How long would you expect the standard brake lines to last
given complete neglect and given regular flushing of fresh brake fluid?

>>>That depends.  Regular flushing of fluids does not constitute "complete 
neglect" in my book; just the opposite is true in fact.

The only killer of hard lines (other than ill-placed floorjacks, which have 
taken out more brake lines than any other cause!) is probably rust, either 
internal or external.

Because the underside of my car was rusted to the point of literal 
transparency, the hard lines had extensive external corrosion, which led me 
to doubt their structural integrity.  But a good, solid, rust-free car 
wouldn't have this problem.  Of course, you can't see INSIDE your hard lines, 
so if your rust-free car sat for 20 years with old fluid in the lines, filled 
with water, potentially they could be corroded internally, and paper-thin in 
spots.  Not good, Mav! :>)

>When they fail do they fail catastrophically or with a whimper and puddle of
brake fluid on the floor?  Has anybody actually experienced the failure of
the standard brake lines?

>>>I've never heard of it, although I suppose it could happen.  Like anything 
else on the Pantera--if yours LOOK like they need to be replaced, then they 
probably do.  If they look decent, then they probably are.

>        Now, given the decision to replace those puppies, how hard is it to
replace the old lines with new ones? >>

>>>Not really a big deal.  The only disconcerting thing is that they lines 
are too physically long to ship conveniently, so they literally come to you 
FOLDED in a box!  (This is an industry standard)  So you have to carefully 
un-fold and straighten the lines, trying not to pinch them or break them.

When ordering, I'd probably be inclined to ask that the lines be shipped 
un-folded; this may entail additional cost--it may be impossible due to UPS 
restrictions.

Knowing your cars, and their overall excellent condition, I'd be inclined to 
guess you're okay....

Mike