DeTomaso Mailing List: September 2000, Message #92

Paul & Cathy Rimov <whtvnm@mind.net> wrote:
> Hi all
> 
> Now that I have completely removed every thing possible, short of cutting
> things off, I am evaluating several upgrades while I have the "body in
> white". One of them is replacing the old brake lines with new stainless
> lines from Pantera Parts Con. in CO. My question is does any one on the list
> have any experience/challenges with their kit. Additionally, I have talked
> with one individual that installed the kit and had a terrible time with
> leaks as the stainless is much harder than normal brake line metal and they
> had a tough time sealing the fittings.
> 
> Thanks.

Paul,

I got Hall's hard line kit as part of his Super Stopper III kit. I would
describe it as a good first order fit. But it still required a fair
amount of bending to get it to fit right. You'll need a good tight
radius (~1/2") hand held bending tool to do the job right. Part of the
problem may have been my "early" car (1549). In the back there were some
gussets that kept the cross piece from dropping down in the frame.
Probably should have sawed them off... 

Gary warned me that getting the fittings to seal is a problem. He
suggested using some silicon brake fluid as assembly lube. Mike Drews
use of teflon tape did NOT have anything to do with sealing (that's not
how flare fittings work) but may also be a good form of lube for the
threads. The problem is the flares aren't perfect and the stainless is
somewhat hard. 

I have installed mine, but haven't tightened them up yet. One thought I
had was to use some valve grinding compound to lap them (using a spare
male fitting) to the proper shape. You'd have to make sure to get all
the compound out. I'm also hoping to be able to test them before final
assembly. There are three (I have the line lock kit) that would be
impossible to get to once the water tubes are in. I'm thinking vacuum
testing. Anyone tried this? Is there stop leak for brake lines :)?

-- 
Sincerely,
Richard Barkley

To Ski or not to Ski, that is the question!

Richard Barkley
(310) 373-6695 (home), 813-2432 (work)
E-mail: richard.barkley@trw.com (work), rbarkley@earthlink.net (home)
Mammoth Condo 2BR+loft/3Bath - Horizons 4 #186 (760) 934-6758
Condo web address: http://home.earthlink.net/~rbarkley