DeTomaso Mailing List: December 2000, Message #127

Paul,

I just installed the Hall SS Line kits (brake and clutch) that come with
their Super Stopper III brake set. Not sure how similar they are, but the
lines came in a number of sections joined with unions. The kit includes all
fittings which are all AN (37 deg). There is no intention or provision for
using the stock proportioning valve, but it did come with a Wilwood valve.
While the lines were a good first order fit, they required some
modification, partly because, I suppose, I have an early car (#1549). I was
able to borrow a good tight radius (about 1/2") hand held tubing bender. I
couldn't have done the job with out it.

The one tip I have, I gave last month. Get some "conical seals" from Del
Aerospace or elsewhere. See:
http://realbig.com/detomaso/2000-11/506.html

I just did the final installation of the clutch line this weekend. They
worked like a champ and seal with only 10 ft/lbs or so of torque. You can
use regular open end wrenches for this. I did a vacuum test using a hand
vacuum pump and everything seems to be solid. Before the final assembly, I
did some tests with and without the seals. Without I had to REALLY crank to
get a seal. So much so that the male nose of the AN Stainless fitting was
considerably distorted. The Hall SS lines are welded tubing (the clutch
anyway, I'm not sure about the brake) and there is a slight ridge on the
inside which the flaring does not eliminate. Yours may not be the same. But
what ever they are, I'd suggest testing a few joints before you get the
lines in the car. If you don't have a vacuum pump with a gauge (I used a
"Mity-Vac" brake bleeder I have), you could hook up compressed air and do
the bubbling soapy water test.

I'll answer your latest "Brake & clutch line sizes" question with a
question: Why does it matter? You should have the right fittings to do the
job right and PPC SHOULD have included them in the kit (or at least have
them in stock). I'd give them a call.

Richard

"Paul & Cathy Rimov" <whtvnm@mind.net> wrote:
> I am putting in a complete stainless steel brake line and clutch system and
> have a couple of questions.  I have purchased a kit from Colorado Panteras
> but there is definitely some adjustments that will need to be made and I
> want to get rid of the stock proportioning valve. First has any one on the
> list performed this modification that could give me some tips. Secondly I
> know the American fittings and the European fittings are different but
> exactly how angle of taper thread size tubing size what? Lastly,  what
> special tools am I going to need to perform the job.
> 
> Paul