Topic: hard brake line 550k

[carl550k]

 anyone know the size of the hard front brake line on a 76 550k? is it sae or metric? can it be had at the local auto store? it appears to be only about 12 inches bent into an L" shape. mine is fine, no leaks but is original and rusted.  thanxs, carl

[ProTeal55]

I am sure it is metric, but I could be wrong.

[Chris Liston]

It's metric and 10x1.25.  You probably wont be able to find something like it at the auto store.  Are you missing it?

[TwoTired]

I like to keep the hard line.  When they get rusty, I take them over the rotary wire brush to remove the rust.  Unfortunantely, the plating comes off too.  I just used some of that chrome paint you find in craft stores. Dosn't really look like chrome, but it sure looks like shiny metal.
The hardest thing about doing this, is getting it off without knarling the compression nuts.  However, they make six point box wrenches with a slot to clear the hard line.  This tool works best for me on this task.

Cheers,

[Kixx007]

If that brake line is SAE I'd be worried.  You wont find that line pre bent at the auto parts store. But you will find the line and the fittings there.  If you're good with a flaring tool, you wont have any problems making a new hardline.  The wrench TwoTired is reffering to is a flare nut wrench, most people will call it a line wrench also.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=99&group_ID=570&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[TwoTired]

The wrench TwoTired is reffering to is a flare nut wrench, most people will call it a line wrench also.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=99&group_ID=570&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Quite correct about the flare nut moniker, (which I actually knew but couldn't retrieve from archival storage).

But, I didn't pay $210 for the snap-on variety.  I believe I paid about $20 some years ago for a set like this one from sears.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00944196000&subcat=Wrenches

Handy tools, those...

Cheers,

[Barrett99]

Just bought a new hard line for my 400 from Service Honda, only about $9.00 plus shipping.   Came coated a nice dark grey.  Not exactly a NOS part from the 70's but a better version of the original.  Part was genuine Honda in a sealed bag.  Looks great with the black HEL stainless line.

[Kixx007]

The wrench TwoTired is reffering to is a flare nut wrench, most people will call it a line wrench also.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=99&group_ID=570&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Quite correct about the flare nut moniker, (which I actually knew but couldn't retrieve from archival storage).

But, I didn't pay $210 for the snap-on variety.  I believe I paid about $20 some years ago for a set like this one from sears.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00944196000&subcat=Wrenches

Handy tools, those...

Cheers,

I own sears ones too.  I just know the snapon site a little better!

[carl550k]

  thanks for the info guys, i figured it was metric. i do have a flaring tool and line benders. since i have to replace cracked upper brake hose i thought about cleaning up the entire front brake system. 

[dusterdude]

the line should be 3/16" that uses metric fittings,you should be able to find one at any good auto parts store.