Brake pipes

[Rincewind]

As part of my engine bay spruce up I want top replace all the front end brake pipes (the current ones are in a bit of a mess), but looking for replacements throws up a lot of options and prices. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to each.

Automec, seem only to be available as a full set and quite expensive
Copper - cheap!
Kunifer (cupro nickel) slightly dearer
Fully polished Cupro nickel (does fully polished look different to none polished?) even dearer.

Also, any tips on straightening the coils and getting the right shape for a neat installation. I have seen a few pictures of superb installations so hoping to replicate those standards.

Thanks

Keith

[new to this]

keith

i bought cupro nickel myself,easy to bend but i also bought the bending pliers,you need 2 coils per car

dave

[Rincewind]

Hi Dave,

A bending tool seems a good idea, and they don't seem too expensive. How did you straighten the coils before bending?

Keith

[KOY 23]

Try a Google search, there are plenty out there. Never used one so sorry can't advise.

[new to this]

Hi Dave,

A bending tool seems a good idea, and they don't seem too expensive. How did you straighten the coils before bending?

Keith

Keith

its so soft, its easy to straighten

dave

[Mark Shutt]

I just used copper and bought the ends separately, I bent and straightened them by hand..

[Motorsport Micky]

Frost sell little tools (multiple rollers in 4 planes held against one another) which you run down the coiled brake pipe and it comes out the rear straight as a die. They are specific for each dia of brake pipe used...and I think about £30 quidish, most people manage using their vices on the bench.

Micky

[Rincewind]

Thanks for the information guys, also found that you can hold one end and then just pull, or 'snap' the other to straighten it! I have just ordered a bender, not too expensive, may give the straightener a miss, thanks Micky.

I may also create a template in stiff wire (unbend some coat hangers ) to help try and get the bends in the right place first time. I was going to get a pre-made kit but perhaps a reel and a few fitting may give me more options on the runs.

I appreciate your thoughts all, and that does look very neat Mark.

[edd]

I had made up set with some parts I purchased and given the choice I would make my own like your doing. I have replaced two of the four as one leaked constantly and both are to long and I'm talking by 6 inches plus.
Edd

[Rincewind]

I have noticed on a couple images of other installations there seems an excess of material, plus I have discovered I do have a flaring tool. Used to build the odd kit car in my youth.