Brake line sizes

[terry_208]

What size brake lines have been used in rebuilding brake systems? What size lines have been used on which systems, disk, drum and disk/drum.

[RICH MUISE]

Mine is disc/disc and I used 3/16 NICOP. I probably shouldn't be talking about a safety system like brakes, 'cause I'm not a certified mechanic, or even a very knowledgeable one, but it's my understanding if you go to bigger lines, you may have issues with your master not moving enough volume. It would seem logical that bigger lines would be better, but I'm pretty sure that's not the case.

[59meteor]

Yes, all the factory brake lines on these old Fords (and most other brands as well), are 3/16" tubing. And like Rich, I made all new brake (and fuel) lines for my 59, with NiCopp tubing. It is so much easier to work with and bend, and makes nicer double flares. A bit more expensive, but IMO, well worth it.

[KYBlueOval]

NICOPP is VERY easy to work with, you will not be disappointed.
A little more expensive, but well worth the extra cost.
John

[mustang6984]

NICOPP is VERY easy to work with, you will not be disappointed.
A little more expensive, but well worth the extra cost.
John

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  A case of "you get what you pay for"...in spades!

[terry_208]

Thanks. I have 1/8" and 3/16" NiCopp on hand.  I was asking because my og drum brake lines were 1/8"but that seemed a little small.  I was afraid that by going larger I may not have enough volume in the hydro boost for flow to the calipers. 

[59meteor]

Virtually all North American cars, for decades, have used 3/16" brake lines. About the only cars that I can recall using anything different, were 60s full sized Chevrolets, with single chamber master cylinders, and only from the master cylinder down the the brass block that feeds the lines going to each individual wheel cylinders. And all those feeder brake lines are also back down to 3/16"

[flatbedfred]

I recently acquired my 57 Skyliner. I was surprised by the 3/16 brake  lines on it because both my 38 Chev sedan and my 51 GMC 1 Ton both had 1/4" lines.

[59meteor]

I have never seen any Ford cars with anything but 3/16" brake lines. I have seen some older Chevys with 1/4@ lines from the single master cylinder, down to the splitter block.

[terry_208]

Everyone's correct! My lines were 3/16". I forgot tubing's measured o/s while pipe is measured i/s. Mine rear line now has 1/4" tubing back to the point it crosses over the frame near the rear tire.