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Brake line replacement

Old 03-09-2004, 03:19 PM
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Default Brake line replacement

I'm going crazy trying to find the correct replacement brake line for my 90 SSE. I removed the rear brake proportioner valve along with about 12" of brake line coming into the valve and going to both of the rear wheels. The "out" lines are more or less standard and were easy to find. The line in is a different story though. It seems as if GM uses a 6mm OD tube from the MC to the proportioner valve instead of a standard 1/4". Also, the end that goes into the valve needs to be a bubble flare, not a double flare. To make matters worse, the fitting going into the valve is metric.

I've determined that this is the part that I need: 20" length of 6mm OD tube, bubble flared ends and 12mm x 1.0 fittings. There are two manufacturers in Canada (FMSI & Triple * Tubing). They do not sell to consumers directly. I also asked if they sold their products to any mail order companies but they do not. Mostly repair garages and such. Can anyone direct me to a store, garage or company that might stock this part?
Old 03-09-2004, 08:56 PM
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I have an idea where you're going with this Don. Most of those parts are obsolete now, though. This may be an impending visit to the wrecker at this point.
Old 03-09-2004, 09:06 PM
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LMFAO! We think alike






That'* just sick. You should see a shrink.
Old 03-09-2004, 09:51 PM
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Also Have you checked with the local dealerships? I know some Caddiliacs used the same system, but not sure if the brak lines are the same.
I've tried a Chevy and a Pontiac/Caddilac dealer. The best they could do was a couple of adaptors:

fitting>1/4" to 3/16" adaptor>3/16" to 12mm adaptor>valve

Way too many connections for my comfort level.
Old 03-09-2004, 10:30 PM
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I think you can buy lenghs of metric and bubble flares at say NAPA but I am not fimilar with your exact application. One of my vehicles I had to put adaptors on the wheel cylinders, cant remember which one. The first full line job was on my Dakota and I did it all with premade lenghts. I must have 5 brass unions on that thing. I didnt like it but they never leaked. I am now doing that same job again, it was 6 years ago.

Inline tube has tools for bubble flare but I saw no metric fittings. http://inlinetube.com/

Do you need metric tube for metric fittings ? It may be possible to reuse fittings if you have axcess to flaring tool, and their not rusted badly, might be vise grip wrench though. I know it sound like cob but really its survival. I had to reuse the fittings at master cylinder but they certainly dont get the corrosion as the down unders do.
Old 03-09-2004, 10:45 PM
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http://www.triple-*-tubing.com/BrakeLine/BL_1.htm
http://www.fmsiinc.com/metric-brake.htm

Here'* what I need but they don't sell to consumers

I saw during a recent poll that close to 25% of voting members are from Canada. Is anyone close enough to these businesses to infiltrate the front lines and maybe get some unwanted pieces from the dumpster?
Old 03-09-2004, 10:56 PM
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Do you have a body shop friend or auto shop friend ? Thats the way to go just get it sent to a business.
Old 03-09-2004, 11:14 PM
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Do you have a body shop friend or auto shop friend ? Thats the way to go just get it sent to a business.
Actually, I'm still incorporated in Massachusetts. Typically manufacturers will have minimum order quanities when an account is established. Obviously I don't want to order $1500 or more of stuff for one brake line. If a knew of a business that already had an account, I could go there but I haven't received any response from the companies yet as to who they sell to.
Sometimes voice mail is very unproductive.
Old 03-09-2004, 11:47 PM
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
But I still do agree that its hard to find parts for that car... It may have a lot to do with the fact that its the Bosch ABS system that GM only used for a few years and then dropped in 1991 in favor of the Tevs(spelling) system, a much more reliable system..
It'* spelled TEVES
Old 03-10-2004, 02:41 AM
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Originally Posted by randman1
Do you have a body shop friend or auto shop friend ? Thats the way to go just get it sent to a business.
Actually, I'm still incorporated in Massachusetts. Typically manufacturers will have minimum order quanities when an account is established. Obviously I don't want to order $1500 or more of stuff for one brake line. If a knew of a business that already had an account, I could go there but I haven't received any response from the companies yet as to who they sell to.
Sometimes voice mail is very unproductive.
Call them and ask who their distributors/retailers are. I would still think a wrecker would be a much better option.

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