extended brake line modification

[78Suburban]

I got some extended brake lines for my burb for next to nothing. They are IFS brake lines, but I think they're actually designed for the 10mm bolt (what I was thinking I had). When I went to put them on today, they bolted right up to the hardline inside the chassis, but when I took the caliper bolt of, it turned out to be 7/16". Can I drill out my extended brake lines to 7/16, or do I just need to dig up a napa part number and go get a different set?

thanks,
James

PS: I can post up pics of the lines if that would help.

 

[fabjunkie]

With something as critical as brakes, I would rather have the peace of mind and get the right parts.

 

[78Suburban]

Heres a picture of the brake lines I bought

so if these can't be modifided for a 7/16 bolt, what part number do I need for my '78 corp 10?

Its odd that they screw into the hardlines inside the chassis fine.

thanks,
James

 

[blazinzuk]

I drilled out mine I got from a guy who had them on a Dodge pickup basically drill straight and use a new bit to prevent them from getting chewed up. The only thing you have to worry about is making sure there is enough meat left to seal to the brass washers, those are what seal everything up. If there is any doubt about reliability I have run these brake lines for 3 years now

 

[bigbadchev84]

mine were tight too, the bolt wouldnt fit, i drilled mine and have had no worries

 

[JeremyK5]

I drilled out mine for my '76 blazer, they have worked fine (zero leaks) for about 3 years now. It will be a LOT easier to drill the hole straight if you use a drill press and clamp the fitting down to the drill's platform.

 

[roadnotca]

Yeah, on a Banjo fitting, the crush washer does the sealing.
As far as custom lines, I would think any shop that can make power steering hoses, ought to be able to make-up brake lines.

 

[colbystephens]

or you could contact shane74 who sells really great conversion brakelines.
(blackwidow performance)

 

[78Suburban]

as soon as I get some spare time, I'll give drilling them a shot and see what happens.. hopefully I won't FUBAR that copper washer.

 

[4xcrazy]

go buy the right size copper washer

 

[roadnotca]

go buy the right size copper washer

yup

 

[78Suburban]

I'm a little scared I will FUBAR these lines AND have to buy a new set of lines, when I could just sell these more than likely. How much do the Napa extended 7/16 lines run?

 

[MNorby]

just drill them, I have drilled a couple sets on various trucks already. Put the end in a vise so it doesn't move but don't crush it either then just drill. Get the right washers though.

 

[roadnotca]

and blow them out from the other end.

 

[pvfjr]

Good call, go from the opposite end so you don't blow shavings down the line. It's the top and bottom mating surfaces that are the most important. The hole itself isn't as critical. Go down and get some 7/16 crush washers, and you should be good to go.

 

[roadnotca]

Good call, go from the opposite end so you don't blow shavings down the line. It's the top and bottom mating surfaces that are the most important. The hole itself isn't as critical. Go down and get some 7/16 crush washers, and you should be good to go.

 

[78Suburban]

ok, so I'll need to get some 7/16 copper crush washers if Im understanding right. One for the front and one for the back of the fitting. And I'll take the old copper washers out...

So where does one get a copper crush washer, and what does it look like (just like whats pressed into the line already I assume??)

thanks,
James

 

[MNorby]

parts stores will have them, prob the easiest thing would be to take your banjo bolt that fits the calaper in with ya and get the copper washers that fit it.

 

[roadnotca]

parts stores will have them, prob the easiest thing would be to take your banjo bolt that fits the calaper in with ya and get the copper washers that fit it.

BINGO. Just ask for the application the 7/16 fit.

 

[78Suburban]

copper washers???

I'm a little confused as to what I'm supposed to do about these copper washers i'm supposed to use... I didn't see any copper washers on the extended brake lines I bought, or on the brake lines I took off. I think I noticed copper washers pressed into the calipers and onto the bolt that screws into the caliper. Am I supossed to take the washers off the bolt and caliper and replace them?? Why if they're already the correct size? Are they a one time use kinda thing?