Brake Lines Copper or Steel

[82Diesel]

What's everyone's suggestion/preference with Copper or Steel Brake lines.
Even though it's Steel they do still rust out. I've heard different from Copper....

Post your thoughts down below.

 

[78C10BigTen]

Ive heard theres a copper alloy of some kind that bends super easy and holds up well. Ive never used it but...

 

[Snoots]

NEVER copper. Steel or stainless steel.

 

[82Diesel]

Ive heard theres a copper alloy of some kind that bends super easy and holds up well. Ive never used it but...

There's a guy on youtube I watch. Does Property Mantaincene and landscaping etc.
said all his vehicles have copper lines and never once had a problem nor rusted because he's in New York and it's usually really bad there like Michigan. *Sigh* So I can relate.

 

[82Diesel]

NEVER copper. Steel or stainless steel.

Explain Why?

 

[Snoots]

Copper lines are not designed for the type of high pressure that brakes require. Too soft.

 

[1985c20]

Plumbing copper yes. But there is nickel coated copper (sometimes called nicop) for sale that is dot rated. My local O’Reilly auto parts carries in in sticks right next to the steel lines. Can also get it in a big roll and make your own, it’s super easy to bend and flare. If you’re in an area of salt/de icer chemicals on the road I would only use the nicop lines. At least you won’t have to worry about ever doing them again.

 

[82Diesel]

Plumbing copper yes. But there is nickel coated copper (sometimes called nicop) for sale that is dot rated. My local O’Reilly auto parts carries in in sticks right next to the steel lines. Can also get it in a big roll and make your own, it’s super easy to bend and flare. If you’re in an area of salt/de icer chemicals on the road I would only use the nicop lines. At least you won’t have to worry about ever doing them again.

Yeah, My bad. I think it was nickel coated copper. My area still uses salt yes. I live only 1/2 miles from Lake Michigan so it's heavily salted here in the winter/spring time. I won't be driving my Square after its restored in the Winter anyhow.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I like nicopp and stainless. The nicopp not oxidizing is one plus, but any flare nuts and junctions need to be non-ferrous for that to be a truly valid argument.

Nicopp is far easier to work with though. Especially if your flaring tool isn’t the best. When double flaring steel, it can slip in cheaper tools, whereas the ribs always tend to grip the softer alloys.

 

[82Diesel]

I like nicopp and stainless. The nicopp not oxidizing is one plus, but any flare nuts and junctions need to be non-ferrous for that to be a truly valid argument.

Nicopp is far easier to work with though. Especially if your flaring tool isn’t the best. When double flaring steel, it can slip in cheaper tools, whereas the ribs always tend to grip the softer alloys.

Good to know! Any good places online that are rebent for these trucks?

 

[roundhouse]

Good to know! Any good places online that are rebent for these trucks?

I think summit has pre bent lines

Maybe LMC ?

 

[82Diesel]

I think summit has pre bent lines

Maybe LMC ?

I would guess & Consider Summit, I don't think LMC would carry something like that.

 

[1985c20]

LMC carries prebent for these truck in plain steel or stainless steel. They’re pretty good quality kits I helped instal one on a 84 k10 over the winter.

 

[82Diesel]

LMC carries prebent for these truck in plain steel or stainless steel. They’re pretty good quality kits I helped instal one on a 84 k10 over the winter.

I Kinda Despise LMC over what I've heard from there item qualities. Wonder if there USA made? That's what I'm looking for.

 

[Slow build jim]

Inline tubing is what I use they are in Michigan. I got all my stainless tubing nuts and rolls of nicop from them. They have kits just for square bodies too . They sell the stainless braided lines with the clear coating in any length you need .