I'm at a point where it would be much easier to get to the steel lines in the engine compartment. So although I don't have a problem, I'm thinking I should change them now. But it seems companies like Inline Tube have them only for wagons. I called, and they don't know if they will fit an SX/4, and could only tell me buyer beware because they are not returnable.
Can anyone tell me whether those prebent lines would fit on my SX/4?
And should I change these 40 year old steel lines out, or leave well enough alone? The Eagle was sitting for 20 years and the fluid I bled out looks like mud. This is for my daughter so safety is paramount for me.
Thanks!!
I would think the steel lines for the front would be the same. I'm guessing the line to the rear would not, but maybe you could start with that one and modify it on your own to make it fit.
Good luck, let us know what you decide!
I was going to replace them in an abundance of caution, but I'm wondering whether I'm just being overly paranoid. I've never heard of a steel line failing, but a buddy of mine swears he knows a guy who knows a guy who stuck a 60s mustang into a guardrail because a steel brake line ruptured while hard braking.
What are your thoughts vangremlin? Would you worry about changing these lines out?
I would inspect the lines and see if there are any obvious issues. My Kammback had been sitting for about 16 years when I got it, got the engine running and replaced the typical brake stuff but didn't mess with the steel lines.
Remember, before about 67/68 most cars, including Mustangs, came with a single reservoir master cylinder. If a line failed anywhere, all the brakes were lost. The Eagles have dual res master cylinders, so if a line fails, you'll still have half the brake system working.
I have seen steal lines fail but it's always been when they're severely covered in rust and the cars they were on came from somewhere that uses a lot of salt on the roads in the winter. If you don't see any really rusty areas or even any rust per se you should be fine also you can pick up uunbent brake line at parts stores (it comes in various lengths and sizes) and a small tubing bender for not a lot of money and make your own you can also get the flaring tool there as well.