rear brake lines

['65Burb]

My brakes are a mess. The 3/16" brake lines on the rear axle were so bad that when I tried to loosen them to replace the wheel cylinders, one "pretzel twisted". So, I will be replacing them, obviously.

But here is my question. I am betting that the original steel brake line to the rear was 1/4". Can someone confirm that? If I am right, then the rear flexible brake hose went from the 1/4" line to the "T" fitting reduction to 3/16" lines on the axle. Therefore, if I order an original rear brake hose, it would have the correct fittings to accomplish this, right?

Someone replaced the original rear steel brake line on mine. I can tell because they are the sections of 3/16" steel line like you find at the parts store joined by fittings.

Thanks in advance, Lou

[63burban]

Rear lines are 3/16 on most trucks

[VictoriaHardware]

Originally Posted by '65Burb

I am betting that the original steel brake line to the rear was 1/4". Can someone confirm that? If I am right, then the rear flexible brake hose went from the 1/4" line to the "T" fitting reduction to 3/16" lines on the axle. Therefore, if I order an original rear brake hose, it would have the correct fittings to accomplish this, right?

The long tube along the frame rail in '65 was 3/16" & '66 was 1/4". Replacement frame-to-axle hoses are made for a 1/4" line at the frame end and you need a brass adapter fitting if you have a 3/16" steel line. Those adapter fittings are readily available at a good auto parts store.

['65Burb]

Good info, thanks. I am installing a Corvette style m/c with a combination valve that has a 3/8-24 inverted flare for the rear line. Got some 1/4" brake line that I will run from there to the back brake hose. So, I need a fitting to go from 3/8-24 to 1/4" brake line then a 1/4" fitting to fit the rear hose. Trouble is, it is hard to find a "good auto parts store" anymore that carries all those neat fittings. Anybody got a good website source?

[VictoriaHardware]

I recently replaced the rear brake hose with the brass adapter fitting on my '66 C10. I even more recently replaced the hose and the two original steel lines on the axle when I upgraded to rear disc. It is all in like-new condition (from a 50K California truck) and I'd be willing to give it all to you for the cost of shipping. Interested or are you already set?

['65Burb]

Thank you for the offer. Just yesterday I got under the 'burb and made new 3/16" lines from the T and ordered a rear flex hose.