What do you guys use for Oil Pressure Gauge Line/Tube for a Flathead

[tripwire]

I was under the dash on my '40 Lasalle and noticed my oil pressure gauge line was broken near where it attaches to the gauge.  It is apparently clogged otherwise I would have had a mess.  The pipe appears to be steel with wire wrapping.  Is this type of tube still available or do I go to copper or some other material to replace this?

WParo in VT 

[Fred Pennington 25635]

The original line should have been copper.
The wire is to protect the line from chaffing.
Most new gauges come with plastic.
Allot of people change them out so check with your local race car parts house or NAPA for replacement line kits.
They will sell them for modern gauge, most likely be steel with wire wrap.
They usually sell the the copper without the wrap.

Good luck

[Paul Phillips]

The original is soft copper, I am remembering 1/16 ID as the size. If you still have the ends for the gauge and the engine fittings, it is fairly easy to desolder the copper tube and solder in a replacement. Period electrical sheathing is used to prevent this capillary from rubbing other items under the dash.

Good luck with the repair.

Paul

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

As it was plugged I would suggest you flush the remaining line before you reinstall.
Jeff

[Tom Beaver]

Search for copper capillary tubing on ebay you will find a number of listings.  Just make sure that you pick a size that will fit your existing end fittings and when you solder them on be careful that you don't plug the tubing with solder.

Tom Beaver

[tripwire]

Thanks Guys for the responses.  I appreciate all the advice. 
The tube appears to be original and it will attract a magnet so it's my belief that it is steel.  It looks old which leads me to believe it may be original. But maybe it's not.  Anyway.  I'll find some copper line and wrap it with some soft wire, like mechanic's wire and then paint it black to match what's there now.  I'm sure it will be a fun time in the old town.

WParo in VT

[31caddy]

If you elect to use copper, Advance Auto Parts sells a copper line kit, 6 ft long, with assorted fittings included. I've bought them there myself. It is branded as Bosch. They usually have some on the rack, if not they will get it for you quickly.

[Bobby B]

The original is soft copper, I am remembering 1/16 ID as the size. If you still have the ends for the gauge and the engine fittings, it is fairly easy to desolder the copper tube and solder in a replacement. Period electrical sheathing is used to prevent this capillary from rubbing other items under the dash.

Good luck with the repair.

Paul

Good advice. If I remember correctly, the fittings are an oddball size. I took mine apart, desoldered, cleaned, and re-soldered everything back. Works perfectly.....
                         Bobby

[bcroe]

I consider running engine fluids to a gauge, an invitation to losing all of a critical
fluid.  Not to mention the mess and hazard.  So only electric gauges with senders
at the engine are used here.  Bruce Roe