fuel line replacement

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

I am working on my 1940 LaSalle 5219. I have ordered a one piece fuel line from Classic Tube. It hasn't arrived yet.

I have been looking under the car and now realize that it will be very difficult to install a one piece line. Has anyone else done this? Is it possible to do in one piece? Are there any tricks I should know?

I have a 1948 Master parts Book. It appears that these were supplied in one piece by the factory. I would imagine that all of the flathead era cars are similar. Thanks

[Fred Zwicker #23106]

If necessary to splice a fuel line, do NOT use compression fittings under any circumstances.  A compression fitting has the small  (usually brass) round tapered tubular part that squeezes when fittings are tightened.

While no splices are preferred, a properly installed flare fitting can probably be used (unless others have a better idea).  I installed new steel fuel lines on my recent 1939 LaSalle restoration and did not have to do any splicing, but we had a lift and most of the body was off.

Fred

[TJ Hopland]

I talked to a vendor about brake lines one time and they told me that sometimes you can not get them installed in one piece with out taking things apart (like lifting the body).  The reason they sell them in one piece is to match the factory design for those doing a body off restoration.  That particular vendor would cut and flare them wherever you wanted to make shipping and install easier. 

[Doug Houston]

Last  year, I had new brake lines installed on my '41-62 convertible coupe. I didn't replace the fuel line, but perhaps I should have. I used stainless steel lines, because I don't want to have any more surprises, like pinholes rusted in lines to the rear.

I bought my lines from Inline Tube, in Washington, Michigan.  I was able to pick up the lines. They were around $175.00 for the set. When I had them installed, the mechanic told me that the fittings fell right into place, as though they'd come right from Cadillac. Ultimately, those lines will be on all my cars.

They also make fuel lines for many cars. They have a website, and catalogue pages. Holding my breath about it, but I think thay make handbrake cables, too.

[Jeff Maltby 4194]

I'm in the process of installing new Inline Tube brake and fuel lines on my 49 coupe. None of the front brake lines were close less the 8" line, thus I bent them all by hand to make them fit. The main fuel line came in a coil for shipping purposes. On a 49, this line attaches to the outside of the left frame, so I see no problems installing it ?

[Roger H]

Hello Allan

I am in the process of a body off restoration of my 36 8509,  If yours is simular, it would be darn near impossible to install with the body on.
I think your best hope is to hide your splice best you can.   Possibly cut your old line and remove it in 2 pieces, then cut the new line in the same spot and install.
If you can get the old one out (without bending it too much)   you should be able to get the  new one in the same way

Roger

[Don Boshara #594]

Fred is correct about not using compression fittings, but if you're going to use flare fittings make sure you double flare them.

[Fred Zwicker #23106]

Fred is correct about not using compression fittings, but if you're going to use flare fittings make sure you double flare them.

I agree 100% - just forgot to mention this in my post, but Don is correct. 

Fred

[Glen]

What is the concern about using compression fittings? 

Glen     

[Otto Skorzeny]

They leak.

[Glen]

So do flare fittings unless you tighten them up properly.  I don’t remember specifically using compression fittings on a fuel line but I could have.  I would remember if I had a problem with them leaking. 

Glen