Corvair Forum

I spent some time this weekend trying to replace the brake hoses on my new (to me) 67 coupe. I finished the rears successfully, but I quit on the fronts because the nut on the left front brake line rounded off before it would come loose. I stopped at that point because I assumed I would have to drop the gas tank to replace the line and didn't have time to do that.

Will I truly have to remove the gas tank to replace the front left line?

If so, what else should I do while I've got the tank out? I'm definitely going to replace the right brake line as well, and maybe the speedo cable since it's really ugly. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

John

When replacing the lines the best way is to cut the steel line right at the tubing nut and use a 6 pt socket to get the nut off. If only trying to replace the hoses a good line nut wrench is the only option and hope it works ! May have to remove the hose and put it into a vise to get the fitting out. You can get the RF line in over the tank but not get it into the clips without removing the tank. You can fish it through over the tank - not easy but possible I've done it 3 - 4 times without dropping the tank. Just did it last weekend on my '62 and that line is much worse to get up there than other years.
May want to seal the inside of the tank if you end up pulling it. I seal all of mine - even brand new ones. Paint the outside with POR-15.

Like Vairy said it can be done but getting the lines in their retaining clips can be tough if not impossible.


On an early model it is not so hard...Vairy if you have to do an early again try screwing the line into the car like a corkscrew. (just start it in thru the hole in the sheet metal near the brake hose and rotate the entire line like you were turning a plumbers snake or something similar). They are designed that if you do it just right they will go thru and into place, a even rotate right into the hole in the firewall. Too bad this slick design did not really carry over into the late models.