Date:         Fri, 21 Apr 2006 15:45:38 -0500
Reply-To:     "Mark A. Kreuzer" <markk@OURWESTY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Mark A. Kreuzer" <markk@OURWESTY.COM>
Subject:      RE: Stainless Steel Brake lines - Van-Café              
              .com
Comments: To: robertmstewart <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <C06E9525.7A83%robertmstewart@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Thanks for everyone's reply.  As usual, I got further in 1/2 day using the
list than 1 week of calling around.

I went back and found an email from Tim Demarest about a company called
Fedhill (  www.fedhillusa.com  ).  They have an alloy line and will rent you
the tool.  30 feet of line ~ $70 and $25.00 per week for the tool.  The also
have a kits of male and female nuts.  
There's a kool picture on their website of how well it can be bent.
I've decided to go with them.

Thanks again to everyone -- mark



-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
robertmstewart
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 12:57 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Stainless Steel Brake lines - Van-Café .com

2 weeks ago I had my entire van's brake system replaced, and I mean entire!

Front L&R Rotors, Calipers and all associated hardware with all new PBR
pads.
Rear L&R Drums, Cylinders, springs, shoes and Emergency Brake Cable.
(All from Van-café.com, except the Ebrake Cable*)

Stainless Steel brake lines throughout the entire van with coil rock guards,
and new pressure regulator.
(SS lines from http://www.classictube.com/products.asp, P-Reg. From Ken @
Vanagain.com)

Last but not least Van-café.com stainless steel brake lines for the front
and rear.
( 
http://www.van-cafe.com/vanagon_parts.jsp?pa=p&p=265624003&pct=55048531&ct=3
97859801)

The brakes on the van prior to the entire overhaul had very good front
braking, the rear was poor I felt. I replaced everything because of the
extreme level of rust on all of the components. Many mechanics told me they
were afraid to try and change anything for fear of breaking parts off and
they all recommended to replaced the parts to be safe for the future.

I have to say the brakes now are so sensitive now, just touching them with a
little pressure applies sufficient force, and when hard braking is needed as
in highway driving it stops with real strength and force. I do not have to
give a mile to slow down now. I always give lots of time for braking with
van just to be easier on the brakes and be safer but now it¹s not as much a
requirement when driving.

I have tested it's braking from 55mph in a hard stop in a vacant area and it
is a vast improvement. Prior to the upgrades the front brakes gave very good
braking in the same test but now it's much faster response and the brake
pedal provides greater consistent pressure at the foot, a very solid feel.

I would say the $115 for the SS Braided Kit from Van-café is worth the peace
of mind. I looked at it as a lifetime investment for the van and possibly
may improve my chances in avoiding an accident in the event of real
emergency braking situation.

Regards to all,

-- 
Rob
NYC/Long Beach, NY
88 Wolfsburg, Silver



on 4/21/06 12:01 PM, Mark A. Kreuzer at markk@OURWESTY.COM wrote:

> I just ordered the SS ones.  I'm drinking the coolaid and buying the story
> about the firmer brake pedal.  Give me about 3 weeks and I can tell you
how
> it's working out.
> 
> -- mark
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Rob Infante
> Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 10:53 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: brake lines
> 
> In the past I've had not one but two karmann ghias on the side of the
road
> from old swollen brake lines.  I have no idea how old the lines are on
the
> syncro westy, so I'm thinking its time to wise up, be proactive,  and
> replace
> them now.  I see van/volks cafe has normal flex lines, and ss  ones.  Has
> anyone
> used the ss ones?  Did you see enough of a  difference to justify the
price?
> 
> thanks
> rob infante