Date:         Fri, 8 Jun 2012 18:48:02 -0400
Reply-To:     Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Next question - Removing 35 yr old brake lines from MC. :-/
Comments: To: Courtney Hook <courtneyhook@SHAW.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <71D0113D4C564073ABD7EE05ADF30327@MainComputer>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Courtney, actually because the master cylinder is inside the van behind
the instrument panel, the line ends there should be like new.  There
should be no problems getting the lines loose there and replacing either
the lines or the MC itself.

Under the van, the easiest way to deal with rusted fittings if you are
going to replace the metal lines anyway is to cut the metal line at the
fitting with a pair of pliers and then tap an 11mm socket (six point
only) onto the fitting.  Spray some PB Blaster on it and it should come
off without much fuss or muss.  BTDT but no one has every given me the
T-shirt :-)

--
HTH,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: 856-327-4936
Fax: 856-327-2242



On 6/8/2012 5:45 PM, Courtney Hook wrote:
> Well, since the brake hoses actually have a plastic ring around them that says 77, I'm betting the metal lines are original too on my Westy. So I know the nuts are frozen onto the brake hose ends of the metal lines, and I had to actually spin the whole caliper/ hose assembly to get it off the metal lines. I am just imagining what the other end is going to be like at the MC. My thought is to use PB Blaster and soak the hell out of it for a few days, then apply some heat from my propane torch. Can I do this without destroying the MC? It appears to be working fine; I'd hate to ruin it just to get the metal brake lines off. Of course some will say, just replace it anyway :-)
> Thanks,
> Courtney
>