Date:         Fri, 7 Dec 2012 20:45:09 -0500
Reply-To:     Mike B <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike B <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Bending brake lines for big brake kit
Comments: To: Mike South <msouth@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAN483vdxkYgM-C92O9zLTEpGMim1myz81a2wGXSYsKb6_Y2zXQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I just finished doing all of the lines and hoses on my '87 Vanagon.
I'm vwmike333 on TheSamba.  I wrote most of the details here;

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=439344&highlight=complete+brake+line

I've used these tools from Harbor Freight;

Bending Pliers - http://www.harborfreight.com/tube-bending-pliers-95782.html

Small Bender-
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-8-eighth-inch-to-1-4-quarter-inch-tube-bender-94571.html

Compact bender-
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-tubing-bender-97601.html

The stock short lines that go from the hose to the caliper are difficult
to bend as they take sharp turns, which is hard even if it's softer line
like copper-nickel-ferrous.  Good luck with steel lines, if that's what
you've got.  The pliers work best for these tighter bends, but leave
tool marks and don't really prevent the tubing from collapsing like the
other tools do.

Mike B.

On 12/7/2012 7:31 PM, Mike South wrote:
> I have a big brake kit with 15 inch Rheins and Nokia tires.  I put these on
> my 85 westy manual (converted from automatic) and I'm at the point of
> attaching the brake lines.  The kit comes with a short, straight length of
> metal brake line.  I'm wondering:
>
> (a) what tool do you bend them with
> (b) which direction/shape/routing to bend them into
>
> I haven't had much luck googling this, can anyone point me to a site or
> offer general advice?
>
> Thanks!
>
> mike