Hi All, I have a 1957 Pontiac Super Chief (American). My slow build continues and I've almost finished the rear chassis. I need to run new brake lines to the back and front. Can I use the same brake lines as a '57 Chieftain? I can't find any vendor that makes '57 Super Chief, hence the ask. Thanks.
If the Super Chief wheelbase is the same as the Star Chief then you should be good to go. I think the wheelbases are the same but not 100% positive.
Many years ago when I put my '63 Chevy pickup together I didn't have the tools or expertise to bend up new exact-length brake lines, in my searching found that NAPA had an assortment of steel brake lines in various lengths, what I did was get whatever came closest but was a little bit long, made a "pigtail" at the end to absorb the excess length. Best of luck on your project.
The 1957 Chieftan and the 1957 Super Chief both have a 122.0 inch wheelbase. Source: 50 Years of American Automobiles 1939-1989, Page 667. Russ
Hi All, Thank you for the great advice. I love this forum. Did some research and checked out different types of lines. There are some lines that are easily bendable by hand (don't need a tool). I think I'm going that route. Dave
You can buy the ni-copp (?) line or, I learned, you can buy the fake ni-copp while trying to save a buck. The fake ain't bad, but the real stuff is a breeze.
I need to clarify: The reason I bought ready-made lengths of steel brake lines from NAPA is they already had the fittings installed and the ends properly double-flared, all I had to do was bend the lines to the proper shape, bolt it together and I was done, if you buy a roll of generic brake line material you'll have to take them somewhere to have the flares made or buy the tool, my point being a good brake line flaring tool that will repeatedly make good double flares isn't cheap, if this is the only car you plan to build it's hard to justify the expense.
You can find an adequate flaring tool for brake lines for about $25. Tube and fittings about another $25.
You don't need a $300 flare tool to make good double flares if you are careful. I have been doing it for over 50 years and almost never have a bad one.
There’s an old saying. Teach a man to fish, feeds him for life. Learnt to work on your car, never get stranded.
But it sure makes them easier to do with one of the correct tools. I bought an Eastwood 5 years ago (prices sure have gone up) and have done 3 jobs with it including a full car and was much happier with the results.
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