I was told never to run copper line for fuel. It was unsafe and not to D.O.T. specs. I see so many rodders running copper and I don't understand why not use flexable stainless steel. You can get it in as many sizes as copper and it will last longer. Is their a reason for the use of copper?
Purty much just for looks, it does look good. There are several threads on this already, do a search.
There's another thread that discusses the whole do/don't use copper lines- it's a good thread (do a search) as it gets into copper coated tubing (safer/more durable) and where to get it.
Some guys like it because they think it is real pretty when they polish it up. It may be ok in short runs where there is no chance of vibration but in longer runs that aren't well supported there is the chance that it will vibrate and work harden and crack. To me to run a batch of copper lines between carbs or between the fuel block and carbs tends to look like the guy was too lazy to bend and run steel lines right. Or a bit too involved in using materials that weren't intended to be used for the purpose. I've been reading rod/custom magazines for 50 years and have many older than that and I don't ever remember it being pointed out that someone had polished copper lines and fittings on their fuel system until the past couple of years. <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">
I've been running copper fuel lines and oil lines on cars and harleys for years, I put them on customer cars and never had a problem. Thousands of miles trouble free. Have you ever looked at vintage engines, especially Italian & British ones or old airplane engines? Lot's of copper lines for fuel and oil. Up until the '70's VW bugs and even some Chevy's had copper fuel lines from the factory. If they are supported correctly they will last a long, long time.
How to tell time on the HAMB: Every 6 months theres a copper thread! My take... The guys who are weary of copper should avoid it at all costs! The rest of us can run it and enjoy the look while letting the scorn of the "all-knowing" just slide off our backs. There are just too many vintage cars, vintage race cars, industrial machines and other vibrating machines that have used it forever, to let the argument that its a deathtrap hold water. Refrigerator compressors use it...and they vibrate and buzz like its going out of style, yet last for 20 years or more. Sure it needs support over a span...but steel will also fail without it. Up here in the rust belt we always use it to replace rusted gas and transmission lines on our dailys. Can't use it on brake lines although there is an alloy of copper you can use. Not available up here though. But If your even remotely afraid of it by all means avoid it! You NEED to be comfortable driving and fear is an uncomfortable thing.
Thanks for the input. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, I read the other thread and could not figure out what to use. I have enough copper tubing here to do the job, and with the country falling apart like it is I think I'll keepmy money in my pockets and use the copper.
I have a m35a2 6x6 it has alot of copper lines on it. If it's good enough for uncle sam, it's good enough for me.
Yeah, copper will never hold up, my 54 still has the original factory copper line running to the oil pressure gauge. After careful inspection I reinstalled it, but if it lasts another 50 years, it'll be a miracle.
My '55 has a 3/8" copper fuel line (tie wrapped in a few places) that outlasted three engines. Dang, you guys are getting me worried! I guess I could run rubber fuel line instead.
Another option is "copper- nickel" line. It's expensive, so shop around. Looks like copper, but it can be double flared like steel line. Used some on the fuel lines of my modified, been there for years, no problems.
When I played Army back in the 60's, my welding truck was a 1946 Studebaker duce and a half. It had a copper fuel line from the factory. I have always heard not to use copper for brake lines because they heat up and crack.
Just replaced 70 year old copper with new copper. Used 1-2" rubber fuel line, sliced it and slipped over the copper on all contact points and clips (non-visible areas).
Most people are ignorant to the fact there are different grades of copper tubing. I work for a contractor that builds a lot of stuff that involves flow meters and various sensors that require small tubing and plumbing. I only do the steel fabrication and am not involved in that, so im not up on the different kinds but I know there out there. There's more to life than what they sell at Home Depot. A real supply house will be aware of the differences.
Things are different all over. In the US you are supposed to use steel brake lines and could fail inspection if you run copper brake lines - the reason given is that the copper swells with pressure and eventually work hardens and cracks. Now, in the UK, it is the opposite. The car can fail a MOT if it has steel brake lines instead of copper - the reason given is that the steel will rust and fail. Now these might not be the current regs but it was true in the past. My conclusion is to understand the specs of the material you are using and if it is within spec and installed properly you should be good to go.
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