running fuel lines inside frame rails

[Travis77]

Anyone hear try running their fuel lines inside the frame or subframe? It's not that big of a deal having them exposed, but it would be nice if they were hidden.

[thedugan]

I'm quite sure they did that on Project Prodigy. Frank would have to chime in to confirm

[camcojb]

mine is inside the frame up until it hits the firewall. It is a clean way to go, but pretty much requires a flexible line at least in my case, to get up and over the rear end part of the frame.

Jody

[Ricochet]

I have done this many of times. Make sure you use good line & fittings though. I have used bulkheads to exit the frame. Makes for a rela nice clean look. To this you will have to do some minor fabwork to make that happen cleanly - but in the end a much cleaner and safer way IMO. I have also done tranny lines and battery cables. Not a good idea though to run both fuel lines & battery cables together on the same side!! :_paranoid Not experience talking. Brakelines are the only ones I will not do. The should be supported well.

Brent

[bentfab]

Hey Guys,
Saw the post and had to reply. I know everyone likes to hide things for the cleaner look but!!!! It is the worst thing you can do. Vibrations, chassis flex and all that good stuff that gos along with a moving machine causes ABBRASION!! In my experince of doing what I do I've seen hardline with at least an 1/8 wall thickness rubb rite through and cause a pin hole leak. So shoving soft line through areas that you don't know where a sharp edge is won't make for a good time when gas is flowing. The best way is to take your time make or buy nice clamps and route the line or hose properly. The most negleckted part of car builds are the last but most important. You can't GO or STOP with out properly routed fuel and brake systems Believe me I've seen it all!!! I hope this helps

[Travis77]

I can understand both sides here. I have straight 2x3 tubing for my rails. I was thinking of running .5" stainless tubing through the rails. AfterI ran the lines I considered drilling several .25" holes a few feet apart and injecting foam. I would think this might help with the vibration. By doing this though, I may defeat the purpose of running stainless. I say this, because I have heard that stainless needs to remain unpretected and free to an oxygen environment. But I would feel better running stainless rather anything else. Okay.... now I'm really :question: .

[Stang's Bane]

I can understand both sides here. I have straight 2x3 tubing for my rails. I was thinking of running .5" stainless tubing through the rails. AfterI ran the lines I considered drilling several .25" holes a few feet apart and injecting foam. I would think this might help with the vibration. By doing this though, I may defeat the purpose of running stainless. I say this, because I have heard that stainless needs to remain unpretected and free to an oxygen environment. But I would feel better running stainless rather anything else. Okay.... now I'm really :question: .


Not true. I have run thousands of feet in the industrial enviroment and most of it was encased in a rubber jacketed insulation. The tubing will last longer than the rest of your car.

[ironworks]

Why not run the fuel and brake lines inside the car next to the trans tunnel. If you do one solid piece and solidly mount it the only way to leak is if the line rubs a hole.

http://www.wallesdator.com/Foose%20design/Stallion/page3/img_4409_std.jpg

http://www.wallesdator.com/Foose%20design/Stallion/page3/img_4501_std.jpg

Rodger

[bentfab]

Exactly if it rubs a hole? Also when you put the stainless through your frame and fill it with foam that foam might push the tubing up against the side and cause alittle friction and presto a leak!!! I'am just trying to let you know not to take your fuel and brake for granted. IT'S YOUR LIFE!!! Also Stang's Bane putting a band aid on something is'nt always the cure. I've used abrasion cloth from the industrial word just because I wanted extra insurance not to band aid a perticuler cosmetic issue. Besides I think two stainless steel polished or satin hard lines running parallel down a frame looks bitchen. Check out my web site and look at the Ranchero prime example of a box frame rail.
Hope this helps just my two & 1/2 cents.

[ironworks]

I agree 100% nothing beats great plumbing and hardlines. I have never understood all these engine covers and such. Why not make everything look good, show the linkage and the hardline and the mechanics of the whole deal. But sometimes there is not room for everything on the frame rails.

[bentfab]

Thanks Rodger. Speaking of not enough room. I'am in the process of plumbing a 08' Mustang with 5/8 feed line and 1/2 return. Talk about putting 20lbs of sh*$ in a 5lbs bag this is it!! As soon as I get alittle further I'll post a couple pics. And I hate plumbing new cars. No space and metric SUCKS!!

[ironworks]

Buddy I know all about 10 lbs of crap in a 5lbs bag have you seen the many novas we work on around here. We are about to put C6 drivetrain in a 62 nova convertible with a 5.5" rideheight. I thought Johns 66 was bad enough and then we put a blower with dual intercoolers and 245 front tires at a 5inch ride height.

And yes your correct new cars suck. There is no way to make them look good underneath without major mods and nothing cleanly hang stuff from.
May the force be with you on that one buddy.

[COYBILT]

I agree with mark on anything he says and If you ever get the chance stop by his shop, his plumbing is a work of art. Just make the plumbing another detailed part of the car, don't hide it.

[Stang's Bane]

Exactly if it rubs a hole? Also when you put the stainless through your frame and fill it with foam that foam might push the tubing up against the side and cause alittle friction and presto a leak!!! I'am just trying to let you know not to take your fuel and brake for granted. IT'S YOUR LIFE!!! Also Stang's Bane putting a band aid on something is'nt always the cure. I've used abrasion cloth from the industrial word just because I wanted extra insurance not to band aid a perticuler cosmetic issue. Besides I think two stainless steel polished or satin hard lines running parallel down a frame looks bitchen. Check out my web site and look at the Ranchero prime example of a box frame rail.
Hope this helps just my two & 1/2 cents.

I wasn't advocating to do it. I was just saying the part about stainless needing to "breath" more or less isn't true. I agree with you about the dangers of rubbing a hole.:thumbsup:

[Travis77]

Easily talked out of doing it :thumbsup: Thanks

[XcYZ]

I agree 100% nothing beats great plumbing and hardlines. I have never understood all these engine covers and such. Why not make everything look good, show the linkage and the hardline and the mechanics of the whole deal. But sometimes there is not room for everything on the frame rails.

I agree, Rodger. Especially with the craftsmanship that you at Ironworks, and Mark at Bentfab have. I like seeing that stuff, even though my lines will never be that nice.

[syborg tt]

Another option is to get these trick "Line" clips.

[XcYZ]

Those are awesome, Marty. Travis sent me a few to try out on my car and they're great. :cheers:

[bentfab]

Thanks Guys I'am just trying to make people relize at how important this subject is. Besides we all spend a ton of money on the things we love so why not make the final details just as bitchen!! Hey Marty funny you show those I'am just about to release my product line. Just a few simple plumbing necessities and those clips just so happen to be one. If you guys are interseted I have them from 3/16 to 1/2 just drill a 9/32 hole and push in there pretty cool and give the line a floating look.

[syborg tt]

Hey Marty funny you show those I'am just about to release my product line. Just a few simple plumbing necessities and those clips just so happen to be one. If you guys are interseted I have them from 3/16 to 1/2 just drill a 9/32 hole and push in there pretty cool and give the line a floating look.

cool - can you send me pics of your other stuff

[email protected]

ps - tell Mike to send my new Wastegates

[ironworks]

We do this on the tube chassis projects

[kennyd]

Thanks Guys I'am just trying to make people relize at how important this subject is. Besides we all spend a ton of money on the things we love so why not make the final details just as bitchen!! Hey Marty funny you show those I'am just about to release my product line. Just a few simple plumbing necessities and those clips just so happen to be one. If you guys are interseted I have them from 3/16 to 1/2 just drill a 9/32 hole and push in there pretty cool and give the line a floating look.


show these clips , and where we buy them from

[bentfab]

Rodger when are you going to ship me a project so I can do my minnie version of your large version?
Kenny here's the what they look like and where to get them.

[Ricochet]

I see both side of this. I still do believe that lines can be run inside framerails safely (if done right..I know we all have some hack jobs out there that make you cringe) - but also agree if you have the talent to bend lines like Ironworks or Mark @ Bent - why hide them? It's like wanting to smooth over a tig weld. IMO if done right nothing looks more bitchen than a killer weld. Let it hang out there for the world to see. With that said, I do plan on running my lines outside the rails this time around on the 55, so when I get there I'm sure I'll be hitting you up for some of your products Mark. Do you plan on showing/offering products on your site for those who do their own stuff?

Thanks-
Brent

[bentfab]

Hey Brent
Yes I will be putting my products up as soon as I get all my ducks in a row. Still trying to get everything lined up packaging pricing and all that good stuff. I will be doing product release in as many mags as possible and advertising with Buckaroo and some other publications. I do have a billet product that is the spearhead of my product line and thats kind of holding me up write know. Thanks again to all you guys it feels good to have people out there that do what we do and give the support and complments where it's needed.:D

[MarkM66]

Those plastic line clamps have been out for awhile now.

http://www.lateral-g.net/forums/showthread.php4?t=10310

[bentfab]

Yes they sure have. But know there back on the table and BENT is an excluse dealer for them. How many do you want?

[ccracin]

Yes they sure have. But know there back on the table and BENT is an excluse dealer for them. How many do you want?

Exclusive?

From A Site Vendor's Site:

QUICK CLIPS


Product Information
AT LAST A QUICK SIMPLE SOLUTION TO AN AGE OLD PROBLEM. SIMPLY DRILL A 9/32 HOLE. INSTALL THE QUICK CLIP, SNAP IN YOUR LINE AND YOUR DONE. JUST THAT SIMPLE. THESE CLIPS WERE GIVEN TO A FEW SELECT TOP BUILDS AND AFTER RAVE REVIEWS THEY HAVE COME TO THE OPEN MARKET. NOW YOU CAN USE THE SAME SYSTEM THAT THE TOP BUILDERS ARE USING. DESIGNED AND PATENTED BY KENNY DAVIS HOT RODS. THESE CLIPS ARE AVAIABLE IN 3/16 1/4 5/16 3/8 1/2. PLEASE INCLUDE SIZE WHEN ORDERING. SOLD IN QUANITYS OF 3/16=18 1/4=16 5/16=14 3/8=12 1/2=10 PER BAG.

[kennyd]

let me jump in here ,
these are the same clips , we are very happy to have bentfab selling these .
because of other business ventures i dont have time to work selling these like i should , so bentfab will .
please give him you full support .

[ccracin]

I also want to jump back in. I was not trying to stir the pot, just clear up confusion in my mind. I had looked at these pieces from the other vendor and I am planning on using them. I am not to that stage yet and was confused as to the exclusive comment in his post. Since Kenny had posted earlier I hoped the issue would be clearified, which I believe it has. There is so much information on this site everyday, I have to take notes when I see stuff I like. I hope I didn't offend anyone or cause a problem.

Later,

[bentfab]

I almost replied yesterday but figured I would take a breather until this morning. Presto things worked themselves out. Thanks Kenny and Chad. We are all on here for support from one another. I mite have worded things wrong but like some of us I'am also trying to make a living. Believe me I started my buisness from nothing and I've never and will never step on anyones toes nor sell or take something without proper concent. I would'nt be where I'am at if I did'nt have any morals. Thanks again.

[brans72]

GREAT info BentFab!!!!!!!!

[rwhite692]

Travis since your original post was asking about routing of fuel lines...and you are working on an early mustang...

Did you see what the ring bros did on Reactor? They used inexpensive mild steel electrical conduit tubing, to create a pass-through inside the passenger compartment, from the lower firewall area, through the body following along the top of the trans tunnel, and exiting near the rearend. one conduit for battery cables and the other for fuel lines... There are photos in the build book. Pretty neat idea.