Tubular Tuesday's

[bentfab]

I've been thinking of this for a good while now and thought I would share some of my past and present plumbing projects and call it Tubular Tuesday's. Every Tuesday I or anyone else with plumbing pics,ideas or tech would be a pretty cool idea to help and share with the community.

Plumbing on any car is probably one of the most over looked and neglected aspects of a car. Trust me I've seen it all ! It blows my mind when I see $100,000.00 + cars with dangling brake and fuel lines zip tied and shoved into a crevice of the car or run under the carpet for that so called "clean look". Take a little pride and patience and do it write. After all it's your LIFE !


So let me start it off with a few pics and see how things go !

[War]

I so need to learn to do this. Nice work!

[Teetoe_Jones]

Where did you get the clamps that hold the brake lines onto that tube chassis with the cantilever coil overs? Those are slick!

Tyler

[ironworks]

We water jet our own. They just suck to sand and smooth.

http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt248/ironworksspeed/C6-57%20truck%20project/shoppics12-29-2007012.jpg
http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt248/ironworksspeed/C6-57%20truck%20project/shoppics12-29-2007014.jpg

[monza]

Great idea on a thread, thanks.
Impressive for sure.

[Cris@JCG]

We have alot learned alot when comes to plumbing in the last couple of months.. We try to keep eveything with clamps & out of the way with safety in mind.. Alot of work to plumb a car..

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/IMG_0453.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/IMG_0454.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/IMG_0452.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/IMG_0451.jpg

[bentfab]

Where did you get the clamps that hold the brake lines onto that tube chassis with the cantilever coil overs? Those are slick!

Tyler

Yeah they were slick. About 8 years ago I had a few made and they cost me my left leg. So if you see me limping you'll know why.

Problem with this style of clamp is you might need 3 or 4 different size radius's to run one line from front to back. So when one clamp is made you need to make the most common used sizes 1/4, 3/4, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, 1-5/8, 1-3/4, & 2. There not easy and any machinist would want to have a min. of 250 to 500 to make it worth while for both parties.
Let's just say at that quanity they would be $3.50 ea. That's 2000 to 4000 peaces X $3.50 = $7000.00 to $17,500 for ONE FREAK-EN SIZE :willy:

Now you know why I haven't made them !

[bentfab]

Mark, your the man when it comes bending fuel and brake lines. Your work is unreal and really inspiring. I just finished these and I think it was one of the hardest things I've done on my car so far. This is something I want to get better at.


http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture487.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture489-1.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture486.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture489-1.jpg


Bad ass ! It sure can get difficult quick.

[tones2SS]

Great work guys.:thumbsup:
(Great thread idea.)

[Moose]

what are you using to bend that big -8an aluminum line? awesome work!!!

[bentfab]

My lines are stainless and I use a Rothenberger 5/8's bender. It's the only thing I could find in a 5/8's bender. I have a few Ridgid benders but they don't seem to make a 5/8's that will bend stainless.

I'd like to know what you use for a 5/8's bender Mark?

Just your standard ridged hand bender. You gotta choke it up in the vise like a baseball bat. It still flex's though. I know one of these days it's ganna brake on me. :woot:

[bentfab]

Before my Tuesday ends here's a few more.
The third to last one I also made the gas tank. Beleive it or not but the 1st and 2nd to last pics are on George Poteet's Charger that Pure Vision built a few years back. I did all the fuel and brakes on the car. So far it's the closest I've gotten to do something for George :hail:

Enjoy

[4cefed]

What is your technique for layout? Do you use something like Bend Tech or is it all done by eye and a tape measure?

[XcYZ]

Amazing workmanship in this thread. Awesome.

[bentfab]

What is your technique for layout? Do you use something like Bend Tech or is it all done by eye and a tape measure?

To be honest. I study all the variables from point A to point B and then figure what adapters I need or if I need to make or modify any. Instal the adapters and fittings at each end and then eye ball or visualize the lay out. Grab some tube and start bending. I'm always adamant to the customer to make sure everything is in the car as if it were running. Especially exhaust. If I don't do that 9 times out of 10 it will hit something or the components will be to close for my concerns when the customer instals the next peace. O' it is mostly done with an eye ball and tape measure.

[wiedemab]

Impressive work. I bought some of your clips for my brake lines and air lines for my Chevy Truck project. They work awesome! If you haven't seen them check them out. I think the first time I saw them used was on the Silver Camaro that Kenny Davis built and had to have some!

The key for me is not be afraid to create some scrap and trust me I do........... I seem to create less scrap though with each time - - - so that's good!

[DRJDVM's '69]

Mark
What bulkhead/passthrough fitting are those? I need to get some for my Cuda and those perfect?

Ned

[RickM415]

very nice work ,all of you guys :hail:

[Vegas69]

Fantastic bending in every application. I bent my own lines and they work. I'd hate to flip over our projects and have a competition. :D

[89 RS]

Some amazing work. To me, that is like art work.

[bentfab]

Mark
What bulkhead/passthrough fitting are those? I need to get some for my Cuda and those perfect?

Ned

Hey Ned,

Those are custom made per application. Very simple to make. Just solid bar drilled and tapped. The ones on George's car were a strait thread. It lets the fitting bottom out with a washer and makes for a cleaner look. I've also done it with a pipe thread also. Pipe lets you use different adapters to get a better and tighter angle going in or out, but doesn't look as clean (in some cases).

Mark

[bentfab]

It's already been a week ! Holy Cow ! Anyhow here's a few more pics for Tuesday

[tones2SS]

It's already been a week ! Holy Cow ! Anyhow here's a few more pics for Tuesday

That looks amazing! Great job.:cheers:

[bentfab]

Here's some more for Tuesday. I also added in a few exhaust system shots. After all it's tubing as well.

Don't forget to post some of your own stuff as well. I want this to be a community thread too.

[tones2SS]

Great work. :thumbsup:

[65 347]

I love tuesday! Great craftmanship

[Cris@JCG]

Great job on the exhaust Mark!

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/jcgrestoration/mark-exhaust100_3078.jpg

[Lenie]

First timer. Installed my stainless brakelines, any leaks????????:_paranoid
http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/8430/dsc00989q.jpg (http://img814.imageshack.us/i/dsc00989q.jpg/)

[frankenstang]

I need a source for 1/2 stainless line for my fuel system. Any ideas on who tro get it from? Also, how hard is it to bend that stuff? The pictures from bent fab looks amazing.

[MaxHarvard]

Amazing work guys! Really impressive! :thumbsup:

[lhkustoms]

I need a source for 1/2 stainless line for my fuel system. Any ideas on who tro get it from? Also, how hard is it to bend that stuff? The pictures from bent fab looks amazing.

here is a source for 1/2" stainless
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/mepages/stainlesstubing.php
and here is a link for a 1/2" bender
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/levertypebendr.php

or you can try purechoice motorsports
http://www.purechoicemotorsports.com

[bentfab]

I need a source for 1/2 stainless line for my fuel system. Any ideas on who tro get it from? Also, how hard is it to bend that stuff? The pictures from bent fab looks amazing.

I might have an idea ?

It's not that it's hard. It's just hard coughing up the money when you have to redo a line that just cost you a few hundred in time and money.

[DIGI-TAILS]

Amazing works!!! I see it as an art. :)

[frankenstang]

OK, so 6-7.50 per foot is insane. What would you recommend? I currently have aeroquip -6 feed line and it's starting to bleed off fumes. Jegs and Summit have aluminum hard line, but it's not rated (supposedly) for EFI pressure. I don't want to have to replace the feed and return lines every few years. I have to drop the IRS cradle to replace the lines, it's a real pain to get to them.

[rwhite692]

Mark, what are your thoughts regarding the use of Aluminum tubing for making fuel hardlines? I would think that aluminum hardlines would be perfectly adequate for a typical EFI system, the most pressure seen is probably going to be less than 50PSI. I can see where the Aluminum lines would certainly be less resistant to impact damage, such as under a car by a flying rock or something.

[GregWeld]

Use PROPER fuel injection hose --- check it out.


http://www.gates.com/common/downloads/files/Gates/brochure/TechTipsForm.pdf

[bentfab]

This fuel system was 5/8 feed and 1/2 return in aluminum and fed this motor. These pics are probably 4 years old. Just make sure you have things routed clean,no binding and make sure things are mounted good to keep vibrations down. The aluminum is obviously softer so it's a little more temperamental at the flares.

Mark

[bentfab]

Maaannn .... Starting a weekly thread comes around quick ! Trying to keep the pics coming is getting to be tough. :willy:

Let's see more from all you guys ?

[Ron in SoCal]

I like the bottom pic....:thumbsup:

[coolwelder62]

I like this thead, Really like seeing your work Mark. Here are a few of the the intake tube and upper radiator tube I made for my car. Also one of my engine compartment where you can see the intake fuel lines I did.

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture206.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture209.jpg


http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture475.jpg

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/jays%20Camaro/Picture472.jpg
Jay,That's some awesome fab work,over the top.:thumbsup: Scott

[jmac]

Man!! How did you make that intake tubing??!!! Looks real nice!! Did you cut and weld and just grind down the seams?
Nice work everyone!!!

[bentfab]

Nice work Jay ! :woot:

Mark

[waynieZ]

Awesome job Jay. Thats amazing.

[JPO1970]

Thanks guys, :cheers:




I made the intake tube out of 2 90's and a 45, welded it up and blended the welds.

Where do you get your pipe and fittings.

[jmac]

Wow! Is that intake tube stainless also?
Very Nice!!

[tones2SS]

Amazing looking work guys! Very nice.:thumbsup:

[preston]

For fuel lines I started using teflon lined braided hose, although the biggest size I can get from Summit is -8. It takes a little bit of searching on their site to find the right fittings and lines, but its there. Doesn't cost much more really then the normal braided line. A little bit harder to assemble, and you can't get swivel fittings, but you can rotate the fittings up to a 1/2-3/4 turn with no leak worries, so you can still adjust them to the right angle. That's been my solution anyway, after trying to route some -10 aluminum line through a trans tunnel and make room for fittings so it could be disconnected.

Also, IMO, I wouldn't use aluminum for fuel line. Its just not robust enough. Yeah if you route it super carefully and fully support it, but any mistakes and that stuff can wear through or fatigue pretty quickly.

[preston]

I'll never understand how you guys can grind down the welds and have no trace of the join. I've ground down nice small little TIG welds and you will always see the sanding/grinding marks on the finished product, not to mention the verysmall (.020) misalignment between two tubes that always creeps in. I'd really like to watch someone through that whole process sometime.

[NAPA 68]

I've been waiting all day!:ttiwop:

[JPO1970]

Don't let it die. If I could do anything close to the work in some of these pictures I would post up myshelf.

[jmac]

how about posting some pics of the tubing benders you used with the different projects? i am inspired to bend some tubing after reading this thread. awesome workmanship dude:hail:

Yeah! Great idea! How about some tools of the trade? What would you recommend the regular guy at home starts off with for bending and flaring?

[bentfab]

It's Friday. I found some time to post. So here a few more. I will get some pics posted of my high end (:rofl: ) bending tools for you guys soon. Any how enjoy

Mark

[Lenie]

It's Friday. I found some time to post. So here a few more. I will get some pics posted of my high end (:rofl: ) bending tools for you guys soon. Any how enjoy

Mark

Mark, thanks for your time and reposting this:thumbsup:

[tones2SS]

Awesome work!:yes: :thumbsup:

[bentfab]

More !!!!

[bentfab]

It's Tuesday !

[tones2SS]

Great work.:thumbsup:

[N2TRUX]

Ya know, you keep practicing and your going to get pretty good at that.:thumbsup:

[N2TRUX]

Take a look at Marks website for lots of pure tubing porn. Bent Custom and Performance (http://www.bentcustomandperformance.com/index.html)


http://www.bentcustomandperformance.com/img/gallery/misc-main.jpg

http://www.bentcustomandperformance.com/img/bent_shop2.jpg

[bentfab]

Take a look at Marks website for lots of pure tubing porn. Bent Custom and Performance (http://www.bentcustomandperformance.com/index.html)


http://www.bentcustomandperformance.com/img/gallery/misc-main.jpg

http://www.bentcustomandperformance.com/img/bent_shop2.jpg

That's the best compliment i've gotten. Thanks!

[bentfab]

bump...pleeeease post some pics of what u use to bend ur tubing...thx, rm

As promised here's my tubing tool box and all my high dolla tools and benders :D

[TexasDvlDog]

awesome pics! :hail:

[youthpastor]

As promised here's my tubing tool box and all my high dolla tools and benders :D

that puts a smile on my face- it's nice to know you can do killer work without having all the latest gadgets !

[GregWeld]

that puts a smile on my face- it's nice to know you can do killer work without having all the latest gadgets !

I need hi-tech tools - or I'm not working on ANYTHING!!

:D

Oh yeah.... and, as usual -- it ain't the tools that do the work or that have any skills.... thus my signature line!


:lateral: :cheers: :woot:

[GregWeld]

RAT --

The SPRINGS are for hand bending and go on the OUTSIDE of the tubing you want to bend.... you slide them where you need 'em and bend -- then keep the tubing from collapsing. They DO NOT go on the inside.

They also won't make a nice tight repeatable radius etc... but can certainly be used when needed. Like most of this stuff - they're just another tool that comes in handy should you need 'em. Nobody can have too many tools... :unibrow:

[bentfab]

that puts a smile on my face- it's nice to know you can do killer work without having all the latest gadgets !

Thanks!

It's what I started with 17 years ago and it hasn't changed. You can have the best tools in the world and suck at everything.

Example:
Orange County Choppers. These guys have MILLIONS in tools and there stuff SUCKS !!!

RAT --

The SPRINGS are for hand bending and go on the OUTSIDE of the tubing you want to bend.... you slide them where you need 'em and bend -- then keep the tubing from collapsing. They DO NOT go on the inside.

They also won't make a nice tight repeatable radius etc... but can certainly be used when needed. Like most of this stuff - they're just another tool that comes in handy should you need 'em. Nobody can have too many tools... :unibrow:

Thanks Greg :D


Not the best pic but gives you an idea for what i us the spring benders for

[GregWeld]

Example:
Orange County Choppers. These guys have MILLIONS in tools and there stuff SUCKS !!!


Geez.... and just when I thought I was the only shed in the country like that!
:willy: :willy: :rofl:

[preston]

All of those motorcycle shows crack me up. They act like they're putting together the Mona Lisa and I'm like "So you fab a gas tank and a couple fenders, then bolt on parts ?"

Damn I do more fabrication than that in a weekend.

I wish when those shows were popular (seems like the fad is dying now) they did more car builds - and not Boyd style either. Can you imagine a tv show like the Build Books ? Following a Rad Rides or Ring build ?
Oh well only car geeks would watch I guess.

I'm another proponent of crappy tools LOL. Sometimes when I see what I can build with a HF brake and some $25 body hammers, I wonder what I could do with some real tools. For example a high dollar motorized beader with the correct dies.

[bentfab]

All of those motorcycle shows crack me up. They act like they're putting together the Mona Lisa and I'm like "So you fab a gas tank and a couple fenders, then bolt on parts ?"

Damn I do more fabrication than that in a weekend.

I wish when those shows were popular (seems like the fad is dying now) they did more car builds - and not Boyd style either. Can you imagine a tv show like the Build Books ? Following a Rad Rides or Ring build ?
Oh well only car geeks would watch I guess.

I'm another proponent of crappy tools LOL. Sometimes when I see what I can build with a HF brake and some $25 body hammers, I wonder what I could do with some real tools. For example a high dollar motorized beader with the correct dies.

Don't forget ? We need that by the end of the day,cause were on a one week dead line :rofl: :willy:

[Jim Nilsen]

I might have an idea ?

It's not that it's hard. It's just hard coughing up the money when you have to redo a line that just cost you a few hundred in time and money.

That's why you start with the longest line and work your way to the smallest, you can use most of the bends in a smaller section most of the time you make a mistake.

The smart thing is to make them out of cheap steel line and then tranfer them to the stainless and you probably won't make any mistakes that cost that much.

Classic tube and a few others can get you easier to bend stainless than what some brands are tempered to.

Good luck :cheers:

[bentfab]

That's why you start with the longest line and work your way to the smallest, you can use most of the bends in a smaller section most of the time you make a mistake.

So you're saying the smaller lines are the same as the bigger lines. The same bends, radius's and lengths. So when I mess up I can just unbend or cut and weld the longer line to make or match what I need for the smaller one?

The smart thing is to make them out of cheap steel line and then transfer them to the stainless and you probably won't make any mistakes that cost that much.OR]

So now I can double my time to the customer (write)? After all it's taking twice as long to make one line. Copying another line doesn't always lay the same and you still have to make adjustments when you copy a tube. Which in my world takes more time and cost more? Also in the long run that cheap steal will cost a lot more than a few occasional scrapes. So down the road what's cheaper?

Classic tube and a few others can get you easier to bend stainless than what some brands are tempered to.

Yes, because its thinner wall tube :wow: Which in some applications isn't always better.

Good luck :cheers:

Any how thanks for the advice :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

Like my Sensi used to say....

You have two ears and one mouth... so you should listen twice as much as you talk. :D

Jim.... you weren't really trying to tell THE TUBE MASTER how this is all done were you?? :rolleyes:

[ccracin]

Like my Sensi used to say....

You have two ears and one mouth... so you should listen twice as much as you talk. :D

Yea, but I have a really big mouth from sticking my size 14 in it! :lol:

[GregWeld]

Yea, but I have a really big mouth from sticking my size 14 in it! :lol:

Sorry --- It just had to be said...

I know he was addressing the DIY crowd and not a professional like Mark.

[ccracin]

Sorry --- It just had to be said...

I know he was addressing the DIY crowd and not a professional like Mark.

Agreed. I hope to get to post something in this thread soon. That will mean we are getting closer!

[jmac]

I really love this thread! Can you tell us a good place to buy tubing benders and flare tools?

[lhkustoms]

I really love this thread! Can you tell us a good place to buy tubing benders and flare tools?

http://www.aircraftspruce.com
and
http://www.purechoicemotorsports.com/index.cfm?ptype=results&category_id=70&home_id=70&mode=cat&cat70.htm

[Sti_Guy]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/tokennegro/Rebuild1/IMAG0023.jpg

[70rs]

Nice work newb. :-)
Looks good!

[GregWeld]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/tokennegro/Rebuild1/IMAG0023.jpg

For a guy that asked a zillion (or was it two zillion) questions -- you seem to have a handle on tube 101!

Nicely done.


:thumbsup: :cheers: :woot:

[Sti_Guy]

For a guy that asked a zillion (or was it two zillion) questions -- you seem to have a handle on tube 101!

Nicely done.


:thumbsup: :cheers: :woot:


Thanks!

[bentfab]

Dam !!! Some one else understands this stuff :thumbsup:

Looks good :cheers:

[SickSpeedMonte]

Wow, nice work on the routing there!

Aren't those compression fittings illegal for street use? I was told you had to use a steel nut and flare the tube. Maybe it's just MD.

[bentfab]

Wow, nice work on the routing there!

Aren't those compression fittings illegal for street use? I was told you had to use a steel nut and flare the tube. Maybe it's just MD.

There's no compression fittings. The ones in the anti-lock block are inverted flare factory style nuts and the rest looks like cad plated mild steel nuts and sleeves.

Just a guess :question:

[Bowtieracing]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/tokennegro/Rebuild1/IMAG0023.jpg

Really nice! Does that abs unit belong to car or are you building custom system?

[Sti_Guy]

Really nice! Does that abs unit belong to car or are you building custom system?

I relocated it from the passanger front area behind the headlight to the drivers frame rail. And replumbed the entire cars brake system.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b318/tokennegro/Rebuild1/IMAG0062.jpg

[bentfab]

Here's one we just did a fuel system on for Restorations by Julius. He's a well known Mopar restorer. Most of his stuff is factory stock. This is a car he restored a while back for the original off the show room floor owner. He just finished a new motor for it with fuel injection and we did a return style system with a factory tank.

[Sti_Guy]

I like the use of the L brackets to give a flat mounting surface. Nice!

[HRBS]

My small contribution on THIS tuesday....

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/hrbs/Nova%20Build/IMG_0852.jpg

[bentfab]

Looking good Steve !

[fleetus macmullitz]

My small contribution on THIS tuesday....

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/hrbs/Nova%20Build/IMG_0852.jpg

Nice. :thumbsup:

[Sti_Guy]

Added some work, its harder then it looked to fit a tube between two fixed points. I need to rent the 5/8ths bender to do the final line.



http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Grayautodesign/Subaru%20Build%20Up/74102062.jpg

http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Grayautodesign/Subaru%20Build%20Up/5559a359.jpg

[bentfab]

Added some work, its harder then it looked to fit a tube between two fixed points. I need to rent the 5/8ths bender to do the final line.



http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Grayautodesign/Subaru%20Build%20Up/74102062.jpg

http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Grayautodesign/Subaru%20Build%20Up/5559a359.jpg

Nailed that one on the head. Your lucky you have that bend. It makes it a little easier.

Looking real good. Nice and symmetrical

[Rick Giles]

Guys you are truly talented! I would love to be able to do what you do to my Chevelle. This looks better than FINE ART! Thanks so much for taking your valuable time to post. Please keep the pics coming.:thumbsup:

[Sti_Guy]

Anyone have a measuring tip for when doing a hard line between two points how much does the 37* flare eat when you make the flare? Do you measure to the back of the seat or have a number you always add?

[ccracin]

Anyone have a measuring tip for when doing a hard line between two points how much does the 37* flare eat when you make the flare? Do you measure to the back of the seat or have a number you always add?

You could check yourself. Take a squared piece of tube ready for a flare. Measure back from the end some predetermined length say 3" and put a ref. mark. Now create your flare as you normally do and then measure back to your ref. line. That's how much it used. The final length then we will call "A". You can then take it further from there. You could measure a fitting from the hex shoulder to the end of the taper. Call that "B". Then assemble the tube to the fitting. Now measure from the hex shoulder to your ref. mark on the tube. Call that "C" C-A=X and X-B=Y
"Y" is how far the fitting goes into the tube. You should be able to take it from there. I hope this helps. Please no flaming if my math is wrong, I did this fast at work when I should be doing something else.:lol: You get the principal though. :cheers:

[bentfab]

Anyone have a measuring tip for when doing a hard line between two points how much does the 37* flare eat when you make the flare? Do you measure to the back of the seat or have a number you always add?


God gave us TWO of them. I tend to close one when I get precise. :woot:

[70rs]

God gave us TWO of them. I tend to close one when I get precise. :woot:

:lol: :lol: :thumbsup:

[Syclone892]

Wow :thumbsup:
I hope that I can do my fuel lines half as good as you guys have done! I have practiced a little and they have turned out good, just have to remember to take my time and not rush!

Since I will be doing my fuel lines in 1/2 stainless tubing and boxing in the rear frame section I will now also have to redo my rear brake line which means I might as well redo all of them :)
Question I have is, where is a good place to buy stainless brake line? Second question that I have never really seen answered before, can you double flare brake line? I know I could easily make the single flare but I am worrying about ruining a lot of expensive brake line trying to double flare it.
I have some imperial benders I have bought for this project and the master cool flaring kit.
So experts am I worrying too much or is there a procedure for doing this correctly? I have already learning to work slowly with the master cool kit on scrap pieces of fuel line as it cracks the flare when I go fast.

Thanks for any advise :) and keep up the great work!!

[Sti_Guy]

I double flared all my brake lines that used oem tube ends, for me those were the ones that went into the factory ABS unit. Everything else was single flare 37 degree. Pure Choice Motorsports is the best choice for stainless brake line, they source and sell really nice stuff.

Make sure you are using only Seamless tubing, that should help with the cracking. I use a Ridgid 41162 also known as the 377 for my AN flares the Mastercool kit is great, I just had the worst luck with the double flares. One thing I found that helped everything I flared was to cut the tube with a hack saw, with a high tooth blade. If you can cut square or atleast close it will make your flares all turn out great, you can clean them up with a file.:thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

One thing to remember about using SS tubing -- IT WORK HARDENS -- so in other words - the more you cut - heat - slice - dice - the harder it gets. Just because you start out with annealed tubing... doesn't guarantee you're not going to work harden the end - depending on what and how you go about cutting etc.

DO NOT use a TUBING cutter on SS.... the roller cutter blade really hardens the very end of your cut. Of course that is where the crack will start.

BENT FABRICATION (a supporting vendor here) will also supply you with fittings and tubing..... and if you buy from him - maybe even some tech support.

[HEEP]

DO NOT use a TUBING cutter on SS.... the roller cutter blade really hardens the very end of your cut. Of course that is where the crack will start.

So Greg, What is the best tool for cutting the SS tube?
HEEP

[GregWeld]

DO NOT use a TUBING cutter on SS.... the roller cutter blade really hardens the very end of your cut. Of course that is where the crack will start.

So Greg, What is the best tool for cutting the SS tube?
HEEP

I use my air body saw -- and then square it off on my burr king disc grinder.
Lots of people use a cut off wheel.
I have a SS tubing cutter (takes a special wheel) and sometimes I use it but then leave the tube a little long and square it off on the disc grinder.. but only if I'm going to do a single flare or GM push to connect.

[Sti_Guy]

So Greg, What is the best tool for cutting the SS tube?
HEEP

There is no real “best” tool for cutting tubing, given each method has its own negative side, a person should try as many known good methods and find one they are most comfortable with that yields them the highest percentage of quality cuts, and best flare results.:thumbsup:

[bentfab]

Ok it's a little long over due. This is an all to often topic and conversation.

I just took a compilation of pictures and will show you the proper way to flare with the most basic tools. No grinders,cut off wheels,bench sanders-grinders. Nothing but the basics. If you follow the method to my madness you to can be a bone-a-fide flaring pro. With the cheapest of tools.

Pic#1
Tools of the trade for the DIY

Pic #2
What the tubing looks like when you get it

Pic#3
Cut with a fine tooth (32 pitch) hacksaw. Will get you the squarest cleanest cut and no heat or annealing issues.

Pic#4
Shows the out side and end of tube cleaned, squared, and debure. This was done buy hand with a fine tooth file.

Pic#5
Shows the inside of the tube debured and cleaned and reddy to be flared.

Pic#6
Shows the most basic flare tool (ridged#933-fb on E-Bay all day long) and approximent hight for the flare to roll over.

Pic#7,8,9,10,11,&12
Shows the flare before and after. The only draw back with the handhelds is it leaves the knurls where the tool grabs. In some cases especially with 3/16 tube, you will need to file down the out side to get the sleeve to pull up against the base of the flare.

Pic#13,14,& 15
This is a picture for comparison. The process is all the same but I flared the one with my machine. It leaves a lot sharper flare and no knurl marks. But other than that it's the same.

[GregWeld]

ROCKET SCIENCE.....




:lol: :lol: :lol: :woot:

[bentfab]

ooppss!

Forgot 13,14,&15

[brans72]

Can you tell use what brand flare your using and what bender your using for us Diy guys? I have to makebrake and fuel lines for a 67 C10 and 72 Chevelle with a LS1 in the Chevelle and wanna do the job myself. Thanks Brandon

[bentfab]

Can you tell use what brand flare your using and what bender your using for us Diy guys? I have to makebrake and fuel lines for a 67 C10 and 72 Chevelle with a LS1 in the Chevelle and wanna do the job myself. Thanks Brandon

Brandon,

Any of these brands work. Ridged,imperial,Eastman. Just make sure you buy benders that are designed to bend for one size only. So if you have three different size tubes you have three different benders. The flare tool I showed in the pics. is the one I would prefure. It has the shallowest clamping area. You can get this stuff all day long on e-bay


Mark

[brans72]

now show steps for double flare part please just got my brake flare kit from
Matco (was on sale $81.00) and going to buy a piece of tubing to start trying to get it correct. Brandon

[Sti_Guy]

More work here.
http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Grayautodesign/c3464fa8.jpg

http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Grayautodesign/7567e3d3.jpg

[rwhite692]

ROCKET SCIENCE.....




:lol: :lol: :lol: :woot:



No GW...it's ROCKET SURGERY!

[Andrew]

I was looking through some old magazines the other day and couldn't help but think of this thread. I don't know if it's the symmetry or something else, I could just stare at these pictures all day long.


http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5497.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5498.jpg


http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5500.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5501.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5502.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5503.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5504.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5505.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5506.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5507.jpg

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5508.jpg

[FETorino]

I was looking through some old magazines the other day and couldn't help but think of this thread. I don't know if it's the symmetry or something else, I could just stare at these pictures all day long.


http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd164/kyboshh/2012%20april/DSC_5508.jpg

Check out that Tunnelport manifold.

Tubing is a PITA.

I did a little bending on my wife's Bronco. Practiced with soft AL then did it in stainless.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/winchlineprogress.jpghttp://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/winchlinedual.jpg

[Jr]

Quick bump.

I have been screwing around with 5/16 steel tubing today. Double flaring this tube is NOT easy. After a few hours, I feel more confident in my flaring ability. Big thanks to bent fab for all the tips in this thread.

[bentfab]

Couple new shots. Not the best pics (sorry) and not a car but a pretty bad a$$ bike. Did the oil lines and had to make a few custom adapters. The customer wanted everything hidden as much as possible and yet still be pleasing to the eye when you see it. Pain in the !@## but just the way I like it.

Also a few misc. shots. The intake is from Rick Giles (66 Twin Turbo Chevelle "Green Hornet" ) one of our members. Thanks Rick. I just finished up his intake. Kept things nice and tight and clean. All of it was done in S.S.

[bentfab]

Rick's

[geberhard]

Check out that Tunnelport manifold.

Tubing is a PITA.

I did a little bending on my wife's Bronco. Practiced with soft AL then did it in stainless.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/winchlineprogress.jpghttp://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll306/superjinca/winchlinedual.jpg


Rob looks very clean, but looks like the lines will bend or crack? uppers mounted to radiator support which I believe is sitting\supported on bushings against the frame, and lowers are mounted towards wicnh plate which si mounted directly to the frame. For a street rig may not be an issue, but offroading the frame would flex? Nonetheless very clean!

[GregWeld]

Mark -- As usual --- you're THE MASTER!


Beautiful work!

[bentfab]

It's Tuesday and i got a few more. Here's a pic with an inline sensor on the return line to tell the computer what gas is running. Unleaded or E-85

[bentfab]

I just finished up this Factory Five Cobra. Major over hall on the fuel and brakes. The fuel system was complete from carb to gas tank. Ordered up a custom S.S. from Hector at Ricks. Installed a new pump and all new plumbing. The brake system needed a new master pro valve and all new plumbing. it already had Wilwoods on it.

Here's a few before and afters

[bentfab]

The before and afters on the brakes

[bentfab]

Before and after engine bay

[bentfab]

A fellow Lat-G's (Project Flux) intake for some custom plumbing.

[bentfab]

Hey Jay Thanks!

The distribution blocks are mine. Hence the BENT logo. I designed them to come out strait and not like the industry standard "Y" witch aren't even a 45 degree.

I have 4 different sizes -4(1/4"),-6(3/8") in the pic,-8(1/2") and -10(5/8"). They are all true inside diameter to the size they are. So there is no flow restriction. You can actually take a tube and slide it inside and not under sized like all other "Y's" and blocks in the industry. They are all O-ring ports so you can inner change sizes as needed like I did on this intake.They also come w/ a 1/4" counter board 2 bolt hole location for mounting.


They are PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A :flag2: from start to finish


Mark

[Ron in SoCal]

We're all proudly mad around here Mark :D

(not that i'm one to talk about typos!!)

Great looking piece Mark. :cheers:

[bentfab]

We're all proudly mad around here Mark :D

(not that i'm one to talk about typos!!)

Great looking piece Mark. :cheers:

You have anything else better to do!:poke:

Maybe I was MAD when I typed it :thumbsup:


Mark

[Ron Sutton]

Ron in SoCal giving someone a hard time?
I am shocked & appalled. (Not really)

-----------------------------------------------------------

Mark, I've seen a lot of Y-blocks over the years & yours are really nice.

Can you post a photo showing the inside of the single port?

.

[Al Moreno]

You have anything else better to do!:poke:

Maybe I was MAD when I typed it :thumbsup:


Mark

:lol: Good come back :bigun2: Mark!


Ron, your not going to put up with that kinda talk? :catfight:


:stirthepot:


:peepwall:

[bentfab]

Ron,

Here's a couple shots. One of them shows a 1/2" bar going threw it.

[Ron Sutton]

Very nice.

I went to your website to look up pricing, but could not find them. Can you direct me?

.

[Ron in SoCal]

You have anything else better to do!:poke:

Maybe I was MAD when I typed it :thumbsup:


Mark

Ron in SoCal giving someone a hard time?
I am shocked & appalled. (Not really)



:lol: Good come back :bigun2: Mark!


Ron, your not going to put up with that kinda talk? :catfight:


:stirthepot:


:peepwall:

So a non-sarcastic response. Strange coming from me, I know -

* We are ALL properly mad around here. Mark and myself included.
* Anyone that knows Mark, knows he is one of the most calm dudes you'll ever meet. I'm sure a body hammer has flown across his parking lot, but I've never seen it. I bet I could find one of our mutual friends that has, lol.
* Mark doesn't type when he's mad!
* Mad, in the most common definitions (i.e. angry or crazy), does not describe Mark. Mad Skills does though.

In the end, Ron in NorCal was right again :sigh: :D :cheers:

[bentfab]

So a non-sarcastic response. Strange coming from me, I know -

* We are ALL properly mad around here. Mark and myself included.
* Anyone that knows Mark, knows he is one of the most calm dudes you'll ever meet. I'm sure a body hammer has flown across his parking lot, but I've never seen it. I bet I could find one of our mutual friends that has, lol.
* Mark doesn't type when he's mad!
* Mad, in the most common definitions (i.e. angry or crazy), does not describe Mark. Mad Skills does though.

In the end, Ron in NorCal was right again :sigh: :D :cheers:

:thankyou:

Are you buttering me up for something:lmao:

[bentfab]

Very nice.

I went to your website to look up pricing, but could not find them. Can you direct me?

.

Yeah... Nothing on the site.

You'll have to give me a ring at the shop 818-701-6147

Mark

[Ron in SoCal]

:thankyou:

Are you buttering me up for something:lmao:

Butter is for :popcorn2: :P

[Syclone892]

Mark @ BentFab I really like the y-block so I will be calling you on monday to order one :)
I wanted to also ask you, the fuel system you just replumbed with the a1000 and the 2 aeromotive filters mounts to the ends of the pump, what kind of fittings did you use inbetween them? I am just starting to plumb my fuel system and am doing the same thing as its way easier to mount everything. I had used normal AN union fittings and put o-rings on them before but I wanted to see if someone made a more correct fitting that was just the straight thread o-ring fitting on both ends so there wasn't much of a loss of flow. I understand its probably not much but I figured if I'm doing it I want to do it the best I can :)
I will get to try out making one stainless 1/2 hardline, I planned on using less hose and doing more hardline but the way everything is laying out it would be such a waste to try to use the hardline as its all short sections and I want to rubber mount the pump for less noise so I doubt I should connect hardline to it.

Thanks for the help and I hope to talk to you on monday as I am hoping to get this fuel system wrapped up next weekend :)

[DRJDVM's '69]

Got a question on flaring SS brake line..

Bought my tube from Mark and got a Ridgid flare tool...got the one where it "clicks" and breaks loose when you should stop the flare.. I also bought a kit with the plugs and air fitting to pressure test the tubes and test for leaks..

Followed Mark's directions too the letter....did some practice flares..... pressure tested them all and they all held up great....

My question is, when you slide the tube sleeve back up to the flare....where should the flare be fitting?...should it essentially make the end of the flare sit flat with the end of the tube nut...above it...below it?

My brake lines seem to sit just below the end of the tube nut...and the end of the next fitting doesn't seem to fit very deep into the flare....every thing seems to seal up fine with air pressure....but the flare seems a bit shallow....

I did a flare on some 8 AN tube today...my first practice flare seemed big...the fitting sat in the flare nice and deep, deeper that the brake line....but the flare didn't sit all the way into the tube sleeve....when you put the pieces together, you could still see the end of the tube...

So now I'm worried that my brake lines flares are too shallow....

[bentfab]

Haven't posted in a few. Here's a couple to keep the thread alive

A/C and heater lines in a 32

[bentfab]

two more

E-85 inline censor

[Sieg]

OUTSTANDING! :thumbsup:

[DOOM]

OUTSTANDING! :thumbsup:

X2!!!!!:hail:

[65 347]

This truly art work!
Looks great!

Mike

[GregWeld]

Nice work Mark!!


I will tell ya though.... I ran all SS hard lines for the A/C in my Nomad.... and that was an A/C killer. The cold line turned into a giant heat sink - iced up and then the A/C wouldn't blow worth a damn.


Just sayin'

[bentfab]

X2!!!!!:hail:

This truly art work!
Looks great!

Mike

Nice work Mark!!


I will tell ya though.... I ran all SS hard lines for the A/C in my Nomad.... and that was an A/C killer. The cold line turned into a giant heat sink - iced up and then the A/C wouldn't blow worth a damn



Just sayin'


:thankyou: Guys!!

Greg,

I do what the customer wants.(:bang: :hairpullout: ) I can only give my opinion in the practicality department when it comes to this stuff. But they always want what they want. Sooo... I do the best to araganomicly make it work.

Mark

[GregWeld]

Amazing Jay -- that they ran fittings etc INSIDE the car..... Great work by the way! I would think that with the copper that the hard part wouldn't be the bends but handling it and having it bend all on it's own!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA

[bentfab]

It's not Tuesday but I thought I'd share a few from one of our resto projects anyways. It a 49 Hudson. Almost all the lines where made in copper from the factory. We decided to do them just like they did only a little neater. We should be finished up with them next week. It post up the rest once we're finished.
http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture756_zps428ff9b6.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture756_zps428ff9b6.jpg.html)
http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture763_zps0d8a17d6.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture763_zps0d8a17d6.jpg.html)

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture764_zps1d1efe91.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture764_zps1d1efe91.jpg.html)
http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture769_zps1cbb73dc.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture769_zps1cbb73dc.jpg.html)
http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture786_zps6d9bc96e.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture786_zps6d9bc96e.jpg.html)
http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture787_zpsc0cf04da.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture787_zpsc0cf04da.jpg.html)
. http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture779_zps8234a711.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture779_zps8234a711.jpg.html)
http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture781_zps53fe2234.jpg (http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture781_zps53fe2234.jpg.html)


Good stuff James!

Your doing well when the WELD says something about You!

Mark

[waynieZ]

Nice work Jay.

[DRJDVM's '69]

We'll I did all my brake and fuel lines and it went pretty well

Bought a pressure test kit and the brake lines all sealed up fine.... However I can't get my 8 AN SS fuel lines to seal....

I spent a lot of time prepping the tube etc and the flares look perfect... They look like they fit the sleeve right and seem to match the next fitting ... But if I put some air into them, they bubble..... Tried loosen/tighten a bunch of time.... Can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.... They look perfect.....all 4 flares leak.....Frustrated.........

Cut some test pieces and messed with the position of the tube in the flare tool to make the flare more shallow/deep....still leak.....

Frustrated.... Got a lot of time bending these just right..... Designed it so that I can cut the flare off and re-flare one time and not redo much.....

[SuperB70]

what kind of fittings are you using with ss tube? some cases you need to use gasket, even with AN flares with ss tube. You just cant turn them tight enough to seal because they are from so hard material.

[GregWeld]

Real simple --- Call Mark at Bent Fab and have his send you some flare savers...


Little copper washers that are shaped for flare fittings.... they're soft enough to seal up. There's a reason why they're made. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[DRJDVM's '69]

I'm using earls black anodized aluminum fittings...

My best theory is that the thicker 8 AN SS line is so stiff that unless its 110% perfect, it won't deform at all to mate with the fitting

I've been looking at the conical seals by Earls and some other companies.... Just don't want to use them as a " band aid" if I don't need to..... Figured if I did it all correct, I shouldn't need them. It's my fuel line too, so it makes me nervous that the car is going to burst into flames :)

[GregWeld]

I'm using earls black anodized aluminum fittings...

My best theory is that the thicker 8 AN SS line is so stiff that unless its 110% perfect, it won't deform at all to mate with the fitting

I've been looking at the conical seals by Earls and some other companies.... Just don't want to use them as a " band aid" if I don't need to..... Figured if I did it all correct, I shouldn't need them. It's my fuel line too, so it makes me nervous that the car is going to burst into flames :)




Well -- I've NEVER had to use them or buy them..... but they are made for a reason. Stainless is hard and your total surface to surface area is quite small.


I HOPE -- you're using some lube (anti seize) on the threads of the fittings so you're able to squeeze them without galling the threads.

[dontlifttoshift]

You did use seamless tubing, right?

[DRJDVM's '69]

Yes.... I bought the "good stuff" right from Mark at Bent Fab...seamless, annealed.... so I don't think its a materials issue...

[fleetus macmullitz]

James,

Thanks for posting that. Great work as always. :thumbsup:

Orderly tubing is a good thing. :unibrow:

[bentfab]

Thanks Jay!

Dang :hairpullout: .... looks like I can get a little motivation from looking at your stuff.


Awesome work!

Mark

[GregWeld]

It's too bad we can't build - "skeletal" cars… so everyone could see all of this super killer workmanship!

[65 347]

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz86/Jamess113/49%20Hudson/Picture756_zps428ff9b6.jpg[/URL]

http://s816.photobucket.com/user/Jamess113/media/49%20Hudson/Picture763_zps0d8a17d6.jpg.html

How do you get the copper roll or aluminum roll to flatten out once you unroll it? Looks awesome.

Mike

[Vegas69]

Two words: Skill & Patience

[Graham08]

Dragging this one back up from the dead...

First, thanks Mark for posting the pictures of your work and the info. It was extremely helpful as I tackled doing hard lines in stainless the first time. :thankyou:

I've done brake lines on several race car projects in mild steel. This was the first time I've done fuel system stuff in hard line and I'm very happy with the results so far. A few pictures of my current sprint car project:

Supply line from the fuel filter to the pump. This is 3/4" x 0.065". I was able to score a larger Imperial Rol-Air tool off Ebay for reasonable money, and had a 3/4" die for my tubing bender already.

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/grahamgott/sprint_car/IMG_20150708_222458579_zpsl5ceh8om.jpg (http://s362.photobucket.com/user/grahamgott/media/sprint_car/IMG_20150708_222458579_zpsl5ceh8om.jpg.html)

Tee'd the high speed and secondary together to run one line back to the tank:

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/grahamgott/sprint_car/IMG_20150712_150324084_HDR_zpsxeibd4bh.jpg (http://s362.photobucket.com/user/grahamgott/media/sprint_car/IMG_20150712_150324084_HDR_zpsxeibd4bh.jpg.html)

Main and HS/secondary returns to the tank:

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/grahamgott/sprint_car/IMG_20150712_173357411_zpsnkl36fzr.jpg (http://s362.photobucket.com/user/grahamgott/media/sprint_car/IMG_20150712_173357411_zpsnkl36fzr.jpg.html)

There will be a pair of short hoses up to the top of the cell.

Supply and secondary bypass lines going from chassis mounted bulkheads to the barrel valve:

http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo69/grahamgott/sprint_car/IMG_20150713_222408012_zps1ilxdgew.jpg (http://s362.photobucket.com/user/grahamgott/media/sprint_car/IMG_20150713_222408012_zps1ilxdgew.jpg.html)

Thanks again! I would love to see this thread get going again...

[bentfab]

Grahm08...... Pretty dam impressive for a first time. 5/8 isnt fun to bend..

Thanks for compliments.

Here's a few plumbing pics of a Dodge Power wagon we've been putting together

[waynieZ]

Love your work Mark, thanks for posting.

[Graham08]

Grahm08...... Pretty dam impressive for a first time. 5/8 isnt fun to bend..

Thanks for compliments.

Here's a few plumbing pics of a Dodge Power wagon we've been putting together

Thanks! I'm using my hydraulic bender for the bigger stuff. I bought 1/2" and 3/4" dies for one-off sort of projects and now they get as much use as the bigger stuff.

That Power Wagon looks pretty serious! Nice Work!

[Matt@BOS]

Two words: Skill & Patience

And the right tool.

[raustinss]

This is like tube porn...not to be confused with porn on the tube..thats different

[bentfab]

Here's a few more of a 70 ElCo...

[bentfab]

And some more......

[Riddler]

I wish you were closer! I'm dreading doing my fuel, AC and brakes lines.

Your work is amazing, I wish I had the proper tools and ability to do this top notch work.

Riddler

[LS1-IROC]

Wow, great work!