I recently received a brand new set of replacement brake lines for my '61 Mk II. Taking apart the old lines seemed straightforward, though I hadn't pulled all of them out yet. Considering the length of the new lines and a desire to minimize any bending or straightening of them (particularly the front ones), however, it looks like the installation will be slightly more complicated. It appears that I either have to a) unbend most of the pre-fab bends in the new brake lines and re-do them during installation or b) remove nearly everything from the engine area (including the engine!). Thoughts? I'm new to the process of restoration, but feel I'm fairly handy with a wrench, so I can take the bad news :-)

Submitted by NE48-48878 on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 08:08

Front brakes are pretty much done, but I have a concern about the lines to the back brakes. The 'original' set of lines were clearly hand-formed, and they curl in tightly from the back axle underneath the emergency brake mechanism. Is this how it should be?

I'm wondering if there's a possibility of the emergency brake potentially pinching the brake line. I have a photo at http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18543910/Installing_Brake_line_on_Rear_Caliper.jpg that shows the original brake line installed (this on the driver's side, looking from the back of the car), and the new line still floating outside the emergency brake, waiting to be bent. Thoughts?

Submitted by NE48-48878 on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 08:08

Front brakes are pretty much done, but I have a concern about the lines to the back brakes. The 'original' set of lines were clearly hand-formed, and they curl in tightly from the back axle underneath the emergency brake mechanism. Is this how it should be?

I'm wondering if there's a possibility of the emergency brake potentially pinching the brake line. I have a photo at http://dl.dropbox.com/u/18543910/Installing_Brake_line_on_Rear_Caliper.jpg that shows the original brake line installed (this on the driver's side, looking from the back of the car), and the new line still floating outside the emergency brake, waiting to be bent. Thoughts?

Submitted by NE48-48878 on Mon, 09/26/2011 - 08:15

FWIW, it wasn't that bad in the end. The main front brake line went in without having to unbend/re-bend anything. I just had to be less afraid of forcing it through the available openings.