I have a unique situation where I'm going to need some short flexible brake lines from my master cylinder to some 3AN fittings. Anybody know shops/online places where I can order some custom lines?
I'll be switching from this single output master from Chase Bays back to a factory booster and MC.
I think our local NAPA might actually be able to do it. If not, Parker probably can.
The usual technique is an off-the-shelf AN-3 line with adapters, though. I'm not 100% sure why you're looking for a flex line in this application.
Pegasus Auto Racing would be my first go to for something like that.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
I suppose hard lines would work just as well. But I'm not experienced in building those. Is there a place I can order the materials and fittings to make hard lines?
If you want 45* SAE style flares, those are on the shelf at your local auto parts store. They even have short lengths of pre-flared line so you just have to bend.
If you want AN flares, you'll have to flare your own and there are a bunch of sources for the tools - the usual suspects like Speedway and Summit and Eastwood.
Can you be explicit on what's connecting to what? Like SAE female inverted flare to AN -3, or?
I have used Pegasus Racing. They used to have a link on there website to specify length, type fitting for each end including elbows, AN, SAE, etc. if not give them a call. Their tech guys can answer just about any question.
Keith Tanner said:If you want 45* SAE style flares, those are on the shelf at your local auto parts store. They even have short lengths of pre-flared line so you just have to bend.
If you want AN flares, you'll have to flare your own and there are a bunch of sources for the tools - the usual suspects like Speedway and Summit and Eastwood.
Can you be explicit on what's connecting to what? Like SAE female inverted flare to AN -3, or?
The master cylinder has (1) M12x1.0 female, (1) M10x1.0 female and they will go to AN-3 fittings.
It was a few years ago but Orme Brothers made mine. I don't recall the prices but I do recall them being reasonable, the hoses are excellent as was the customer service. I needed a fitting that was not very common and they knew enough to ask if that was really what I needed and then took the time to source the correct part. When I measured them wrong, he didn't call me stoopid, even though I was, then made me two more at a cost only price. I worked with Joel - 818-885-1414
You can pick up a length of pre-flared hard line with metric fittings at your auto parts store and a metric->AN adapter at Summit etc. Wilwood uses adapters like that on their brake kits.
Hard lines would be better in that application.
It's also an easy skill to learn and keep in your toolbox. I can walk you through getting a perfect flare every time if you like.
I still can't figure out how to remember to put the fitting on every time before I flare the tube.
Thanks for the tips guys, much appreciated!
ShawnG, feel free to write a guide for the perfect flare!
While we're all here, I'll elaborate some. I've been less than 100% happy with this boosterless system from day 1. It's pretty good, but not great. I want brakes that are really good on a car that I'm tracking. Then I read in another thread how the single port master cylinder in this Chase Bays system is pretty dangerous, because a single failure anywhere in the system leaves you with no brakes. While a failure in a normal 2 port MC system will leave you with front or rear brakes still. So, time to bite the bullet and make the change. I'm using a Mercedes 190E booster, which is supposed to be pretty close to bolt-on and an oem e36 M3 master cylinder. These fittings and lines are the last piece of the puzzle.
Inline Tube and Classic Tube both do it. I have sent them pieces of bent coat hanger with a piece of tape on the end that says "3/8 inverted flare" and they sent back perfect stainless pieces.
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
I just bought a boatload of pieces parts from Inline Tube for a prototype vehicle we're building. decent sstuff, decent prices.
speedway / summit / jegs have adapters to go from SAE or metric threads and flares to AN dash-whatever. Probably made by Earl's.
In reply to Lof8 - Andy :
Here you go: Perfect flares
Just wanted to add another for Pegasus, they are my go-to for any custom hoses or cables, and Weber carb stuff.
Plus they are local to me, have a nice showroom, and the people that work there are awesome.
These dudes just made some stuff for me that is pretty high quality. HEL Braided Brake Lines, AN Fittings, AN Hose & Oil Cooler Kits
You can completely customize your lines to your liking.
I would never rob myself of the pleasure of bending custom brake lines. It is seriously one of life's greatest satisfactions.
SteveCH said:A bit of a bump and self-promotion which I hope is allowed (sorry if not!), but I've just started a custom brake lines service: stainless steel braided hose with fully stainless fittings, made 100% to your spec using our interactive hose builder!
That's pretty cool. And pretty reasonably priced. Shipping would be the killer since you're in the UK.
maschinenbau said:I would never rob myself of the pleasure of bending custom brake lines. It is seriously one of life's greatest satisfactions.
Part of the reason I hate NiCopp lines is that it is almost impossible to make them not look like crap.
In the Hotlink thread, there is an underhood shot of a beautiful Volvo with an as-yet-undetermined turbo six cylinder in it (thinking more and more that it's a form of 2JZ) but all I can see are the ugly brake lines rollercoastering from the master cylinder.
With some simple tools it is easy to make nice neat angled bends, no need to make amateurish looking sweeping curves. And NiCopp is so pliable that it's hard to make lines with it that don't look like an amusement park ride.
Brake lines are a wear item here, I used to bend 250-300 feet of line a month making new line racks for cars. I always took pride in duplicating the old lines as closely as possible. No rollercoasters. I use a simple tool that looks like a pair of pliers to make short neat bends.
99% of the time I would even remember to put the tube nut on BEFORE flaring the end 
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