Fuel Lines - Antique Car Talk


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Fuel Lines

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slimnotshady
New User

Feb 11, 2016, 10:45 PM

Post #1 of 4 (3423 views)

Fuel Lines	Sign In

1970
Chevrolet
Chevellee
350 Small Block (5.7 cubic liters)/ TH400 Transmission
More Mileage than I can count

Replacing Fuel Lines

I am trying to run new fuel lines on a 1970 Chevelle. I have heard that I need to remove the body from the frame to do this, but I do not want to risk doing that because I can potentially damage my car.
1) I am wondering if it it possible to run new fuel lines on this car without removing the body?
2) Also I think that if I cut the fuel lines I can install them without removing the body but how dangerous is it to cut a fuel line a reattach it afterwards with a flaring tool? I have heard for safety reasons not to cut fuel lines.
Does anybody have experience with this?

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 12, 2016, 1:30 AM

Post #2 of 4 (3418 views)

Re: Fuel Lines	Sign In

You do NOT need to remove body to replace fuel line in this.
You do need to learn how to use a tubing bender and make flares as needed to route line in ORIGINAL locations and properly held in place such that it can't rub or wiggle around even if you need to replace line holders.
Bendable steel fuel line is in stock common line already made in assorted sizes and lengths to use with unions. Match the size of line and buy a few of the longest line and cut with a tubing cutter NOT HACK SAW OR WIRE CUTTERS to required lengths to route along right where original is now that you will need to remove. If original it can't be routed in one line all the way like that again without taking body off but not necessary to do it safely.
DO NOT USE COPPER LINE OR COMPRESSION FITTINGS! Where rubber line is used, use proper fuel/PCV line available by the foot.
Use stainless steel hose clamps where needed and double them up if to be put on cut line without the OE ends that hold rubber to metal line.

Totally doable. Practice bending some line with bender you choose. I doubt you need the entire line all the way and you can do just the part you need or all if you wish.

It's not that expensive but takes some time to get it all just right. Try taking old sections out to bend the same if possible to match bends and placement of unions as needed.
Check for leaks when done at every connection you made or touched,

T

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Feb 12, 2016, 3:15 AM

Post #3 of 4 (3408 views)

Re: Fuel Lines	Sign In

Since this is likely a restoration I can understand if you would rather use pre-bent lines instead of bending your own but if you decide to take the pre-bent route, then you are going to have to lift the body off to get them in without bending.

Most restorations would include a body removal anyway.

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 12, 2016, 3:43 AM

Post #4 of 4 (3404 views)

Re: Fuel Lines	Sign In

HT and OP (original poster) - what is the objective? Question #2 suggests you'd rather not take body off or fear danger of cutting fuel lines if up to a frame up restoration you shouldn't need to ask that. There's always danger around fuel so you take steps as seen what to do about removing a "wet" fuel line if so.
If just fixing this because it leaks so you can use the car is all different than a show quality restoration.
Said - Bending line with assorted tools to do so takes some practice. There are a few tubing cutter types as well.
In short it can be done quite safely and properly functional without appearance of new original,
T

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