Help with brake lines/parts

[drummerdad]

Im getting ready to build the brake system for Isaacs truck. The front brakes are just a generic single piston disc setup. It came with the IFS, Ill convert the rear to discs, but they will be generic also, for now. Ultimately, I would like to get wilwood for the front and rear. But phase one is just getting it on the road. I am wanting a booster set-up, but without the vacuum booster so Itll be electric or hydraulic. The truck has an IFS and a 4-link. Its a 67 dodge d100, short bed.

I have some questions. I hope they arent newbie questions. I did a search, but it wasnt that helpful. So if this makes you brake guys roll your eyes, Im sorry.

I want to use the Ni-cop lines for starters. I think itll look good, and seems to hold up pretty good. But I really want to use AN fittings. Im very familiar with the aviation fittings and the flaring. I get mixed opinions about this. Some say only double flare only. Some say the single 37 degree flare is fine. I only worry about the pressure rating because of the booster. Would it be okay? What if I used stainless lines and fittings? Im building the entire system from the ground up, so I have to install it all. Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

I asked a few brake questions awhile back, but it was in the wrong section.

[astroracer]

I used Ni-Cop on the van and was very impressed with the ease of use, bending and flaring was a WORLD of difference from stainless. I didn't screw up on single flare when I was building the lines. You may want to look thru my build thread and see if you can glean any information out of it. I have no clue where the brake line build threads are in there though...
I am using a '95 Astro Van Hydro-Boost set-up. Very straight forward with off the shelf replaceability.
Mark

[showdog75]

NiCp is fine. I'm a fan of AN fittings as well. I just finished up new Wilwoods and new lines all the way around my 63 Chevy II wagon.

[Josh@Ridetech]

I just finished making every brake line on my Firebird with the NiCp. First time using it and I was amazed at how much easier it was to work with than everything I've used in the past. I would definitely vote for a double flare though, much stronger and work better for a high pressure system. As far as the AN fittings go, I don't have any good input there as I've never personally used them on brakelines. However, I don't see how it would hurt anything as long as you're using the correct pieces and get a good flare.

[Sbeck09]

I'm using both types of flares on my brake system. NiCop for the hard lines with double flare, then for the braided soft lines it is 37 deg -3 AN fittings. Very common little conversion fitting to find on site like speedway.com and it comes with the mounting bracket for the frame too.

The thing with AN fittings for brakes is you MUST use Steel/Stainless Steel fittings, NOT Aluminum. That's what I've found is the key to making it safe and reliable at these pressures. 4x4 guys do this all the time with hydraulic boosted braking systems. I didn't see a single failure. If you look at something like Earl's -3 lines, they are rated for up to a 2000psi working pressure and everything I've seen says hydroboost brakes see 1200-1600psi tops. I'm personally doing vacuum assist which is more like 1100psi of pressure. Premade braided lines with 37 degree AN fittings are showing a rating of 4000psi from Earl's. I think you'll be fine either way.

[drummerdad]

Thanks for the help. I have read through several threads trying to find a definitive answer, but I cant find one. Ive read articles that claim AN fittings are fine, and some that even claim they wont pass DMV inspection. If the Nicop line is as easy as everyone says it is to flair, doing a double flair wouldnt be bad. I have also heard people claim brake systems can reach pressures of over 3500 psi. That seemed high to me.

A friend said I should try and use a manual system, built right, and see if I like it before adding a booster.

[eville]

Use what you prefer. AN (37 degree) is fine and used on many cars including mine.
Double flared is the OEM standard. Either is fine.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/the-t...ing-tool/28779

[badazz81z28]

Use what you prefer. AN (37 degree) is fine and used on many cars including mine.
Double flared is the OEM standard. Either is fine.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/the-t...ing-tool/28779

I would never use 37 single flare on brake lines. Double flare is my preference.

[eville]

I would never use 37 single flare on brake lines. Double flare is my preference.

Is that just preference or do you have a bad experience. Lots of people are using 37AN for brakes.

inline says it’s ok. http://online.flipbuilder.com/wmmk/v...ile/index.html

Also a tubing manufacturer says NiCopp is good to go as well.
scroll to the bottom. http://www.fedhillusa.com/?page=flare

[pittpens24]

So I used a combo of both 37 degree AN and the 45 degree double flare on my '68 Camaro. I did it all in stainless steel and fabricated every line myself front to back. Being a noob myself, this was the 1st time I ever flared a fitting in my life. Being scared of the stainless from hearing all the horror stories, I did go out and spend some money on the flaring tool that I bought from Eastwood. I believe it was a couple hundred dollars for both the 37 and 45 degree die sets but well worth it imho. I tightened every fitting 3 times to be sure to get a good seat. In the end, did not have one leak! Also to note, I have a manual brake system starting with a 1" Wilwood master cylinder. I have no issues what-so-ever stopping my Camaro with a 750hp powerplant. If done right, manual will be fine as long as you do not use any rubber lines(to front wheels and from mail line to rear). Stick with the stainless braided as they will not "swell" under hard braking