Need info on vacuum lines, brake lines....

can86 · Post by **can86** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 10:48 am

I'm in the process of getting my 411 road ready this spring and have a few things to finish up.

1. I need to replace a majority of the braided vacuum lines on the engine. Where's the best place to get these, and what sizes do i need?

2. I also have to go through the break system. Currently i have some rebuilt calipers and new shoes and pads. I think the rotors and drums are good enough to have turned. The only thing that is missing in a couple areas are some break lines. I know there are some rubber lines and metals ones. I know i can buy the rubber lines, but what about the metals? Do i need to make them myslef and if so what size? Any input would be great! thanks

ubercrap · Post by **ubercrap** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:00 am

You'll probably have to bend the brake lines yourself, I would imagine. Many auto parts stores carry various lengths of unbent brake tubing with the fittings already attached. I used something like this on a friend's beater car once. We took in the old line and matched it up to their stock. I believe you can also get a setup where you flare the ends and attach the fittings yourself. Your may need flaring and bending tools. Maybe try Eastwood. As for the various correct braided hoses/vacuum lines, I finally tracked them down at the Roy Rogers Foreign Auto in Springfield, MO. I know there is one in Little Rock, AR and also Arlington, TX I believe, but not sure if it goes up north that far. Your best bet may be to find a local VW shop or Foreign auto parts specialists.

can86 · Post by **can86** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 1:47 pm

i kinda figured i would have to bend my own lines. Luckily the tools to do it aren't too expensive. I just need to see if i can get the metric lines locally. Anyone know the right size off hand?

vwbill · Post by **vwbill** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 3:58 pm

I would try the Guys at Street and Sand Toys in Ft. Lauderdale,Fl.(chk the sticky notes) They would have the vacuum hoses and could check applications for the metal lines or probably have a source or know the lines you need! I usually talk with Stuart the manager or Billy... Good VW guys over there!!! They have always done me right or told me no way on that? Which metal lines do you need? Maybe you could even get one from one of the guys who are parting out the cars??? Have you checked the post about doing the rear seals while your doing things and what about your bearings up front? They aren't that hard to do and aren't that much if your in there? You can get those on ebay or a local bearing shop or most autoparts places! take care, bill

can86 · Post by **can86** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 6:52 pm

Thanks, i'll give them a call and see what they say. I should do bearings and seals, i just haven't checked those yet. Might is well do them while i'm in there like you said.

The only problem with the metal lines is that my rebuilt calipers have the fitting on the top as apposed to the center on the origionals??? i don't remember, so i think i would have to bend them anyway along with new rubber lines...

wildthings · Post by **wildthings** » Thu Feb 09, 2006 8:45 pm

Your local NAPA should be able to supply the steel brake tubing you need. They stock standard US-English sized tubing with Metric fittings. If you can't find the length you want you can cut a longer piece to length and re-flare it with a double flaring tool.

The rubber hoses for a type 4 are readily available as they are the same as used on other VW's

MGVWfan · Post by **MGVWfan** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 8:50 am

I wish my 412 looked that nice

vwbill · Post by **vwbill** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 4:19 pm

Hey Mgvwfan, you have kicked butt fast getting yours on the road and now workin the duster and dealin with the big Cane issues!! If your car is a driver then it jams!! Just think of how many other 33 year old cars are still out there as drivers???!!! I think the first mission is drivability then looks will a come(looks from the crowd saying what sweet kinda car just passed us!)! But I know what you are saying about that I wish too! I'm back at just wanting to get to driver again......take your kudo guys!! bill

can86 · Post by **can86** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:29 pm

i know what you guys mean...I've been itching to get this thing driveable since day one. It has come along ways though from half of the car being in the back seat

I'll be sure to keep posting updates, and i'll definately have a few more questions...I'm just glad we have this site!