I want to used the original brake lines on my 68' (if that is feasible). There in great condition. They have been sitting for about a year off the car without fluid in them and I'm worried about there condition on the inside. I drained them, but would there be any problems? Any pointers on cleaning inside the tubing if needed?

 

I would not use old brake lines,asking for trouble,rubber that old is not safe just like old tires that look great but if they are old they aren't safe,that's why tires have a date code on them.

 

I'm replacing the entire brake system. The only item I would like to keep is the metal 1/4" tubing.

 

Ahhh,well some brake cleaner on the inside and a shot of compressed air should clean up any residual and a good metal polish like Mothers or Flitz etc. with some fine steel wool should clean up the outside to look better than new.

 

Awesome, I can do that. Was not looking forward to purchasing after market and/or having someone else custom bend all new line. There are only so many things I can do myself. Thanks

 

What I would do is run mineral sprites through the break line and catch what comes out with a paper towel. If you see rust on the paper towel replace them. Are you sure they are the factory ones? Stainless steel line kits have then around for these cars for a long time. I remember doing a full kit in 68 Vett back in 1986. Quick magnet check would tell you. 304 stainless may weakly attract a magnet but nothing like steel.

Car would have to be from a dry climate or have very low mile or had the brakes fluid changed every 4 years while the car was driven normally. Brake system absorb moisture 10-15 year would be normal for a brake line to rust from the inside out in areas with high humidity. The safety test to check for this is simple every year you do a "stomp" test. The when you push the brakes as hard as you can. In PA it is part of the yearly state inspection.

 

Yes, they are the original. I have about 90% of the maintenance paper work and both my parents said they were never replaced. The only major work done on the car was the replacement of the timing chain gear. Those dense plastic gears never lasted very long, but I have no idea what was used as a replacement. Anyway, it has about 180,000 original miles. It was driven in Michigan for the first year of it's life until my parents moved to Sacramento CA in 69'. Driven daily until 1980 and has been garaged since. Driven only a couple hundred miles since I've had it in late 90's. I'll check the records on the brake fluid replacement and run the mineral sprites.