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Thread: Copper-Nickel Brake Lines

  1. #1
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    Copper-Nickel Brake Lines

    Can anyone recommend a source on this?
    I see Amazon sells it but the reviews on the material quality is questionable and when I ask the local auto parts stores they look at me like I’m speaking another language.

    Cheers

  2. #2
    Senior Member MB750's Avatar
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    When I go to an auto parts store around me and the FIRST question they ask me is what make and model my car is, I smirk and tell them it's a 1965 Shelby Cobra. When the kid's eyes gloss over I just say what part I need and to go get it.

    Regarding the Ni-Co lines, I got mine at Summit Racing. Might be different for you up in BC though, I'm not sure of import fees and whatnot.
    Matt
    My build thread here

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    Senior Member mrglaeser's Avatar
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    I've ordered from two places

    4LifetimeLines 3/16" x 25'... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMZ5FV2...p_mob_ap_share

    https://www.summitracing.com/parts/OPS-MLK7CNF

    Used one on the Roadster and one on a 69 Mustang. Worked great
    Last edited by mrglaeser; 09-08-2024 at 07:02 PM.
    Mark IV, 302 Based 347, TKx, Four link w/3.55, coil overs, PS, 4wheel Willwood. Dark Blue w Black/Red stripes, Saddle Interior, Blacked out chrome.
    Kit Ordered 4/18/2022
    Kit Delivered 2/20/2023
    Engine Install 9/15/2024

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  6. #4
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    I used The Stop Shop seller on Amazon for my rolls of ni-cop. No issues.
    Ordered 9/24/2020, Delivered 1/18/2021 MK4 Roadster, 3 Link, 15" Halibrands, Blueprint Carb 347/TKX Installed 3/13/2022, first start 10/2022, go cart 11/2022, CA SB100 Reg Complete 12/2023

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  8. #5
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    MkIV Roadster build: Gen 2 Coyote, IRS, TKO600. Ordered 10/24/18. Delivered 1/29/19. Engine installed 8/8/21. First start 9/12/21. First go-kart 9/17/21. Off to paint 4/11/22. Back from paint 12/30/22. Build thread here.

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  10. #6
    Senior Member robmccon's Avatar
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    I didn’t want to cut/flare bulk line, so I measured and bought the precut lines at Autozone. I ended up buying (4) 51” and (1) 60”. There was some confusion at the parts counter, the manager let me go in the back and select the lines myself.
    Rob
    Mk4 Complete Kit, #10465
    Ordered 11/14/21, Build School 5/20/22, Delivered 8/22/22, Engine/Transmission Delivered 3/27/23, Installed 9/3/23, First Start 2/14/24
    347FI/TKX/IRS "Street Look"-no hoodscoop or rollbar, undercar exhaust
    Build Thread

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    Senior Member Norm B's Avatar
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    I got the long line for the rear brakes from Summit Racing. You will need to get the correct tube nuts and flaring tool to make the connections. The shorter lines for the front brakes are available at Napa or Auto Value with the flares and fittings already done.

    Norm
    Mk4 base kit 7721, 331 Stroker, Holley Sniper EFI, Wipers, Heater, Whitby Soft Top, Drop trunk mod and more

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  14. #8
    Senior Member JJK's Avatar
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    I had the exact same experience at oreilleys, I ended up in their back parts storage rummaging through things to find what I needed. but all local and worked out fine

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  16. #9
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    I’m just gonna buy a bulk roll and fittings and replumb the whole car myself.
    Knowing my luck if I buy pre-bent lines I’ll end up running into something I can’t get around.

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    Senior Member BEAR-AvHistory's Avatar
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    +3 on pulling the stock myself at Advance Auto parts.
    Kevin
    MKIV #8234
    Coyote '14/TKO-600/3-Link 3:55 Rear
    I love the smell of 100 octane in the morning.
    NITTO NT01 275X40X17ZR - 315X35ZRX17
    Delivered 2/7/14 - Plate "COYOTE NC1965" 3/25/15

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    Senior Member Nigel Allen's Avatar
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    Are these guys near you?
    https://thelangleybrakeshop.ca/contact.html

    If they are anything like my local guys, they will have everything you need, charge bugger all, and give you great free advice. I made up my own lines and my local brake joint did the ends as needed. They also complimented me on the bends, even showing some other guys in the shop, which made my day. When you work with knowledgeable guys, they may charge a bit, but I consider it as 'paying for your education'.

    Cheers,

    Nige
    Last edited by Nigel Allen; 09-09-2024 at 01:49 AM.
    Mk.4 FFR supplied Right hand drive
    Received 12/2012 completed 12/2019
    Gen1 Coyote / TKO600 / IRS
    Lots of mods to make compliant for Australian design rules

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  21. #12
    Senior Member Nigel Allen's Avatar
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    To make templates of your brake lines, use some fencing wire as follows:
    - Cut 5 metre length.
    - put one end in bench vice, other in battery drill chuck.
    - pull wire tight, then hit trigger for 30-50 revolutions. This will 'rifle' the wire making it dead straight and stiff. Perfect for making brake and fuel line templates.

    Cheers,

    Nige
    Mk.4 FFR supplied Right hand drive
    Received 12/2012 completed 12/2019
    Gen1 Coyote / TKO600 / IRS
    Lots of mods to make compliant for Australian design rules

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    Copper-Nickle brake lines are an excellent choice, especially in climates subject to corrosion or rusting. They are much easier to bend than steel or stainless, and their strength is more than adequate for automotive hydraulic brakes. I believe most bad reviews you see on the bulk rolls are from the user making the flared ends correctly, not from failure of the tubing itself. Be sure to get a good quality double flaring tool, watch a few you tube videos, make a bunch of test flares, and you should have no issues at all.

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  24. #14
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    yeah, I just asked for a brake line at my Autozone and they brought out the copper nickel ones...after they asked for a make and model and I told them it's complicated.
    MKIV Roadster - Complete Kit - Delivery 10/12/23
    Build Thread

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nigel Allen View Post
    Are these guys near you?
    https://thelangleybrakeshop.ca/contact.html

    If they are anything like my local guys, they will have everything you need, charge bugger all, and give you great free advice. I made up my own lines and my local brake joint did the ends as needed. They also complimented me on the bends, even showing some other guys in the shop, which made my day. When you work with knowledgeable guys, they may charge a bit, but I consider it as 'paying for your education'.

    Cheers,

    Nige
    Wow…They are thanks
    I’ll call them today. Not sure why they didn’t come up on my Google search

  26. #16
    Senior Member nuhale's Avatar
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    Stop Shop on Amazon is good quality line.
    Build 1: MKIV #7275 Gen 2 Coyote TK600, IRS 3.55 2020 Covid
    Build 2: Gen3 65 Coupe: Arrived June 2024. Gen 2 Coyote, T56, IRS 3.55 [/B]

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  28. #17
    Senior Member MaxVmo's Avatar
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    Bought the line from Summit and a flare tool recommended on this forum. It was a learning curve and I used all the line LOL. No leaks! I had a lot of apprehension about it but it turned out to be a good experience.

  29. #18
    Senior Member Lidodrip's Avatar
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    I have used nicopp line from Amazon for both brake and fuel lines - no issues, no leaks, good flare ends using the Eastwood tool. I believe the brand name was 4 LifeTimeLines. I have also used nicopp line from O'Reilys - same experience. With regards to purchasing nicopp from local auto parts stores - go online and order what you need as store pickup. It saves the hassle of trying to deal with the parts counter kid who can't move past the make and model of your car.

    James
    Mk4 Roadster #9974 - Picked Up 1/2021. Complete kit, Gen 2 Ford Coyote / TKX, IRS. Completed 9/2023

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  31. #19
    Senior Member jrcuz's Avatar
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    I put off doing my brake lines for a long time and then one day I decided to do them and when I was finished I wondered why I waited so long. I have the Eastwood tool.
    JR
    Mk4 complete kit #9059 ordered 1/19/17 delivered 3/23/17, 2015 IRS, Fortes/DART347,TKO 600, hyd clutch, P/S, 12.88 wilwood brakes front and rear, heater/defrost and vintage gauges
    First start and go-cart 4/11/18. Taken To Whitby Motorcars Greensboro, N.C. 2/5/21 for body/paint

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  33. #20
    cv2065's Avatar
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    Pre-flared lengths from O’Reillys worked great. Takes a little more planning but work perfectly. If you buy from Autozone, review the sticks as the tube nuts are different.
    MKIV Roadster - #9380 - Complete Kit - Delivered 7/17/18 - SOLD 5/2023
    Build Thread #1: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...V-Build-Thread
    MKIV Roadster - #TBD - Complete Kit - Delivered 11/6/23 - In Progress
    Build Thread #2: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...Build-Thread-2

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  35. #21
    25th Anniversary #9772 toadster's Avatar
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    Loved doing no-copp lines - I used the Eastwood flaring tool. Pricey but excellent!!

    Stop Shop lines were excellent
    Todd
    25th Anniversary MkIV | #20 of 25 | Build #9772
    https://cobradreams.com/ <- my build!

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  37. #22
    Senior Member MaxVmo's Avatar
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    Seconded! Great tool and easy to learn.

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  39. #23
    Senior Member mrglaeser's Avatar
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    If you only need to flare 3/16 line and don't want to spend the money on the Easton or similar tools I picked this one up from Oreilly's works great and small enough to use on a finished car for repairs. Much better than the cheap clamp style kits.

    https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...n0/51535?pos=6
    Mark IV, 302 Based 347, TKx, Four link w/3.55, coil overs, PS, 4wheel Willwood. Dark Blue w Black/Red stripes, Saddle Interior, Blacked out chrome.
    Kit Ordered 4/18/2022
    Kit Delivered 2/20/2023
    Engine Install 9/15/2024

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  41. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by Doc76 View Post
    Can anyone recommend a source on this?
    I see Amazon sells it but the reviews on the material quality is questionable and when I ask the local auto parts stores they look at me like I’m speaking another language.

    Cheers
    Not sure of your time line but NAPA has the brake line in 25 foot rolls and cost about 32.00.

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  43. #25
    Senior Member BRRT's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ronc116 View Post
    Not sure of your time line but NAPA has the brake line in 25 foot rolls and cost about 32.00.
    NAPA also sells 3/16" and 3/8" NiCopp in 6' pieces.
    I purchased a coil of 3/16" from Federal Hill Trading for my brake lines (https://store.fedhillusa.com/)
    British made tube, top quality, nice people at a small business.
    ----------------------------------------------

    Jeff
    Roadster delivered 8/27/23
    Chevrolet Performance LS3
    Build Thread

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  45. #26
    Senior Member gbranham's Avatar
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    You don't need to spend $250 on the Eastwood flare tool. I bought this one on Amazon for $45, and it made perfect double flares first time, and every time. I have zero leaks. Never had an easier time flaring brake line.

    Flaring Tool.jpg
    Built an early MkIII years ago, sold years ago. Back after 18 years to build a MkIV
    Build Thread Here Partners: Levy Racing, Summit Racing, LMR, Breeze, Forte's Parts, Speedhut, ReplicaParts
    MkIV Complete Kit Ordered 4/18/23, Delivered 7/11/23, Boss 427W, Edelbrock Pro Flo 4, TKX (.68 5th), IRS, Wilwood Brakes, 18" Halibrands, Toyo R888R Tires, Custom Speedhut Gauges

  46. #27
    Senior Member gbranham's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mrglaeser View Post
    If you only need to flare 3/16 line and don't want to spend the money on the Easton or similar tools I picked this one up from Oreilly's works great and small enough to use on a finished car for repairs. Much better than the cheap clamp style kits.

    https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...n0/51535?pos=6
    Yep, agreed. I used Eastwood's version of that, and it's great.
    Built an early MkIII years ago, sold years ago. Back after 18 years to build a MkIV
    Build Thread Here Partners: Levy Racing, Summit Racing, LMR, Breeze, Forte's Parts, Speedhut, ReplicaParts
    MkIV Complete Kit Ordered 4/18/23, Delivered 7/11/23, Boss 427W, Edelbrock Pro Flo 4, TKX (.68 5th), IRS, Wilwood Brakes, 18" Halibrands, Toyo R888R Tires, Custom Speedhut Gauges

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  48. #28
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ronc116 View Post
    Not sure of your time line but NAPA has the brake line in 25 foot rolls and cost about 32.00.
    $80 in my neck of the woods
    Ended up with the Stop Shop on Amazon. $30 for 25’

  49. #29
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    In canada you will find pre-flare lengths of brake line at Napa along with many fittings and adaptors. Also Canadian Tire (my local small town store) have them as well.
    David W
    Mkll 4874 built in 2004
    Gen 3 coupe #16 registered 2018 painted 2019

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  51. #30
    cv2065's Avatar
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    +1 on the pre-flared lengths. Takes a little planning, but they work great.
    MKIV Roadster - #9380 - Complete Kit - Delivered 7/17/18 - SOLD 5/2023
    Build Thread #1: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...V-Build-Thread
    MKIV Roadster - #TBD - Complete Kit - Delivered 11/6/23 - In Progress
    Build Thread #2: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...Build-Thread-2

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  53. #31
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    Never run brake lines before so kinda learning as I go.
    Per recommendations here got a good flaring tool.
    Hoping for some feedback before I get too carried away.
    In this disc conversion I am using a nicop lines and this is what I came up with for the rear.
    The Stop Shop kit came with plated steel fittings.
    The original steel lines I am pulling out from the OB were leaking at most connections which were 7 years old and low miles.

    Does this routing look ok?
    Should I use stainless fittings on the new lines for longevity or will the steel fittings last for years when properly sealed with little bad weather exposure?
    Attachment 208816Attachment 208817Attachment 208818

  54. #32
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    Thanks guys
    I tried a couple types of flaring tools before finding one I was happy with. Settled on the tool producing flares on the left sample
    Think I have the hang of it. Just need to know SS fittings or just use the plated steel ones that came with the kit.

    IMG_1468.jpegIMG_1469.jpegIMG_1499.jpgIMG_1502.jpg
    Last edited by Doc76; 01-09-2025 at 04:57 PM.

  55. #33
    Senior Member Avalanche325's Avatar
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    The local parts stores are going to need to know if you have air conditioning....LOL.

  56. #34
    Senior Member rich grsc's Avatar
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    I would be suspicious of that flare, doesn't look quite right?
    Mrk III, 331 stroker, Borla stack injection, T5, 3:55 IRS, Power steering and brakes. Kleiner body & paint

  57. #35
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    Quote Originally Posted by rich grsc View Post
    I would be suspicious of that flare, doesn't look quite right?
    Thanks for the feedback Rich
    I’ll revisit that one.

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