Getting my 65 back on the road, and I am at the C4 install. I took out the Toploader for various issues, (Z bar hitting the new rack n pinion for one) and now I need to run Trans cooling lines. I went to various auto parts stores, and surprise surprise.....nobody have those. I want to use a steel line so....

Question: Can I use the brake/fuel lines to run for the trans ?
Question: How far is it to the cooler up front on a 65 ? 5ft 7ft ? Is it easy to bend the line ? How thick ? 3/8 ?

Or do I just try to find lines already bent ? Are they out there on-line ?
Can I go to a junkyard and find lines from a fox or another mustang auto ?
Talking to speed shops I am getting figures of 150+ to do custom bradded jobs.

Thanx for the help.

 

If you're at all competent with a tubing bender, brake lines will work just fine. No idea on length since I've never owned anything with an auto, but there are couplings available to connect two lines together. I think they use the same double flare as a brake line, so you'd either have to flare the ends when you find the length or cut the tubes and splice them with rubber hose. They aren't subjected to a whole lot of pressure. The line bends very easy with one of the inexpensive benders (plastic or metal) available at most auto store or Sears.

It's been awhile since I owned my '66, but I don't remember a lot of stuff on that frame rail besides the steering box, so it shouldn't be that difficult.



Edit: When going from the frame to the trans make sure it isn't a straight shot with the tubing. They will need to have some bends and 'extra' line (vertical or horizontal) to account for movement of the driveline. Otherwise they'll crack.

 

Look up any of the following suppliers and search for "transmission cooling lines":

CJ Pony Parts
Dallas Mustang
Mustangs Plus
Mustangs Unlimited
National Parts Depot
Texas Mustang
Virginia Classic Mustang

Most of them also offer the lines in regular steel or stainless. Good luck!