Use a hacksaw rather than a tubing cutter. I was told that a tubing cutter hardens the tube at the cut and makes flaring it much more difficult. All I did to the ends of the tubes I cut was to file them and smooth them out then flared them. I have zero leaks on my '71, and I did all the lines myself.

_________________
KAKAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

I totally agree with obakemono. In spite of what some sites say, I definitely agree with NOT using a tubing cutter, especially if you are using stainless steel lines.

I am restoring a car into a very customized status and used ss lines throughout. Because of the customized condition it was not possible to purchase ready-formed lines for everything and I was forced to hand form and flare specific lines with each flare being a double flare.

I found that cutting the lines with a tubing cutter consistently resulted in splitting of the inner flare. I initially thought it was either my tools or procedure so I purchased other flaring tools and did more reading and practicing, still with same results. I finally tried cutting the lines with a hacksaw and filing the ends smooth with a fine file and I began having success with no cracks in the inner flaring.

For me, I found this site's instructions to be the best for flaring lines. I found this in my initial search for instructions but disregarded it as I just could not believe in anything but using a tubing cutter.

http://inlinetube.com/install%20instruc ... g%2045.htm

I did not try cutting line with a fiber wheel as recommended on the site although I believe it would be superior to even a hacksaw. If for nothing else it would require less filing to clean up the end of the line after being cut. As to who why I didn't, if you were to ask my wife she would tell you that along with being stubborn, I am a slow learner . Along with practice, practice and more practice before you work on your lines, I also highly recommend using a good quality magnifying glass to inspect your flares after they are completed. You will be amazed at what looks fine with the naked eye - or even with reading/bifocal glasses - but in reality has fine cracks which will cause the flare to fail.

I realize there are as many ways to accomplish a task as there are companies and individuals out there offering their advice. I also realize someone who has more experience in forming flares on lines could probably accomplish what I ws not able to do. Cutting the lines with a hacksaw and filing the ends smooth before flaring was what worked for me.

Fred

Yay for a utiline slant six truck! That's what mine is. I love how yours looks with the patina paint and such. Good luck with your project...I'll be popping in to see the updates! Keep 'em coming!

_________________
-Brodie

1977 Dodge D100 stepside, slant six/3 on the tree
2002 Chrysler 300M Special (daily driver)

Thanks for all the replies.

Have been on vacation and haven't gotten back to the truck in almost three weeks.

Brake lines are all hooked up. All leaks have been tracked down. Just need to bleed them and we should be good

Fule line have been a pain in the ass. Purchased pre-bent lines to fit the truck. Turns out they are not correct for this truck. But sine I waited so long before I got them I missed the return window. So now I have to rebend these lines to fit the truck

One interesting thin I found out about my truck is that it has two fuel tanks at one time. I just have to cap the tank where the line from the in-cab tank goes in

Should get back at it this week and hope to maybe get her running before the 4th of july

_________________
1975 Dodge D100 Utiline
Slant 6, Super Six, Weber 38, 727
Repair work in progress.