Does anyone know of a supplier of generic stainless steel hardline (preferably in straight sections) so I can fabricate new lines for my cars where one can't find prefabricated SS lines? Also the spiral armour that goes around them?

Last time I had to use just mild steel and was lucky to find armoured line at NAPA, but if I do it again I'd rather use stainless.

I think summit or JC Whitney carries it. I think that normal flaring tools will not work for SS. As I recall the flare angle is wrong and the flare will end up being brittle. Obviously not a problem for fuel line with rubber hoses, but a definate no go for brake lines.

Summit does have it, 25 foot rolls though not straight pieces. Don't think they carry the armor though

One of the line places - classic tube, inline tube - theres a handful of them - sell the armor and line seperately.

I must use the same flare angles since I intend it to go to the same fittings; the replacement stainless lines do the same. SS is harder than the normal steel, but it still soft enough to shape one way or another, after all, several companies do it.

I've not found straight SS line in JCW, Summit, or Fine Line's catalogs, and the armor even in mild steel is very hard to find. The mild steel (~1' dia) coiled line from JCW is nearly impossible to make straight again - I ended up buying 60" straight sections and using only the JCW flare nuts form their kit.

I've used Fine Lines for my Satellite and I suppose that FL must have a supplier, unless they consider that a trade secret; if I can't find a direct source I'll ask them and see what they say.

www.classictube.com $0.30/inch for 3/16" SS straight length and also $0.30/inch for the armor.

When I said they used different angles the difference is something like 8 degrees. Also it is the actual tool not the angle that makes the flare brittle. I think it is called case hardening, but that might some bad recollection on my part. I really don't remember the specifics since I never planned to use stainless, but I sure that there is something different about flaring it. good luck

Thanks Pierre - that's what I was looking for; thanks to everyone else too.

I do see that the KD webpage says not to use my double flare tool on stainless. The SAE standard doesn't seem to change angles w.r.t material - 45degress is what old US cars use.

That said, the brake line stainless I've purchased didn't seem hard enough to defeat my KD tool. I suppose I'll give it a try and if necc. go look for a SS double flare tool. Thanks, K

Those flare tools are a PITA to use... not so bad for small 3/16" brake lines but for 5/16" and 3/8" fuel lines....

I'd kill for one of those hydraulic flare kits, but they are $200-300 depending on the attachments they come with

Do not forget to let us know what actually happens i the end.