Fuel line selection

[cef2lion]

1952 Dodge Coronet. Put in new fuel tank and fuel pump. The fuel line needs replaced. I removed the rear section which ends around driver seat. Front section doesn’t look very easy. 
 

Was looking an wonder if anyone has used or had thoughts nylon fuel line? It looks like it would be easy to route an fasten under original fasteners on the frame. Cut to length an install barbed male ends at the tank and fuel pump. 

[desoto1939]

not so sure on nylon fuel lines will hold up or react to gasoline. I would use the new Nickel-Copper lines. They are easy to bend and with the proper bending tools this can be accomplished. Yes it will take some time routing up in the engine compartment.

 

Also would suggest that you get the fuel line wrapped with the springs to protect the line so that stones do not ding the lines also would suggest that you also install a 6 volt electric fuel pump at the same time and have it mounted as close to the fuel tank as possible. Electric FFP like to push fuel and not pull fuel like the mechanical pump.

 

I have a toggle switch setup so that the El pump can  be turn off or on as needed. My key for the ignition switch has to be turned on and then I  use the toggle switch to turn on the electrical FP. I primarily use fine to prime my engine after it has sat for a while.  Less wear and tear on the battery when starting also canbe used if you get vapor lock on a hot day or if the fue has evaporated after the engine has run because of the heat from the engine

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[Doug&Deb]

I agree with Rich. I have a 52 Coronet and I recently replaced the line and added an electric pump. It’s not hard just takes some time.

[Plymouthy Adams]

many poly lines are set up similar to the older copper and ferrule methods.  I just drained the tank in my car that is 57 years old car that has the original poly line still in use.  

[cef2lion]

Thanks. I’m reading up on the Nylon fuel lines. They are designed for fuel. Have not seen anything negative as yet. 
 

I’m replacing all the brake lines right now with nickel-copper so that’s an option for fuel lines with spring protectors. I have all new wheel cylinders and master cylinder to go in as well as brake hoses. I did purchase a heavy duty hub puller for the rear brakes. 

[Los_Control]

For the amount of effort involved in changing the fuel line, I am using the nickle/copper line myself.

 

I know there are some modern products available that are far superior to older products.

A example would be pex plumbing lines. Not sure when it was invented, I know 45 years ago the natural gas company was using it as direct burial to supply gas to new homes.

Later,  plumbers switched to using pex to run water lines in houses.  Today they claim it is the best waterline available ... A 100 year fix.

 

I know nothing about the modern nylon fuel lines, possible it could be better .... I dunno.

 

[moparfun]

I've used Inline Tubes, I think the fuel line was about $80, not cheep but a perfect fit.

[cef2lion]

I looked at Inline Tubes. I have purchased from them before. They don’t have anything listed for a 1952 Dodge Coronet. I know I can go with NiCop for the fuel line. Easy to bend and flare. Will see. 
 

On the PEX. My house was remodeled with all PEX. I bought the tools and supplies to maintain it. I have worked with it a good bit replacing the line for the garage an some other additions. With cooper and soldering I seemed to always end up with a drip. )

[Los_Control]

Yes my example with pex .... 25 years ago I would tell you that copper is the best water line for your house available.

As a retired remodel carpenter I have several horror stories about using or replacing copper.  ..... I really know no horror stories about pex.

Once our plumber ran out of the red pex & plumbed the house with all blue pex .... He messed up & ran hot water to the cold water @ the bathtub faucet.

Human error, I can not tell you one error I have seen caused from pex.

While I could tell you several reasons why it is far superior to copper water lines. I would never suggest anything but pex today.

 

Today I suggest nicop for automotive lines, maybe in 5 years from now we all will be suggesting your nylon fuel lines instead?

I see you as a pioneer in this project, I would love to hear future updates on it if you choose to use it.

 

[cef2lion]

I’m update as I proceed. Made some more progress on the brake lines today. Working on it a bit then I take a break an walk away. Enjoying it. 

[Adam H P15 D30]

Probably every modern car uses "plastic" fuel lines, you can buy in bulk and make a tool to aid in installing the ends.  My next build will use them.

Check out Halfass Customs on youtube, he has done several how to pieces with the plastic fuel line.

Edited August 16, 2022 by Adam H P15 D30

[cef2lion]

I wanted to update. I completed the new brake lines, wheel cylinders, an master cylinder. I still have some final bleeding to do but the brakes work now. I understand a lot more on adjusting the brake shoes. 
 

On the fuel line I decided to go with nickel copper. I did it in two pieces like the factory line. I flared it a used a fitting like the factory one to join the lines. I leaned at the tank to use the original fitting a replace the little insert into the tank fitting. A regular fitting would not fully seat at the tank. Up at the fuel pump where the line attaches to the short rubber line I have a small drip. I tried to tighten it but it didn’t stop. I’m going to take it back apart and flare the line again. 
 

The drum puller I used on the rear brakes worked but I have concerned puller was over sized as it appeared to pull outward on the studs. Some of the studs need replaced anyway. Bad threads. Going replace the drivers side studs to match the passenger side. I have 20 ton press an know to carefully support the back of the drum pressing them out. 

[Marcel Backs]

The spiral jacket on these lines (gas and brake) not only protects the line when installed but also prevents accidental kinking when shaping a tight bend. I can see where installing a fuel line with the front clip in place could provide some challenges.