61 ranch wagon brakes

Discussion in 'General Automotive Tech' started by wraymen, Jan 1, 2014.

  1. wraymen

    wraymen Member

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    Hello, Will 61 Galaxie brake line kits fit my wagon? Same wheel base (119") I believe. Thanks
     
  2. Sanddoc

    Sanddoc Member

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    brake lines

    Hi
    I would say its a fit. Only thing might be the fitting placment.
    also are your power brakes or manual...
    sometimes mote info is better.
    are you staying with the factory MC setup or making changes
    best
     
  3. OldFox

    OldFox Curmudgeon

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    If someone is supplying kits, why not call and ask them?
    If the kit fits both cars, why don't they list it as such?
    Perhaps they can fix you up with the correct kit for your car.
    Not everything is listed in catalogs, and why would you go on the advice of Joe Blow rather than the manufacturer?
    Too many questions.....not enough answers.
     
  4. Sanddoc

    Sanddoc Member

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    Thanks OldFox
    JoeBlow
     
  5. wraymen

    wraymen Member

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    I have been to the suppliers, they will not commit because this is a custom piece and not returnable. I was looking for someone that might have allready done it to their 61 wagon. Joe blow with a little experience is alot better than Joe blow trying to make a buck.
    Sanddoc, This is going to be a replacement, manual drums with a fruit jar. I suck at making flares with stainless. I did find one company that will take my measurements of the removed lines and duplicate. So as long as I don't destroy them too badly when I remove them I should be OK.
     
  6. Sanddoc

    Sanddoc Member

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    first I apologies to "oldFox"

    There are many ways to make up brake lines.
    you could buy a lenth of pre-made lines at your local
    parts store... have them made or do it yourself.
    I'd buy pre made lenths. then just bend them for your need.
    the 61\62 are basically the same
    there is a distribution block is next to and under the steering box.
    one in put line from the MC, and 3 out put lines, 2 front 1 back
    In my case I'm changiing to 4 wheel disc from my 77 ranchero
    but I"m using a newer power booster from a CV, along with the
    MC and a proportioning valve...
    I am also going to use the rear brake line from the ranchero..
    hope it works out for you, just go slow...
    Best
    Dave
     
  7. Stormin' Norman

    Stormin' Norman Well-Known Member

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  8. Sanddoc

    Sanddoc Member

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    All the brake lines you need are at your local parts store, No they don't say
    61 Galaxie on them. If your doing a complete line change, I'd take the lines
    off the car, go to like a NAPA parts store, and they can get you the correct legnths.
    then buy yourself a "good" tube bender... and there you have it... the hardest
    part of the install is running the line to the right front brake,
    Do not make tight bends. you need gentle curves.. The line going to the
    rear axle can even be bought in two pieces and use a couple.
    best

    PS: there is nothing special about a Ford brake line or a GM, or Chrysler.
    in fact most of the brake parts are from companies like Bendix
    and a few others. So don't get into your head that you need a set of lines
    that a made up for a Galaxie, chances are you'd need to do some bending
    ...
     
  9. wraymen

    wraymen Member

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    Thanks for all the info, I did not think you could get custom lengths from NAPA. I will give them a try. Earlier attempts with other cars gave me fits with leaks. I was trying to avoid that especially with a fruit jar. Trying to keep it as simple and original as possible.
     
  10. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    As is already written, the easiest and cheapest way is to buy the universal brake lines from any auto parts store. I believe they come as short as 12" to 5' or 6'. If you need any piece longer there are universal couplers.
    Make sure each line is longer than needed for the bends. Also if too long, a few bends to flow with the frame or other brackets will shorten the line.
    Buy a cheap tube bender as mentioned, go slow, tighten gently.
    Lines can be bought in the regular steel, anodized, or stainless many places. The originals last 40+ years so why worry about using stainless?
    Don't forget to replace the two front and one rear rubber lines.
    Personally I'd switch to a dual master cylinder for safety. But again, the old fruit jars lasted many years. The big difference is two chances to stop rather than one, or none.
     
  11. Sanddoc

    Sanddoc Member

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    brake lines

    Cat said it all, your making a big deal out of nothing
    take your time, don't rush, stay calm...get a good tube
    bender, and go for it..
    Best
     
  12. OldFox

    OldFox Curmudgeon

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    Good advice about the universal pieces. I might add a couple of tidbits.
    1. Try to remove each piece in its entirety, or as long as space permits.
    2. Lay them out on your garage floor.
    3. Take a piece of string and run it along each piece, following the curves and bends. Use string with little or no stretch. This will give you the length required for replacement.
    4. Find out from your parts store what standard lengths are available. Then, using the smallest number of lengths, make up each run. Don't forget to add the length of any couplers required to join the pieces.
    5. By using your piece on the floor as a template, make the required bends.
    6. Use standard brake line, not stainless. If you have a good flaring tool, the flares are easy to replicate.
    7. Any over/shortness is easily taken up by adjusting your bends a bit. There is always room while still accomplishing your end goal.
     
  13. Dewey Satellite

    Dewey Satellite New Member

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    Just throwing this out Napa does sell brake line tubing in 25ft rolls. Retails for about a buck a foot.
     
  14. OldFox

    OldFox Curmudgeon

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    Dewey,
    Good info, but you forgot to give the part number for the tubing straightener since those rolls come pre-bent. :rofl2:
     
  15. Dewey Satellite

    Dewey Satellite New Member

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    You know OldFox I've always wondered about that...I suppose you could run it through a tubing bender backwards? :hmmm: :biglaugh:
     

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