moosens Posted December 17, 2016 Share Posted December 17, 2016 Vehicle is the world famous Snow Shark , 1978 4WD Wagon. I'm going into my second winter as a no brakes knucklehead - yes the parking brake works still somewhat. I've got a blown out line somewhere around midway within the passenger side rocker panel. Any of you guys work around this or actually remove and replace ? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datsunrides Posted December 18, 2016 Share Posted December 18, 2016 They actually put the brake line inside the rocker? I thought the were routed inside the car along the rocker. If inside, you should be able to bend/install a new one pretty easily with a couple lengths of preflared sections and a union. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rust Posted December 19, 2016 Share Posted December 19, 2016 I see you need this... and this.... These tools can be had for under $30 bucks, your subaru (and the other drivers) will thank you. Happy splicing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted December 20, 2016 Author Share Posted December 20, 2016 Yeah , thanks Pete. I have the tube cutter from bow hunting years ago. Have thought about the cheapie flaring kit. That leak I have to investigate more thoroughly but it was oozing out around 3/4 of the way back from the rocker sill which is now becoming what you'd expect a 70's Japanese car would be like in the rust zone. I'm pretty sure you're correct but I may have gotten sand/salt/etc. far enough into it that it caused the rupture. It's 11 degrees out now so I'll wait until it gets over 40 then get the truth on location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted January 2, 2017 Author Share Posted January 2, 2017 Update: The lines travel in the interior along the side rockers but they travel outdoors in front of the passenger side rear wheel. That's my "hot spot". If posting pics was easy here the pics would be included but suffice to say it's ugly back there. So my plan is to make a new hard line , or two. Since both rear wheel lines are exposed enough I could easily see the other line going south just after I finish the first one. No time , it's cold , probably will suffer thru the second winter sans brakes. But at least I located the burst. It is more like 4/5 or the way back and leaking from the external section(s) of line , not from the interior. But I have to tell you that area of rocker sill has finally rotted thru and it's getting very Flintstone along the sill edge of the rear floor. So I wasn't so crazy to think my leak was internal since the outdoors is now moving into my car's interior via the rocker panel etc.... Getting very close to the end of this cars life with me , I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bantum Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Yer - it'll be easier to replace the whole line, as you'll be forever chasing rusted spots ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l75eya Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Look up Gator grips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l75eya Posted January 4, 2017 Share Posted January 4, 2017 Gator grip brake lines repair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted January 4, 2017 Author Share Posted January 4, 2017 Yeah , everything external can no longer be relied upon. Even what looks solid. This car was given Zeibart protection when new and some places things like brake lines also got shot. But the protection also wore off from our winter road treatment. I will check Gator as soon as I'm done here. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt167 Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 I'm late to the party, but do not use gator grips for brake line. Gator grips are not designed for high pressure at all and are not legal for use. You could be held criminally negligent if something bad were to happen. That said, those flaring tools are garbage. The cal van tools inline flaring tools are great, and you only need the 3/16" die and block kit for subie brakes. About $25. Pair that with nicopp brake line which is easy to cut and flare, its the quickest brake lines you will run 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazyeights Posted January 24, 2017 Share Posted January 24, 2017 Do NOT use compression fittings for brake line repair Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted January 25, 2017 Author Share Posted January 25, 2017 Thanks both of you. I haven't done anything yet so I will use your advice going forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WoodsWagon Posted January 26, 2017 Share Posted January 26, 2017 Seeing as you don't intend to fix it properly and instead are just driving around on the handbrake, the next best solution would be to block the leaking line off. Trace it back to a fitting under the hood, undo the fitting, and put a flat head nail that fits inside the the tube and the head fits inside the female side of the fitting and tighten it back down. the head of the nail will seal against the flare of the fitting. You can bleed it by having an assistant push down on the pedal after you've filled the brake master reservoir and loosening the fitting a bit. Tighten it back down and see if it has a firm brake pedal again. That will at least get you front brakes back working on the pedal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted January 26, 2017 Author Share Posted January 26, 2017 Devin , I blocked off the two rear lines at the junction block using some bolts I dug up that threaded in well enough. I have been lazy about getting the reservoir refilled and the front brakes bled. Lazy and crazy. I'm probably going to let this car go now. It's a tough decision and it's not definite yet , but I just don't have the spare time right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biffanyus Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 Hey Paul. I thought I remember you posting that you were looking for another wagon.. Theres one on ebay I think it belongs to someone here on the board.. type in on ebay 77 Subaru other 4WD wagon.. It wont let me post the link.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moosens Posted April 30, 2017 Author Share Posted April 30, 2017 Cool , thanks Tommy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaru Scott Posted April 30, 2017 Share Posted April 30, 2017 No need to bother with cutting/flaring your lines at all. Not unless you're building a show car. Auto parts stores have several different lengths. Just buy some unions and get as close as you can with what they have. Just take the long way round or even bend an "s" or a loop if you have way too much length. Ziptie it up and head down the road! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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