"Black Dahlia"

[tfeverfred]

My parts won't be here until Monday, so I got to thinking about my progress. So, here where I was about a year ago.



Today (without the brake lines and mock up head lights)

I'm not as far long as I had planned, but I'm pleased. Considering the set backs I had, I think I'm okay. I decided to toss my schedule and just take things one day at a time. I'll sleep better without the pressure. Heck, I'm not getting any younger.

 

[PaulR]

Fred,
Don't sweat the schedule. It has taken over 9 years to do mine, still not done. I thought IWould be done i 2 years. Wiring is not my friend either. It is getting g closer. I like the progress you are making.

PaulR

 

[tfeverfred]

Thanks, Paul. Ya know, it was a year ago I went to check out your T.

 

[tfeverfred]

Okay.... so now the Post Office is my new "worst enemy". Brake fittings won't be here until tomorrow.

 

[JeffK]

Okay.... so now the Post Office is my new "worst enemy". Brake fittings won't be here until tomorrow.

Its even worse now since UPS/Fed x and their smart post crap !!!

 

[fletcherson]

I ordered a tire, wheel bearings, and an oil filter for a bike a week ago tueasday at about 4 pm. The next morning by 10 am, the tire was on my doorstep. I got the bearings last Thursday, the filter Saturday. No vendors were local, all shipping was free. The ground freight beat the mail carriers. There seems to be no rhyme nor reason to it.

 

[tfeverfred]

Woo Hoo! My parts came. I'll complete running the lines tonight. I like working at night. I'll put on some tunes and chill. So, what I got was a brass "T" fitting to tie the front calipers and a rubber flex line with a "V" shaped fitting to run hard lines to the rear drums. Next up will be new wheel cylinders just to play it safe. After inspecting the rear drum springs, levers, etc., they look to be in good shape. The hardware kit is only $6, so if I get bored, I may just change everything out for the fun of it.

 

[Spanky]

Glad you're getting it going again. Won't be long . . .

PS - Two things you don't want to scrimp on: brakes & steering!

 

[old round fart]

I always change wheel cylinders and springs and turn or replace drums while I'm there. Good to see you getting closer.

 

[PaulR]

Fred,

Hate to tell you this, I think I have a couple of extra of those fittings. It has been a year? Wow! It has a little more done.
Let me know if you need anything or need any help.


PaulR

 

[tfeverfred]

Whew.... finished. Well, except for the lines coming off the rear "T" fitting. When I prepped and painted the rear end, I didn't tape off the holes for fittings on the wheel cylinder. So, they're plugged with grinding dust and paint. I'll do the lines when I replace the M/C.

One thing I also did was run the front line under the motor mount. It made for a cleaner look. Pics, when I get some better lighting.

 

[tfeverfred]

I meant.... "when I replace the "wheel cylinders". Dang time limit!

 

[tfeverfred]

Pics!

Rear "T" section.

Left front. It was by chance that the fittings from the calipers are red.

Right front.

The "wavy" sections kept bugging me. When I finished installing/connecting my fittings, I remembered I had a set of vise grips with flat plates welded to them. I went back and pressed the "wave" I had in a few sections and they straightened right up. Helped me sleep better. I'm not a perfectionist, but I knew the lines could look better than they did.

 

[tfeverfred]

Well....... looking at the pics got me motivated. So, I grabbed a wire brush and some thinner and cleaned out the holes in the wheel cylinders where the flare ends fit. Then, I measured, flared, bent and fitted the 2 brake lines. I'm still going to replace the wheel cylinders.

 

[RPM]

Fred in the first picture. You have the steel line anchored to the frame. The rubber flex line has a steel end with a groove that needs to me achored to the frame. The vibration could cause the steel line to crack. I have some bolt on brake tabs, I'll send you one

 

[tfeverfred]

Fred in the first picture. You have the steel line anchored to the frame. The rubber flex line has a steel end with a groove that needs to me achored to the frame. The vibration could cause the steel line to crack. I have some bolt on brake tabs, I'll send you one

Thanks, Ron. But I have a couple.

 

[tfeverfred]

Didn't take long to do the right thing. A HAMB member had also made the suggestion. Thanks.

 

[fletcherson]

I've found that rock auto is a inexpensive place to get things like brake parts for older vehicles, you just have to pay attention that the parts ship from the same wharehouse or the shipping adds up, not that wheel cylinders are an expensive item.

 

[tfeverfred]

I've found that rock auto is a inexpensive place to get things like brake parts for older vehicles, you just have to pay attention that the parts ship from the same wharehouse or the shipping adds up, not that wheel cylinders are an expensive item.

Yea, my local O'Reilly's has them for 11.99 each. I'll be getting a pair, along with a rebuild kit ($6.99 each) soon. Actually, later than sooner.

 

[tfeverfred]

Well, after work I came home and did a LOT of web searching on residual valves in Hot Rods. The results were mixed, as far residual valves go. But the underlying factor was, I should go with a 10 psi and a 2 psi residual valve. So, I went down and figured out where I'd put them. And that's when a 20 minute project turned into a 1 hour brain session. End factor? I redid the lines and made them look better.

I let the groove of classic rock guide my hands and mind. Yea, I got artistic and cosmic. Here's the end result. The residual valves are just mocked in for fit. The fittings for the 10 psi will be here Wednesday.

I called my guy at ""O'Rielly's" and he says he may have the fittings for the other residual valve (I only ordered 1 for the 10 psi). I'll swing by on my day off and search his waaay unorganized brake parts bin.