Brake line kit

[Pirate]

What is a good brake line kit? Do I even need one or can I make due with other tools I already have?

Thanks

[CraigS]

The complete kit comes w/ brake lines but I am not sure about the donor kit. I think I would hold off until you are finalized on your brake system because different calipers/MCs may need different ends on the lines. Unless you want SS (I don't recommend because it is harder metal and makes doing flares a real chore) the Autozone lines seem to be the same that FFR ships. And AZ has it in stock in many different lengths.

[Pirate]

I am sorry I should of been a little more clear on my question. I am asking about the brake line flare kit and bending tool? Sorry

[edwardb]

The answer partly depends on the brake line material you are planning to use. Plain steel (e.g. the lines included with the kit) or other types like cunifer can be bent and flared with pretty generic tools. Just make sure you have the right ones. Brakes lines are normally 45 degree double flares. If you are doing something a little more exotic, like stainless, many of us have used this tool from Eastwood: http://www.eastwood.com/professional-brake-tubing-flaring-tool.html. Makes beautiful flares in all materials, and almost a requirement for stainless. I worked through the lines on my Mk3 with a pretty generic tool and steel lines. Turned out OK, but was kind of a pain and quite a few do-overs. Used stainless on my Mk4 with the Eastwood tool. One bad flare for both fuel and brake lines, and that one was my fault. Bending tools are pretty generic. Just get the right one(s) for the size tubing you're using. Two other hints: Practice, practice, practice. Stripping apart Romex cable and using 12-14 gauge wires works well to make patterns. For my Mk4, I actually used the steel lines from FF to make the patterns for my stainless lines. Kind of overkill, but I wanted it exactly right before starting on the stainless. One other option: Breeze Automotive (a forum vendor) sells pre-formed stainless lines. I personally haven't used, but if like everything else from Mark, will be very high quality. I've seen reports of others using with good success. Not cheap, but if you add up the cost of reproducing yourself, especially if you have to buy the tools, may be a good value. If you don't have experience with doing brake/fuel lines, expect it will take much longer than you think. At least that was true for me.

[Avalanche325]

If you are staying with steel lines, then the $30.00 ish flaring kit from Summit, Speedway, Jegs or wherever is fine.The $10.00 bender is also fine.
I upgraded my fuel lines to 3/8" and I did have to clamp the flare tool in a vise or it would let the tubing slip. It was fine up to 5/16" as supplied with the kit.

If you are going to stainless, you need some real tools, which can get pricey.

If you are going to use any AN fittings, you will also need a 37 degree flare tool.