Source for 1.25" and 1.5" thin walled aluminum round tubing for radiator lines?

[beeman]

I'm looking for a source to purchase lengths of tubing to run my hard lines on the outside of the cockpit, any leads are appreciated.
Thanks!
Dave

[Gordon Levy]

McMaster-Carr

[NAZ]

Online Metals specializes in small online orders -- search onlinemetals.com to view their online catalog.

[beeman]

Thanks, guys. Looks like wall thickness varies from .035-.065, any advice?

[Gordon Levy]

.065

[NAZ]

I know little to nothing about the GTM but can tell you that if all you're going to do is straight tubing (no bends) I would expect the .035" wall in 1.5" tubing to be adequate for the low pressure of a typical automotive cooling system. However, you'll want to roll a bead on the hose end to prevent the hose from blowing off. There are a few out there but Jegs has one at a reasonable price JEGS Tubing Beader: JEGS 80083: Tube Bending Machine. JEGS Tube Straightener.$129.99JEGS High Performance(9)Free shipping, no tax (https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiVxdOTp7vcAhUSrJYKHSyEBrcYABAYGgJ0bA&sig=AOD64_0NNaZPdcJZ6O_faEueWfcSLKYY7w&ctype=5&q=&ved=0ahUKEwjrqs2Tp7vcAhUYMd4KHcxVAFUQ9aACCDc&adurl=).

Now if you want to bend that tubing you're going to need a much thicker wall and the manufacturer of your tubing bender should be able to tell you the minimum wall thickness for the type of tubing you want to use.

[beeman]

I appreciate the replies, thanks

[Fraser D]

If your not wanting to weld or bend it the .035" will be just fine. You want the thicker wall thickness for welding.

[beeman]

Thanks again, I was able to source 16 feet of 1.5x.065 (all they had) from my local Metal Supermarket for $42! Anyone see any issues with running this tubing in both directions?

[beeman]

Do I need to have a bead rolled on the ends or can I leave them smooth? Thanks

[NAZ]

No, you don't have to but if you want the best chance that the hoses you attach to these will not blow off you're gonna want to roll a bead on the hose end.

[beeman]

Thanks, I kind of figured that. Any idea where I could have this done? I'll call Lingenfelter and see if they have any leads.

[Roger Reid]

Absolutely bead roll your tubing before attaching rubber hose. Having a hose blow off will leave you putting your car on a flatbed to get home. Here is a link to a jegs product.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/80083/10002/-1?CAWELAID=1710517306&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=39714413703&CATCI=aud-300525381019:pla-457013475003&CATARGETID=230006180040357463&cadevice=c&jegspromo=nonbrand&gclid=Cj0KCQjw45_bBRD_ARIsAJ6wUXSDA2XIRC4ROAulTXi5 OqGjHVFzb-oRAnPrdEgwKeCyZVHxt4yr3FYaAvvlEALw_wcB

[crash]

beeman, where are you located?

I do offer this service as I have a beader here at the shop.

[beeman]

I really appreciate the offer Mike, but I'm in Indiana

[Big Blocker]

Do a search on YouTube for DIY tubing bead tool. There is a source in Europe that has the ultimate unit but it's a bit pricey. You can make one from wire crimp pliers bought from Harbor Freight for under $20.

That's how I did my (coolant) pipes on my Roadster.

Doc

[beeman]

Do a search on YouTube for DIY tubing bead tool. There is a source in Europe that has the ultimate unit but it's a bit pricey. You can make one from wire crimp pliers bought from Harbor Freight for under $20.

That's how I did my (coolant) pipes on my Roadster.

Doc

Found it, Doc! I'm going to go that route.

[crash]

Just be aware. All the aluminum thin wall tubing I have ever found is hardened and will crack if not worked properly, or if worked too much. You don't need a lot to keep the hoses from coming off.

[beeman]

Just be aware. All the aluminum thin wall tubing I have ever found is hardened and will crack if not worked properly, or if worked too much. You don't need a lot to keep the hoses from coming off.

Good point, I'll just raise a small bead. I'll post unassembled photos if it turns out pretty, assembled photos if not!

[beeman]

I bought a couple of the homemade ways to make a bead maker, the wire crimper and the vice grip/exhaust clamp/washer methods.
If you get the crimper to modify, take a look at the crimp- they are all over the place. I picked the one to the left, well centered male/female.

http://fs1.directupload.net/images/180808/r94tx7rn.jpg

[flynntuna]

this tool makes quick work for bead rolling.

https://www.baccus-enterprises.com/apps/webstore/products/show/6489012

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jHS-Oxc_RLw&t=0s&list=PLAxdsA1NmxpEtYKKPOFyvOTiodTkCJ6Fv&index=74

[Big Blocker]

Beeman,

FWIW, I used K rated copper tubing on mine so the wall is 0.072 (industrial strength stuff) with soldered elbows and reducer. Copper does not bend easily, especially at that wall thickness, but several passes and a ton of patience made a significant bead, more than enough to hold a rubber hose on at 16 pounds pressure at 200°f. I also use constant pressure hose clamps, not worm drive clamps.

Crash (post #18) has the right approach, not to much is needed to make it work.

I've also heard that using three or four evenly spaced pop rivets close to the end of the tube works just as well . . .

Doc

[crash]

Yep, the pop rivets work, or even just drilling holes in the end of the tubes to give the hose something to bite onto works in a pinch, but the tried and true method is a bead. If you have the time and ability then the bead is the way to go.

[beeman]

I could not get the tubing to bend more than about 25 degrees without kinking on the inside of the bend, so straight aluminum tubing it is...
Like Mike had mentioned, I initially had trouble with the aluminum cracking/splitting at the edges of the bead. So I radiused the outer edges of the male part of the crimper, voila, excellent bead.

http://fs1.directupload.net/images/180813/42sh6d3o.jpg

Here's my 1st 4 beads

http://fs1.directupload.net/images/180813/l3eoxnlx.jpg

http://fs5.directupload.net/images/180813/2mgtse4c.jpg

http://fs1.directupload.net/images/180813/ahkf4675.jpg

http://fs5.directupload.net/images/180813/lf3lwjyr.jpg

The aluminum tubing at the front looks different because it has a protective coating. Will have stone guard as well.

http://fs1.directupload.net/images/180813/b6vusav3.jpg

[NAZ]

Thanks for sharing, that came out better than I expected it would.