ConcoursMustang Forums
Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Processes, Products & Techniques => Topic started by: FXguy on December 31, 2016, 04:30:02 PM
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I have original brake hoses without cracks, original paint markings, and nice finishes on the metal fittings but the rubber is pretty stiff.
Anyone have a product/technique for softening rubber brake hoses. Have seen several threads where WD40 was used to condition weatherstrip and underhood hoses but nothing specific to brake lines. Also have seen dot4 brake fluid used to soften hardened plalstic and rubber parts on Youtube but don't want to use something that may eventually cause the lines to break down.
TIA
-Scott
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I know many here swear never to have WD30 close to any of their cars.
Personally, I would be concerned about the hardened rubber brake lines; not so much the outside but the inside. If they are hard on the inside, they are liable to be brittle and crack from the inside out, causing a potential safety hazard.
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Might want to search for the thread related to softening old weatherstrip for some possibilities. Outer jackets on these hoses are very touchy after all these years.
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I have original brake hoses without cracks, original paint markings, and nice finishes on the metal fittings but the rubber is pretty stiff.
If in doubt, throw it out.
Jim
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If any doubt don't use them. There are vendors who re-make single crimp hoses.
Previous thread
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=5380.0
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Thank you all for the input.
I would not personally use WD40 on underhood rubber, but it has been suggested in other posts.
Yes, Jeff, I reviewed the weather strip thread before posting this, but was looking for specific input on using the technique on brake hoses.
I don't want to get off topic here, but these hoses are specific to a June 64 K code, looks like DSD is specific to 68-69 model years, but I will contact to get more info. :D
BTW, car is thoroughbred, not a daily driver. Some pics of the rear hose attached.
-Scott
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I don't want to get off topic here, but these hoses are specific to a June 64 K code, looks like DSD is specific to 68-69 model years, but I will contact to get more info. :D
They/he doesn't - double checked last week for a 67 project :( But if they do crack don't throw anything away. You never know when things will change (can be fixed) and you may need cores ;)
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They/he doesn't - double checked last week for a 67 project :( But if they do crack don't throw anything away. You never know when things will change (can be fixed) and you may need cores ;)
Thanks for that, Jeff. I always hang on to original parts. ;D
-Scott
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I have used this on vacuum lines and other rubber components.
Chris
(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/6/2850-020117103228.jpeg)
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(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/6/2850-020117103228.jpeg)
Hmmm! Fairly sure this product could be considered for use on MANY things (pertaining to automotive purposes ;) ) ...but ya-might keep it away from the young-uns...they might try it on OTHER non-automotive ideas :D
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Show it a naked pic of Roseanne Barr. That will soften any hose.
Seriously, If you are driving the car, I'd replace them with date coded. I'd ziplock bag the originals. If you only trailer, I'd try silicone.
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I have had positive results cleaning rubber and plastic pieces with dishwasher liquid. I always test a small section first. As already mentioned, the current integrity of the brake hose is unknown and any cleaning or restoring will probably not improve the integrity.
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Show it a naked pic of Roseanne Barr. That will soften any hose.
Thanks all for the input...but this one is the best...LOL!!! ;D
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I have used this on vacuum lines and other rubber components.
Chris
(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/6/2850-020117103228.jpeg)
Thanks Chris, I'll try this on some in the shop and see how they hold up before trying on anything that goes back on the car.
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Another option is to find a better used set of hoses and restore them if they are more pliable.
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Vacuum hose before cleaning
(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/6/2850-040117173004-6561255.jpeg)
hose after 45 seconds of light wiping.
(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/6/2850-040117173006-65641532.jpeg)
Did not affect color stripes.
Chris
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Vacuum hose before cleaning
(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/6/2850-040117173004-6561255.jpeg)
hose after 45 seconds of light wiping.
(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/6/2850-040117173006-65641532.jpeg)
Did not affect color stripes.
Chris
Respectfully ,there is a difference between cleaning and softening. It has been much easier for me to clean hoses compared to softening .Is the cleaning a by product of the Rubber Renue? i bought a bottle to try. I have had little luck in softening rubber hoses once they have hardened using a variety of solvents and oils. . If you haven't already tried Westley's Bleche-Wite tire cleaner it has worked well on cleaning (not softening) without taking off markings or stripes. Castrol Super Clean works too but it is a little more aggressive on the markings . Just what I have experienced .Others may have different.
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I could not agree more Bob. I was just posting pictures to show what my experience was. Each will have to judge results for themselves. :)
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Get a bottle of 303 (made for restoring vinyl dashes and such) and submerge the hoses in it for a few days or so. I use it all the time on rubber plugs and such. Does not seem to alter the shape of the piece, and once wiped off, leaves a nice, rich black color. I would check it daily though, as I have not tried it on any rubber parts with markings. In addition, you can use it on all of your vinyl surfaces, and even your daily driver. Great stuff!
Ken
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Thank You. Where can 303 be purchased?
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Thank You. Where can 303 be purchased?
I bought mine on ebay.
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Respectfully ,there is a difference between cleaning and softening. It has been much easier for me to clean hoses compared to softening .Is the cleaning a by product of the Rubber Renue? i bought a bottle to try. I have had little luck in softening rubber hoses once they have hardened using a variety of solvents and oils. . If you haven't already tried Westley's Bleche-Wite tire cleaner it has worked well on cleaning (not softening) without taking off markings or stripes. Castrol Super Clean works too but it is a little more aggressive on the markings . Just what I have experienced .Others may have different.
Bob, they are selling what seems to be a new and improved Westley's in my area and its not nearly as good as the older product and I stopped using it. The original was awesome.
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Bob, they are selling what seems to be a new and improved Westley's in my area and its not nearly as good as the older product and I stopped using it. The original was awesome.
I have seen a knock off labeled Black Magic Bleche-Wite on line . I read that the old formula is in the original marked bottle still available in some places until sold out. I also understand that you have to be careful buying it online because some online sellers still show the old bottle even though they only carry the newer diluted Black Magic stuff. I am going to look starting tomorrow locallyand buy a case if I can to keep for the future. I use that stuff for all kinds of things.
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I have seen a knock off labeled Black Magic Bleche-Wite on line . I read that the old formula is in the original marked bottle still available in some places until sold out. I also understand that you have to be careful buying it online because some online sellers still show the old bottle even though they only carry the newer diluted Black Magic stuff. I am going to look starting tomorrow locallyand buy a case if I can to keep for the future. I use that stuff for all kinds of things.
I use it, for cleaning a variety of rubber products, etc. as well. I have some of the 'original' formula left. After reading the previous posts, I will be searching for more. BTW, I also have some of the Black Magic branded stuff and it seems to take more of it to get the same results.
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Thanks to all for the input on this. I took all of the parts to my rebuilder, who has done countless brake system rebuilds from drivers to trailered original cars. He inspected the hoses and felt that the rear hose was fine to use, no cracks and plenty of flexibility left, the two fronts he recommended replacing or rebuilding, but he only has double crimp rebuilding equipment - so I went on a search for NOS front hoses. I'm going to start another thread to specifically discuss what would be correct factory markings.
In the meantime, I'll order some 303 along with a couple of the other products mentioned here and see how they work on the original hoses.
-Scott
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Thanks to all for the input on this. I took all of the parts to my rebuilder, who has done countless brake system rebuilds from drivers to trailered original cars. He inspected the hoses and felt that the rear hose was fine to use, no cracks and plenty of flexibility left, the two fronts he recommended replacing or rebuilding, but he only has double crimp rebuilding equipment - so I went on a search for NOS front hoses. I'm going to start another thread to specifically discuss what would be correct factory markings.
In the meantime, I'll order some 303 along with a couple of the other products mentioned here and see how they work on the original hoses.
-Scott
I may be mistaken but thought David Davis was doing the 65/66 front hose. What you want is single crimp hose. The Ford ones also have the engineering number on them but if they are not single crimp regardless of if Ford NOS or repro from NPD they don't look like assemblyline. You can see the single or double crimp from six feet away . The engineering number is difficult to see unless you are right up on it. Don't waste your money on NOS Ford double crimp hose over repro because one is not any better then the other given their appearance. FYI being a safety item and what with liability concerns the repro double crimp brake hose is as good of quality compared to genuine Ford double crimp brake hose.
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I use it, for cleaning a variety of rubber products, etc. as well. I have some of the 'original' formula left. After reading the previous posts, I will be searching for more. BTW, I also have some of the Black Magic branded stuff and it seems to take more of it to get the same results.
I am sad to say I only found black magic marked bottles in all of the places I checked.
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I may be mistaken but thought David Davis was doing the 65/66 front hose. What you want is single crimp hose. The Ford ones also have the engineering number on them but if they are not single crimp regardless of if Ford NOS or repro from NPD they don't look like assemblyline. You can see the single or double crimp from six feet away . The engineering number is difficult to see unless you are right up on it. Don't waste your money on NOS Ford double crimp hose over repro because one is not any better then the other given their appearance. FYI being a safety item and what with liability concerns the repro double crimp brake hose is as good of quality compared to genuine Ford double crimp brake hose.
Thanks for that Bob. I called DSD and left a message, but haven't heard back yet. Jeff says he's only doing them for later cars.
BTW, I started another thread here http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=15129.0 (http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=15129.0) to discuss what the correct factory brake hoses look like.
-Scott