Hi

What is the size of the brake pipe that is generaly used when using m16 calipers? and rear sierra drums?

I know its still quoted in inches. Im at work and will be making a few calls later on to price up brake pipe and unions and need to know the preferred size.

PS what is Cunnifer?

copper pipe is 3/16

cheers conrod.

no probs,jus getting my count up,btw there are hard and soft types,soft is a darn suite easier to work with

Do you mean Kunifer?

If so its a 90% copper 10% nickel pipe. Often used for brake pipes as it doesnt collapse as easily as normal copper stuff and it doesnt work harden as quickly, so if you make a mistake you are more likey to be able to bend the pipe back without breaking it.

Its more expensive than copper pipe, but probably worth it. Think its about £20 - 25 a roll.

Cheers

Yes Kuniffer!

I saw somw on e-bay and it was spelt with a "C", never heard of it before, sounds like good stuff, its already sold though.

Kuniffer is a darker brown colour, it does not go green like pure copper and has a higher pressure rating, it is harder to work.

Copper lasts at least 25 years, has sufficient rating and will bend around any 1" ERW you have.

Oh, it's not 3/16, its 4.75mm same as 1" ERW is now 25.4mm ERW!

For brake pipe unions you can get them at most car shops, but if you have a Partco or similar big motor factor near by, you can get a bag full for the same price as buying them in singles.
When you have finished just sell the rest on.
I did this and they cost almost nothing, or see if anyone local wants to go half.

You have not metioned the flaring tool there are a number of comments if you search for it under Brake Flaring some good tips as well.
Most people go for the machine mart one although there are many others.

Mark

Mark,
Does that mean that you recommend the Copper or the Kuniffer stuff? I have used both in the past and the copper stuff is certainly easier to bend but does it not give a softer pedal when used for the entire length of the car? I'm sure I read that somewhere and that it was only recommended for use in short lengths for repair of corroded pipes.

Also, is it okay to just bend the pipe using both thumbs or does this crush the tube? What sort of radius is minimum for 3/16" tubing?

Cheers,
Craig.

Kunifer also has some iron in it, hence the name:-
Ku = copper
Ni = nickel
Fer = iron

It's readily available in good motor factors or brake specialists and dead cheap - I think I paid 8 quid for a 25ft roll.
You won't get a soft pedal with copper - it doesn't swell appreciably (as would a rubber hose) which is what causes a soft pedal feel, assuming you've bled the air from your system properly.
You can bend either with your fingers down to about a 1" radius, but you need to be careful not to kink the tube - bend it round a former or get some cheap brake pipe pliers from Halfords which have a rubber former built in to them.

Cheers,

Eddy

Eddy,
Thanks but what about corrosion resistance? Which is best?
Cheers,
Craig.

Kunifer is definately the best, superb corrosion resistance and less likely to strees crack.

If you are going to use your locost in the acid swamps on the planet Zarg go for kunifer, if your chassis is pin jointed, has no suspension and will be used exclusivley on Belgian pave roads you will need kunifer. Copper is easily more than adequate for normal use and will last well beyond the point when all the petrol has run out. The pedal is totally unaffected by the type of static pipe you use as neither copper, kunifer, or steel have any flexibility. the pedal only being affected by the flexies (and the rear shoe adjustment!)

As you have probably guessed, I am using copper.

Mark,
Thanks for that, I'll see what's available when I go looking but either seems to be suitable. Of the two I think that pure copper looks better as the kunifer has a sort of unpolished brass look to it if I remember correctly. I expect that the copper will form neater flares especially when using the cheaper machine mart style flaring tools.

Copper it is I think!
Cheers,
Craig.

I've got a Sykes type flaring tool which will even flare steel pipes neatly, cost nearly £100 about 6 years ago though. I also have a 'on the car' bluepoint (snapon) set which is a total waste of rollcab space.