Where to buy hard lines and fittings?

[LaGrasta]

I want to run hard lines as much as I can throughout my engine bay. Not becasue it's needed, but because I think it looks cool. I love using that tubing bender.
A lot of these are inverted flares and no one seems to have these sitting on a shelf. True Value Hardware had a few and the auto parts stores seemed to have even less. So where can I get these? It's hard to tell what size these are so it would be helpful if they have a storefront. Particularly, I need the fitting to seat the lines from the tranny into the radiator.[/i]

 

[Anonymous]

Hey, I tell ya what. What your engine tubing to look like you want it? Well, it's easier than you think. First, go to a VERY discounted tooling supplier i.e. Harbour Freight.and get yourself a tubing bender. Figure out what size tubing you're gonna use and purchase accordingly. Getting the tubing is just as easy.
The trick to whole deal is get yourself a good piece of wire i.e. clothes hanger thick. Bend this wire, set it up againest the components you're working with so you can get a feel for how you what it to look like. Then, duplicate it with the material you're gonna use in the car.
Pay particular attention to the radius of your tool. This is found on the piece where the bending takes place. This radius will be subtracted or added to your measurement, so the bend aligns properly.
I did mine with stainless and it looks store bought...ZZ

 

[LaGrasta]

That's basically what I've done. Now I just need to find inverted flare ends for sale. Most of the ends that come with a brake or transmission line at the local auto parts store works, but not on all. This is where I need to find a supplier for the correct fittings.

 

[LaGrasta]

www.fittingsandadapters.com


I did it! I found a place that has the selection AND sells them individually. Some internet searches paid off.

With this find, I'm now able to run a 5/16 hard line to and from my tranny to my radiator cooler.

 

[Anonymous]

J C whitney used to sell 25 foot lengths of hard line in a coil, complete with fittings for a relatively cheap price as well. I was able to get my stuff from them about 2 years ago and do all of my stuff with it.

Just another suggestion.

Kurt.

 

[MustangSix]

The problem with using plumbing hardware in an engine compartment is that it tends to look like plumbing hardware.

It's not that much more expensive or difficult to step up to AN fittings using tube nuts and hard lines. There aren't that many under the hood and the look and fit will be far better.

 

[Anonymous]

I used stainless steel Swaglok fittings. A bit pricey, but good looking..ZZ

 

[XFlow_Fairlane]

I am with jack....do AN with hardlines....can always switch to braided or carry a couple 4' braided lines in the trunk for emergancies. you can also get flared brass fittins for really cheap that will work with AN fittins and hardline.... $.90 a fitting vs $3.95. I am switching my car over to braided line....really only need it for fuel so it is only 3 hoses.

nick