brake line fix

[CaliMorris]

I was given a Morris Minor 1000 in 1000 pieces as a christmas gift, i have been working on it with a lot of sucess, but working my way back i found that the brake line is cut (looks like with an angle grinder) just 6 inches from where it joins the hose in the rear of the vehicle. (I DIDN'T DO IT, I SWEAR!) Searching how to fix this i saw a fix using a short piece of line, and 2 compression fittings to replace the broken part. is this a viable method? or dangerous? just asking because i am on a bit of a budget.

btw, my first project car, unless that 2001 Malibu i was scammed on counts...

[bmcecosse]

You can do that if you have the proper brake pipe flaring equipment? you MUST NOT attempt to use compression fittings on a brake pipe. Best by far is a new pipe from front to rear. It's very likely ALL the pipes will need renewing anyway - so a brake pipe flaring tool could be a good investment. Don't use Copper piping either - NOT suitable for brakes - you should use Kunifer pipe.

[CaliMorris]

hehe thanks. probably gonna save fixing the brakes for last then, and see how much money i have left at the end. I was advised to also change the entire brake system, master cylinder and all (concerns about one leak disabling all the brakes), How would i do that? and is it possible?

[charlie_morris_minor]

If the brake pipe has been cut for a while you are likely to have lost all brake fluid and could well have corrosion in the slave and master bores.. so they could probably all do with replacing.

bull motif ( a uk supplier ) offer a set of kits such as..
http://www.morrisminorspares.net/shop_item.php?ID=4446

This one does not include the master cylinder and the actual set will obviously depend on the year of the car but this is 85 pounds so 130 dollars

I understand you are on a tight budget but brakes is the one area not to scrimp on..I can let you have a copy of the custom and modified newsletter which details how to make your own seat covers.. which if the interior needs replacing could save you a great deal of money.

[bmcecosse]

The master cylinder will probably be fine - do worry about slave cylinders, brake pipes and flexi pipes. 99% of Minors run with single line system and 99% of them don't have brake failure. Keep it in good condition and no worries.