Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi Folks,

This is marginally linked to Moggies so I do apologise in advance, but I really need a few opinions.

My other project in 1964 Ford Galaxie Country Squire station wagon, a huge barge of a thing. Complete with cheesy woodgrain and trim and a 300hp v8 on single circuit drum brakes

I'm in process converting to a power disc set up, buying a complete kit from a supplier in the States. However, all went relly well until I happened tomention I'd be piping up with 3/16" copper pipe.

The tech guy on the other end of the phone nearly looped it! He was quite catagorical that I should not use copper pipes under any circumstances.

Now, this has me a bit puzzled. I've used both copper & copper-nickel pipes on many cars without any problems. My supplier lists both types of copper pipe as having 3100psi burst pressure and conforming to a British Standard (of which I can't remember the number at the mo')

He is suggesting I only use steel or stainless steel. To be frank I'm not relishing the thought of piping up in steel, its hard work.

So, does anyone have any opinions on the matter??

Again, sorry for the non-moggy lean.

Season's Greetings,

Richard

Well, I have got copper pipes on my 4-door Minor and my 2-door and I am just about to replace the ones on my MG with copper ones supplied by the MG owners club!

There is not an issue with copper pipes for the MoT man!! They are perfectly safe in my opinion and MUCH easier to bend into place than steel/stainless. Cheaper too!

Why did the loopy guy say not to use them?

It's something I've heard many times over the last 15 years. Copper is rather different from steel and fatigue failures are where people believe the risk comes from (copper work hardens which makes it more brittle).
Baiscally if any of your pipes will be subject to a lot of flexing then be careful with copper but other than that, I think the risk is negligible.
Steel pipe is better on paper but a real pain to use, and as for stainless - forget it unless you can get preformed pipes!

Hello all,
I have had the same (lengthy) discussion on 'British car forum', an American forum for British cars. The Americans did not believe that I used copper lines on my cars. I don't now remember their concerns but I have no such worries.
I suggest that you go ahead and use copper, it just needs about twice the number of supports that steel lines do, for the fatigue issue Ray mentioned earlier.

Alec

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the info. You've sort of confirmed what I was thinking that I'll be staying with the copper or copper-nickel.

The tech guy at Master Power brakes was quite convinved they wouldn't take the pressure.

Have a look at these links. Personally, I'm quite happy with the copper-nickel. See what you think:

http://brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/Brake ... arison.htm

http://www.copper.org/applications/auto ... brake.html

Have a Great Christmas Folks,

Rich

The tech guy at Master Power brakes was quite convinved they wouldn't take the pressure.

Well Rich I think that article says it all regarding steel pipes against coppre-nickel