Quote:
Originally posted by Richard Farrant
Keith,
On British vehicles of the 40's period it is very common to find copper brake pipes used, and for fuel. On Bedfords, Daimler, Morris Commercial, etc. they were used from new. A good subtItute nowadays is Cunifer, a copper/nickel pipe.
I am presently dismantling a Daimler armoured vehicle that has laid dormant since release in mid 60's and copper pipes are as flexable as if they had just been annealed.
Richard
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Thanks for that, Richard
It would seem there are different alloys of copper - I found this brief article on
NSW Motor Vehicles Repair Authority website.
"Safety Advice On Use Of Copper Brake Pipes
Most copper tubing available in Australia is unsuitable for automotive use, the Federal Office of Road Safety warns. This is because it is not manufactured or tested to the required SAE Standard J1047.
The Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority says because it is relatively easy to use and it is not subject to rust a number of cars and trailers are fitted with copper brake pipes.
Spokesperson Colin Brown says that if you use copper pipe which does not comply with the standard, and it fails, and insurance companies will most likely deny liability leaving the owner to pay for all damages.
The owner will no doubt face police charges as well. "While it is agreed that corrosion in steel brake tubing is a significant maintenance problem for vehicles operating near the ocean or in muddy conditions, there is also a concern regarding the standards of copper tubing used," Mr Brown says.
Failure of copper tubing may be sudden and without any warning, usually during an emergency stop under heavy pressure. The use of copper tubing not tested to comply with accepted hydraulic brake tubing standards is therefore not acceptable.
Some overseas vehicle manufacturers are using a special 90/10 copper-nickel alloy tubing to combat corrosion. This particular alloy is stronger than common phosphorous copper tubing and has been tested to SAE J1047. But unfortunately it is not supplied off the shelf in Australia but can be purchased in minimum order quantities from England or the United States."