Almost everyone agrees that brakes need to be taken seriously. In that vein, if the pipes have begun to deteriorate they will continue. You need to decide if the fact that they haven't burst in the 60 years since the truck was built means that they won't fail while you are driving.
For replacement lines you have several choices. Standard lines of coated steel are cheaper, fairly easy to form but if the coating is damaged may be prone to rust. Stainless line is very rust resistant but usually is more difficult to form curves and flares. I've never seen the cunifer alloy lines but they have a reputation for for easy forming and very good rust resistance.
My thoughts are influenced by living in the road salt capital of Canada. I know I intend to replace the lines on my trucks as I get to the brake system because I don't trust myself to be able to clean the lines to 100% or trust the old lines not to fail when I need them most.
If you are confident of the strength of the line, consider plugging one end of the line and pouring in your choice of solvent (new brake fluid, brake cleaner, meths, etc) and letting it sit to soften the gunge. It might take more than one try but once there's even a small passage through the line time is your friend for the solvent action.
Last edited by Grant Bowker; 23-01-09 at 18:40.
Reason: clarification and added content
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23-01-09, 15:23
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