Weekly Groan

[bogster]

Thought some of you might like to see this. As you know I installed the body recently and today I finally got round to securing the most upper part of the inner wings to the overrider mount horns. On the offside it fits perfectly however on the nearside I had to install a 1/2" spacer. As much as I tried there was no way the wing was going to shift over enough to secure it unless I was to start ripping things! I think some of you guys have had the same problem.

I'm in the middle of installing the radiator now and that is a real b**ch! I don't want it hanging below the front of the body as it looks c**p. So I've had to chop the tops of the bracket off, redrill the holes, slant the radiator and reshape the upper support brackets.

Lastly I've got my brake lines installed however I've not double flared the end which go into the master cylinder yet for fear of getting it wrong. Should I use the Draper tool for this or take them off and take it to the local brake flaring guru?

[Purple AK]

Bogster.
The brake pipes that go into the master cylinder use male nuts (Oh Ere) So should be a single flare (Convex)

[madjohnny]

Bogster, don't forget where you left your torch. I left a 1/4" ratchet in the same place, took me ages to find it again!!

[bogster]

Thanks guys,

You're not going to believe this Johnny but I've been looking for that torch all day! What a plonker, I even took a picture of it!

Anyway, Purple AK you have really got me confused now because I'm almost positive they are double flared. I even spoke with Dave to confirm and I called Automec who manufacture the brake lines for Dax and they told me they were double flared. Could it be that you use a different master cylinder on the AK? The one that the Dax uses is off a Mk V Ford Escort 1.4 litre (Jul '90 to Dec '94) without ABS.

[Purple AK]

Hi Bogster.
I am confused that others have told you to use "all" double flares. Yes my AK uses an Ital master cylinder. BUT Male brake pipe nuts always use single (convex) flares, And female brake pipe nuts always use double (concave) flares. It is Standard Practice If you remove a pipe from your master cylinder. Is the seat in the cylinder concave? If so your pipe needs a single flare

[TINKA]

Just to say I fully agree with Chris here, are you sure you have not misunderstood them whilst chatting to them.

[bogster]

I'm positive guys.

I spoke with Automec who make the complete kit for Dax and they assured me all the flares were double flared. I'm really glad you guys have brought this up because quite a few of us are installing are brake systems at the moment. I've included a picture of one of the flares from the brake lines I received from Dax. All the flares are exactly like this. The lines are supposed to be custom made to fit the Dax but all of them are too long and would look cr*p installed. Hence the reason I have cut them back to fit correctly.

[dave]

All.
I think there is a miss understanding on what exactly is a single or double flare.
I interprete a single flare as being what you would get if you just used the cone bit on the end of the flaring tool, this would force the material in only the "trumpet" direction giving(What i would call) a single flare (A la the wiper rack). The flare that is done as part of the Dax kit is actually suitable for both male and female applications, ie, both concave (Outer) and convex (Inner). This is also a stronger flare that is less likely to colapse if over tightened.

Trust me, the flare in the picture will do both without problems, and yes i too find the Dax pipes too long but this is subject to how the pipes are run by the builder................Better than too short though wouldn't you all agree?
I have not yet had a customer call me to tell me they are dead because of a problem with the brake pipe flare.

[Purple AK]

A double flare (as pictured) will seal in a single flare situation if your lucky and it's made right. But it isn't correct We are talking Brakes/Lives here!

[dave]

Originally Posted by Purple AK

A double flare (as pictured) will seal in a single flare situation if your lucky and it's made right. But it isn't correct

No luck Chris, it works because the outer edge is the part that makes the hard seal. the inner (Domed part) just folds as the joint is tightened (Just as it does when it is formed with the tool) and is not strong enough in the first place to cope with the pressure. It is the outer part that is forced in tight by the leading edge of the nut/ bolt thingy (Union).
This is especially true when using relatively soft copper pipe.

I just made all that up.......Did I sound convincing?