Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

Uncle Joe · Guest

Does anyone know where I can get hold of some 1/2"-20 male brake nipples for 3/16" brake line? None of my usual suppliers have them listed, and actually say they dont exist. This is in spite of the fact that I had the only one I have in my hand to prove otherwise....

And before anyone says use an adaptor, on this particular application, I just cant make the space

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4104 Location: South Cheshire

Hi UJ

It is an odd size, they would be quite easy to turn from some stock hexagonal bar if you know somenone with a lathe.

Uncle Joe · Guest

If making a one off is what I have to do, then I will bite the bullet and do it. Its just that it feels a bit infuriating to know that they exist, and not know where they can be purchased.

I have got the same thread for 1/4" line, the question is, will this make any difference? I remember from when I used to race motorcycles that reducing line diameter used to make for grabby brakes, but havent a clue what would happen the other way. Then again, theres the question would it be noticable on a car?

Job-Rated · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1010 Location: Sugarbeet County

Joe, when it came to fitting a line lock to my truck, I remember we had problems trying to source certain connectors. The Amarican sizes didn't appear to be available.
Then we tried this place & they had everything...

Real Steel
Unit 9
Tomo Industrial Estate
Packet Boat Lane
Cowley
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 2JP

Tel: 01895 440505
Fax: 01895 422047
email: sales@realsteel.co.uk
_________________
Don't run your fingers over my truck & I won't run my truck over your fingers!

http://www.loosechange-band.co.uk/

Uncle Joe · Guest

Thanks for that one J-R. If all else fails, I'll give them a try. If I do, I just hope postage is not a ridiculous price...

1stpop · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 109

I have always had a problem with brake nipples....

Everytime I get close to the nipples She always tells me to put the brakes on!!!

Uncle Joe · Guest

Having failed miserably to find any of these fittings, this morning I bought some Hex bar. Next week, the lathe will be fired up.... Very Happy

MVPeters · Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 822 Location: Northern MA, USA

Uncle Joe

A bit late from your April posting, but is this what you were looking foR?

http://www.hydratechbraking.com/products/accessories.html - scroll down

Mike MVPeters@comcast.net

Uncle Joe · Guest

Thanks for the late reply. Since then I have turned some from the hex bar I bought.....the trouble is, they are still not fitted to the car!

Greeney in France · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject:

I find "automec" great
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The_ Yellow_Ardvark · Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 28 Location: Out Sude my head

Try Frost, if they don't have them as stock they can popint you in the right direction.

Failing that Try your local Lucas shop they have helped me in teh past.

Jim Walker · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 5:02 pm Post subject:

This is probably far too late to help in this case, but 1/2 inch 20 t.p.i. is Unified Fine (UNF).

I have never tried it, but it seems to me that it would be a simple job with a lathe to drill a 1/2 inch UNF setscrew and turn a matching taper or cup on the end. I see no reason why this would not work, nor any safety problems.

Remembering that the exception always proves the rule. I have never found a brake tube nut that was not a standard thread at the time the vehicle was built.
Making a female tube nut might be more problematic, but of course could still be done on a lathe from hexagon bar and standard taps.

Jim.