Fuel line replacement/repair

[NolanB]

Hello everyone, well I've finally began the resto of my 1980 fuel injected Spider. I started repairing the rusted floor and in doing so, I discovered a corroded fuel line that began to leak when I moved it. No problem I thought, I'll just use the one from the parts car. Well, it seems almost impossible to get it out without damaging it. So my 2nd solution was to use some stainless steel lines that we have laying around at my job, but they all turned out to be the wrong size. So what are my options for this repair, can I use rubber inside the cabin or is that unsafe? The leak is right alongside the driver's seat. I'm sure someone has had to make this repair, what did you do? Thanks!

[mbouse]

go to your local parts store and get regular ole steel fuel line. they sell it by the 3 or 4 foot length. since there are rubber hoses attached at each end, shouldn't make too big-0-deal if there are some fittings on one end or t'other.

[HAWKER]

I feel for you as I am in the middle of a 82 Pininfarina restore. Tell you what, those fuel lines deserve due caution like you implied. I would not run rubber into the cabin of the car and while we are talking about it. Make sure you use the proper rubber fuel lines under the car and under the hood as I didn't and they fatiqued and split. That was sweet and I am lucky the whole thing did not go up in flames. I would suggest a splice in the area where the tubing is bad. They make connectors for the gage of tube you have. Take a piece to a machine shop and they will instruct you as to how to put a splice in. It will require special tools but not a big deal. Other wise, I would run a new tube for the complete run. That is not fun but there are no fancy turns. Just take your time if you do this and use a tube bender tool, it looks like a spring that goes over the tube, to keep from kinking it. the tube has to be flared under to hood to connect to the fuel rail.
Good Luck.

[So Cal Mark]

I'd stay away from a rubber splice inside with a FI car; there is too much pressure involved.

[racydave]

I replaced mine while the interrior was out, and bent em all by hand. You might invest in a tubing bender. You can also buy the line in bulk. Use the high press fuel hose, it"ll last forever...

[So Cal Mark]

forever?

[mdrburchette]

Dave's got a short attention span.
Why does it seem the newer cars with the fuel lines running inside the cabin seem to have a corrosion problem? I've taken my fair share of early model cars apart and every one of them had perfect fuel lines in them. Too bad they're so dang long and cumbersome or I'd save them for others.

[pope]

I think Dave is thinking in terms of his life, not the car life. LOL. The cars will still be here after we are gone. Let the next owner bend his/her own tubing!

[mbouse]

eventually a tubing bender might come in handy, but it is not necessary.

i might invest in one for my next lifetime