1931 Copper Brake Lines

[johnRFain29U]

I read somewhere that copper was discontinued in the 30s when it became more expensive to use than steel.  When I rebuilt my brake system on my 29U, I purchsed 90-10 copper-nickel brake lines from:

Magill's Quality Radiator, 3320 N 1st Ave
TUCSON, AZ 85719  520-690-0903  www.magillsquality.com/copper.html

[TodFitch]

There is a currently available nickel-copper alloy tubing that is designed for brake line use and is supposed to last longer than steel as it resists corrosion better. It is legal in the US and is used on a number of new cars (apparently it has been used on Volvo since about 1990). That tubing has a little bit of copper color/look to it and would make a reasonable substitute for your original copper lines.

http://www.copper.org/applications/automotive/brake.html

http://www.copper.org/applications/automotive/hydraulic_brake_tube.html

[FourDoor]

I think it must depend on your jurisdiction. If copper brake lines are in place and original ,as well as copper lines for the fuel, any inspection policies I've run across state that they can stay in place but 'should' be replaced with steel if any replacement work is done. But I'm not aware of any jurisdictions that make you strip out all the copper lines, brake and gas, and replace them before they'll give you a fit for the road mechanical certification. Any body know of a state that does do that? I'm curious.   

[David Pollock]

Early Lockheed brake systems used copper lines, not just on Chrysler products but other makes as well. The practice was discontinued in the early 30s when, I suppose, the embrittlement of copper subject to vibration started to cause problems.  I re did my 28 Chrysler in conventional steel lines. The flare nuts (brass ) may be reused.

  A vehicle undergoing a DOT inspection would be rejected if copper lines were found.     dp

[Sparky]

Does anyone know when Copper Brake lines were used? My grandfather purchased this 1931 Plymouth PA in 1958 and has been in family since.
Don't know why it had copper-clad brake lines.