Need a brake line kit for a 78 Ranchero. I found a kit for 2 door Thunderbird, does anyone know if its a match? Or does 72-76 work with the 77-79 Rancheros? I appreciate the help.
Front or rear? The front, from the proportioning valve forward, will be the same; rear of the Ranchero is same as the LTD II wagon, so is likely not 100% the same. If it is, I'd be surprised.
'72-'76 are likely to be the same. Have you tried the obsolete parts sellers, as well as custom dismantlers? I'm trying to remember the name of the Cougar parts place, there's always the possibility they may have a Cougar Villager wagon they're tearing apart. But, for the most part, wagons and Rancheros of the same model year have parts commonality out back.
Trying to stay with new parts if I can, then go used when out of options. I will run down these leads, thanks for the help. More to come.
Couldn't you just get a roll of steel brake line and make your own? I would just remove my old line and bend the new line to match. You'll need a set of benders. If you use electrical tape and tape it to the old line as you go it might help. Once it's relatively similiar, cut the tape off and install the new line. I'm a plumber and I've used that technique for waterline systems in the past.
That's what I've done in the past. A warning, tho: Stainless brake line is difficult at best to work and flare. I suggest cunifer or equivalent; it is DOT approved. And almost as rust resistant as stainless.
X2 on Stab's technique. Fortunately, brake line is very small, so bending it is easier; I hand bent lines for a '55 Star Chief rear axle with no problem.
Found this guy, rebuilds proportioning valves and carbs. Here"s the link if anyone is interested-https://oldautorestorations.com/ When mine is back Ill share how it went.
I'll have to look if I kept my old prop valve, I wouldn't mind a mild rebuild on it and have it on the shelf.
I installed the 77-79 Thunderbird kit from Classic Tube, knowing the line from the prop valve to the rear splitter hose would be different due to wheelbase. Other six lines fit perfectly and are reinforced exactly like OEM.
That must be pretty old. It's been available at a reasonable price for a while. It's available on amazon for about $0.80/ft in 25 ft lengths.