Copper air lines

[eddeere]

Replacing the air lines on my B61. Are they regular copper tubing 5/8' OD X 1/2 ID. Why the splice and extension ? Wheelbase Change ? Any other options hard copper ?

[mrsmackpaul]

Plastic or nylon are all the go I wouldnt trust new copper it isnt the same as it was years ago

Paul

[AZB755V8]

You need to use DOT plastic tubing. You can not use "regular" copper tubing. The old stuff was DOT approved copper and is very expensive if you can find it today. It is a liability issue so only use DOT labeled plastic tubing and fittings. If there would be an accident you may not have insurance coverage using non approved lines.

Maybe someone else can comment but I woulds not reuse old copper that would need to be re-bent ether, work harding and corrosion maybe an issue.

[j_martell]

If it were me and I had it all stripped down, I would run all new tubing....if nothing else, for peace of mind

[theakerstwo]

Plastic is a replacement for copper.The plastic can be used on the copper line fitting with inserting a insert tube inside of the plastic as it is tighten up with the same nut.

[b61mack]

They make a stainless braided flexable line that comes off the compressor that withstands heat, then use DOT approved plastic. plastic right off compressor might melt from the heat.

[mackdaddy]

If you want to keep the OEM look to the B model order the outside covering that comes in many different ID's (slips my mind right now what to call it) and just put the plastic line inside.

[AZB755V8]

Think it is mandatory to have the stainless flex line off the air compressor these days. As for the original look that is what it I did. Use plastic DOT tubing and covered it with cloth sheathing, covering. It is the same covering used on the trucks copper lines originally. The plastic is easier to work with and you can't really tell when it is covered.

[theakerstwo]

I worked for mack when the B was still in production.I have seen cooper on thoses trucks and others get a place were it would rub on something and it would eat a hole thru the copper fast.But plastic can rub together for years not leak.

[Freightrain]

I still have some copper left in my truck(under the dash and things). Anything else I added/fixed went to plastic.

I agree, get some of that cloth covering and hide the plastic if you are concerned about visual appeal. Not sure, didn't they put that cloth on most of the copper back when new Glenn? Or not everywhere, but just where it might rub.

[theakerstwo]

Ever thing in the frame had the loom covering and also on the fire wall.The copper under the dash I don't remember.I was never able to crawl up under there.Hard to fix all of the leaks under there.The discharge line off of the comp was copper but to change it to a flex you will have to replace the bolt on flange on the comp.

[eddeere]

Thanks for all the good advise. I wanted to use copper as it was original. The discharge line off the compressor is 3/4" A/C tubing which is thin and I suspect the weak link in the system. I saw some trucks at York last summer with what appears to be new copper tubing. I will have to rethink this.

[AZB755V8]

Thanks for all the good advise. I wanted to use copper as it was original. The discharge line off the compressor is 3/4" A/C tubing which is thin and I suspect the weak link in the system. I saw some trucks at York last summer with what appears to be new copper tubing. I will have to rethink this.

You can get DOT copper but it is $$. If you were doing a static display or a trailered show queen the use of non approved lines may get you by but consider the liability if something happens. A DOT inspection may flag you as well.

I have a restored B that I wanted to drive so I went with plastic and tubeless tires. Most guys understand things like safety first. Copper and split rims are original but how many guys are still really using split rims these days too.

[41chevy]

Conifer Tubing is DOT approved and looks like what is in those photos. It is an 85% copper, 10% nickel, 5% iron alloy made for hydraulic and air systems. NAPA sell it as Universal Copper Nickel Hydraulic Brake line under their Balkamp line. NAPA also has the DOT approved and DOT marked air brake fittings for the line. About $400 plus for a 25 foot roll. the product has a .031 to a .039 wall thickness. The ones on my B were .049. I'm doing plastic when it's to that point. The reason being the Conifer lines don't have the tolerance for expansion, contraction, vibration and chaffing that the OEM line did unless you add to the length and clamp with the steel/ nylon clamps every few feet and add a wear jacket for the rub protection.

[Maddog13407]

i ran a mix of copper and new plastic when I redid my B. used the copper on the firewall, copper from the compressor to a stainless braided line across the compressor and copper back to the air tank. copper up the treadle valve, tractor valve . I added spring brakes and ran that in plastic alone with all the line for the trolley valve. I was at the same point you are. kinda wish I ran all plastic now but it is what it is. I have seen the plastic actually wear a spot in the frame rather than the line.

[m16ty]

Copper and split rims are original but how many guys are still really using split rims these days too.

I'm still running split rims on my RD822. Granted, tubeless are easier to change and repair but there is nothing unsafe about a tube type split ring rim.

Unless I was really concerned about keeping the truck 100% original, I wouldn't even consider copper lines. Not because it's unsafe, it's just because plastic is just so much cheaper and easier to install.

[Swishy]

Hard n brittle copper tube can B made flexible again

by heating the pipe up n drop it in water

nerlin or knurling me thinx iz wot its called

Butt

EyeDoSt&2BCorrected

cya

[BC Mack]

"Annealing" Swishy...

BC Mack

[Swishy]

Thanx BC Mack

Guess eye twaz close

Butt ........ no cigar

LOL

One V: Annealing copper pipe

http://www.wikihow.com/Anneal-Copper

cya

[AZB755V8]

I'm still running split rims on my RD822. Granted, tubeless are easier to change and repair but there is nothing unsafe about a tube type split ring rim.

Unless I was really concerned about keeping the truck 100% original, I wouldn't even consider copper lines. Not because it's unsafe, it's just because plastic is just so much cheaper and easier to install.

You did get what I was saying. Copper and split rims are not the norm and it does take extra care to maintain these components. Nothing wrong with them other than not many places will work on copper lines or split rims out this side of the country. If a shop will it is extra money or they rather refer another shop. No shop will work on my aluminum split rims on my LT. No shops ether with a pump stand to work on a modified mechanical pump here ether, had to send mine back to Ohio.