Avoiding Brake Blunders

There are some shortcomings in a hot rod you can learn to live with. An occasional rattle, a window crank that comes off in your hand, or a gas gauge that never seems to be quite right. One thing you may not live with is a malfunctioning brake system. If you are building or buying a car, here are some things to consider:

Picking the Proper Tubing

A brake system may produce well over 1,000 psi in operation, which requires lines, hoses, and fittings that can withstand pressure reliably—that means no copper or aluminum tubing. There are only three choices when it comes to brake lines—steel (usually with a tin coating to prevent rust), stainless steel (that is often polished), or