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View Full Version : Success! I flared and bent my own transmission cooling lines.....



jeff corey
05-21-2010, 03:28 PM
I'm very pleased with how they turned out....I had about an hour and a half into each line tweaking the curves with a Mac Tools line bending tool to match the factory configuration of my '72's tranny cooling lines. It's a PITA to get the double flare just right with the flaring tool but I practiced on some extra tubing first to perfect the methods and they matched up great. But I don't think companies like Inline Tube or The Right Stuff Detailing have anything to worry about me taking over all their business, I just like be able to make my own repro parts if I can.

Last fall during my last trip out with the Centurion on the way home I developed a leak in one of the lines right where the clip holds the two lines in place by the crossmember by the exhaust manifold on the pass. side. Even though the car was heavily undercoated some rust had struck the line under the clip and it would send a hairline spray of tranny fluid near the hot manifolds...very lucky I caught it in time. It may be worth your time to check this pot out on your cars too just in case. Now I just topped up the fluid and she's ready to hit the road again.

Smartin
05-21-2010, 07:18 PM
Cool Jeff!

I made my own lines on my tan 71 LeSabre a few years ago, and used the old ones as templates. They turned out really nice. It's not as hard as you think!

75RivGS
05-22-2010, 04:45 AM
Last weekend I found some 'oil' residue on that same spot (73 Riv) and even on the inside of the hood (after a long trip to Germany I think the fan has blown it upwards) Having breathers on the passenger side valve cover I first thought one of them didn't seal well enough. Closer inspection revealed a leak in one of te cooling lines. Although having a spare set of lines I'm still in doubt of buying a flaring set and lines to do it myself just for the fun of it.