I need to replace the tunnel steel fuel line on my '61 cab. Stoddard doesn't list a replacement. Is there a source available? What do you all reccomend?
Thanks
Paul

When I bent my fuel lines for the engine I used standard 5/16 lines from the local auto parts store. Very close to the original 8mm line. So much so the original compression fittings worked with it. I haven't replaced the long line you're asking about yet, but I will soon and plan on going the 5/16 route again. I have no idea yet if it's available in that length needed, but I figure if it's not around I could try a heavy truck (18 wheeler type) supply place. You'd think they'd have that sort of thing in length but we'll see.

Paul,

Just for interest sake, why do you need to replace the fuel line in the tunnel ? Rust ?
Changing it out will no doubt require some patience and finesse.

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Rust. Its a cab and the center tunnel has seen better days. I'm not a big fan sitting next to a gas line and the current one when tested acts as a sprinkler!
Paul

No, we do not make 616-108-531-00 fuel line down the tunnel. It's 1860 mm (73 inches, 6.1 feet) long.

BTW, metric tubing can be purchased from http://www.metricmetal.com/ , that's Parker Steel Co.

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I juist replaced mine with type L soft copper 3/8" You can buy it at any plumbing supply or Home Depot. You will need two people to push (straighten) and pull the line and then use a plumbers cutter.
jerry

IMHO I wouldn't feel comfortable with copper. Although it is corrosion resistant its not very abrasion resistant. Maybe if you ran it inside a piece of rubber tubing.

Below are two choices of stainless tubing from McMaster Carr. There are several more choices on their site. Easy to order on line. www.mcmaster.com - use the search for stainless steel tubing

# 50415K134 is 8mm OD x .5mm wall welded 316 stainless steel 2 meters long
# 89895K55 is 5/15” OD x .028” wall seamless 304 stainless steel 6 feet long

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Ashley
Davidson NC
#2249
Co-President of the Harper Lee Street 356 Club (along with Ladybug Page (American Foxhound) who is part owner of the clubs only 356).
Phone BR-549

Others on this list have warned against using copper for this line because it will harden and become brittle with time. Then you hit a few bumps and....

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Dave Wildrick
Houston, TX
#10230
64C coupe
65C coupe

I've heard the same, but have a copper hardline in my Beetle for a mechanical oil pressure gauge and after 35+ years and 400,000 miles, it has not leaked. I do have a bulkhead fitting where it passes through the body and then high pressure hose running to the engine.

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Where did this idea about cooper becoming brittle with age ? It will work harden and if you keep working it beyond its elastic limit it will crack. But a tunnel fuel line is like cooper water piping in a house, i.e. static, which lasts forever and is displaced today by PVC only because PVC is much cheaper. 304 or 316 stainless work equally well and have the advantage only of being stiffer and harder to bend during installation and stay shiny.

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I've never seen compression fittings on the OEM tunnel line; the OEM braded 7mm hose fit perfectly--w/o clamps. I never use the common clamps seen on many engines, either. (MHO)

Dick

Thanks for all the comments.
Paul

I have heard Ken Daugherty (RIP) and Ron LaDow, among others, mention this occasionally.
http://porsche356registry.org/356talk/t ... +fuel+line

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Dave Wildrick
Houston, TX
#10230
64C coupe
65C coupe

An oil line to a gauge is a different proposition that a fuel line through the passenger compartment. I've also seen folks use copper for brake lines without killing themselves, but I wouldn't do it.

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How?

The gauge is mounted in my dash so it travels the length of the car. It's under 5-100psi where the fuel is gravity fed and under almost no pressure.

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