Early 4.2 FHC RHD Brake Pipe Sizes

[Glyn]

Bear with me as I am new to this (E Type ownership and forums) but I am replacing the brake master cylinder and subsequently some of the brake pipes and have noticed that some of my brake pipes (from the reservoirs to the master / slave cylinder and from master to slave cylinder) are 1/4 inch with the balance pipes being 3/16 inch. Is this normal? Should I replace like for like or can the 1/4" be replaced by 3/16"? Smaller dia pipes allow higher pressures but I am not sure of the reasons for having mixed sizes in the same brake system. My 4.2 has the early brake system (brake light switch on picture frame)
Would welcome any advice.
Thanks.
Glyn. (1965 E Type 4.2 FHC RHD)

[tim wood]

Definitely normal. I would keep as is.
What is wrong with the existing pipework ?

[Glyn]

Tim, thanks for the response. There is nothing obviously wrong with the existing pipe but the tube nuts are in poor (rounded off) condition and one may have been cross-threaded at some stage...……...so to replace the tube nuts I guess I have to replace the whole pipe, although no doubt I could cut the flare off and reflare with new tube nuts as probably there is enough length in the existing pipe to lose half an inch but if I am doing that I might as well go the whole hog and replace the pipe as well.
Glyn.

[MarkRado]

A flaring tool needs a straight lenght of 2in for clamping. Straightening and rebending an existing (steel) pipewill be almost impossible, furthermore you lose ca 5mm- this is a lot with brake pipes. I'd go for a set eg from Automec, they are easy to bend and have a clearly numbered fitting instruction.

[Glyn]

Mark,
Thanks for the tip...……...although I had already learnt the hard way re. the straight length necessary to make the flare with the tube nut on the pipe (having bent the pipe to size prior to putting on the tube nut and making the flare)!
Glyn.