i replaced brake fluid with silicone and now i have leaks that i didn't have before. the wheel and master cyl. where rebuilt the lines flushed and reassembled. the lines are copper with flair fittings, the flairs that were not touched know seep, the bleeders seep. has anyone had this problem with silicone.

I've done many brake jobs/silicone conversions.
I had leaks, but not because of the silicone fluid. It is thicker than DOT-3 brake fluid. Just fix where the leaks occur and re-bleed. Back the bleed screws all the way out, clean the inside end on a wire wheel, coat the threads with never-sieze and you should be fine.

thanks for the reply, i didn't put anything on the treads of the bleeders or the flair nuts should i put neversez on all threads or maybe pipe dope?

A word of caution! You should NOT use copper lines for brake applications! Use Steel, as copper lines are not near as strong (to withstand the hydraulic pressure) and, copper lines do not maintain good connections (even withflare fittings) in such applications. PLEASE, replace the lines with the correct steel brake line material.

Don't really care to get into any discussion over today's use of copper verses steel brake lines, but I would like to point out that copper was the original material used from Chrysler's begining of hydraulic brakes and used up to, or around 1937.

i restored the car in 88 the brake lines are the original copper lines and haven't had a problem til the brake fluid made a mess of my brake backing plates, had a wheel cyl start leaking, that's why i replaced the fluid

Rick, the copper lines used at that time are not the same material as used in copper tubing today. The British have developed a copper brake line material that is bendable and used for restoration of classic cars, however, the strength (after cyclical use) is still lower than steel brake (Bundy tubing) lines. Under NO circumstances should modern copper lines be used for brake applications.

That I can agree with. I just had the feeling this vehicle of Mikzjr's still had the original copper lines.

it does have the 1929 copper lines on it, that is okay right

That would be hard for me to say without being able to inspect them myself. You didn't have any problem before, right? I've run across several original Chryslers that are being driven, (and toured with) that still have the original copper lines and never have I heard them mention having a problem. Once you get the fitting leaks stopped, I'll bet that you'll be just fine. I will add that I have changed a few early Chrysler's to steel lines in the past. If you are in doubt, then I'd make the change. Good luck.

When I converted my brake system over to silicone, I replaced all the lines. They were steel and had obviously been replaced at some point over the years. I wanted to have the car as "original" as possible so steel was obviously out as was copper for the reasons stated above. I did research and the best replacement I could find that was comparable to copper and was just as good as steel was a brake line made in Europe called Cunifer. It is a mixture of different metals including copper. I was a little disapointed that it didn't match the color of copper exactly, but since it was designed to withstand the elements of the weather (even though it isn't driven in the winter)I feel confident that I will never have to replace my brake lines again.

If it was me I would definetly replace the copper lines. I would NOT trust 80 year old material to stop my irreplaceable car no matter how well it was made back then!!!

And I too have problems with small leaks on my '29 Chrysler. I am curious that if I wanted to keep the original flare fittings, is there any thing that could be done to the actual fitting to stop it from leaking? Some fittings have been sitting around in boxes over the years and I'm not sure there isn't small scratches from which the silicone is escaping??

Thanks
Dan

dan i went on line for the brake lines you bought were they a more silver copper, and did you flair the ends like the orginal,or like the brake lines of today. also the copper crush washers, do you know of anyone making them.

mikzjr, i always clean threads up well and use a little never-sieze on them. that includes the bleeders. any future dis-assembly is a snap. capt den

The Ford guys have made a steel line that is copper plated, look at any of the major Ford restoration suppliers. Their lines were also originally copper 1939-41. I was able to get copper washers at the local NAPA dealer, one still has to be careful when tightening to get a secure and leakfree coupling. Be real careful on the antisieze applications so not to get any material in the line itself.

Mikzjr, The color is more like a yellowish gold. The copper plated steel lines might be the way to go. But the question I would have is are the steel lines "stainless" steel? If they are then that is definetly the way to go. If not perhaps the copper coating will protect the line from the elements. But will the coating wear off at the fittings when you turn and tighten?

And I agree that you should be able to find the cooper washers at NAPA. The Cunifer lines are flared the same way you would flare any other brake line.

Dan

thanks for your help guys.

Hi ,Does anyone know the grade of transmission oil needed for a 1939 Chrysler. I think the garage used the wrong one as it is very hard to shift gears when transmission is hot and the clutch is new.thanks .