fabricated fuel lines

Has anyone ever tried to fabricate a fuel line. I can not find a replacement for a fuel line that runs from the fuel pump (hose), through the wheel well(solid metal), through the firewall (solid) and into the engine compartment (solid) and then to the carbs (hose). I can duplicate this part with fuel line hose clamped to a metal form fitted as the original part and then back to a hose again. My question is what metal to use? What about copper?

Does anyone know where I could find this replacement part. I have checked all the catalogues but with no luck. The car is a 1974 911 w/ webers. Thanks. Mark

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Mark, If you carefully remove that 'whole' line downwards ... that is, out of the engine compartment and back down toward the front, after disconnecting from fuel pump and carbs or elbow to carbs ... you can carefully cut off the crimped ferrules with diagonal cuts on opposite sides with a hacksaw. After they are loose, take the whole assembly to a local industrial hose supply and tell them it is a fuel hose assembly and that you want the rubber part replaced ... I'm (reasonably) sure you can get it done for under $30.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

hey warren, I have removed the entire piece. That's what made me think I could fabricate it. I'll try what you suggested.

If I do have to make the piece, what do you think of copper? I could get the right diameter and it could be shaped with regular plumbing tools. Just an idea.

Warren, while I have your attention, what do you think of the re-usable gaskets? I want to stop all oil leaks and would pay for a permanent solution. I am getting ready to put the car up on stands for the summer(best driving in Fla w/out ac is in fall winter and spring) and the oil leaks are my top priority.

See ya. Mark

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[This message has been edited by mark 74 carrera (edited 05-07-2000).]

Mark, I forgot to mention that the OD of the 'new' hose is QUITE CRITICAL where the 'last' piece of rubber hose passes through the bodywork to the engine compartment! Whatever you do, don't buy just any generic fuel hose from a local parts store. I have found that most (99%) is junk and is not good for more than two-year lifespan. There is no reason to be thinking of using a copper line, or anything else. If you cut off those crimped ferrules, the steel line WILL be reusable ... I have done it and just bought the bulk 8 mm hose from a dealer (VW or Porsche or Mercedes) and used simple worm-gear clamps to replace the 'old piece' of hose ... the 'connection' at the left rear of the engine compartment is a little 'tight' to get at (the worm gear won't pass through -- too big) but possible and doable!!! You might even take the assembly and bulk OEM hose to the industrial hose supply JUST to get the new ferrules and crimping done!

About those new silicone 'RealGaskets' ... it sounds like a great idea, priced right up there with Ferrari and Rolls-Royce parts ... i.e. a blatant abuse of the wallet!!! Mopar Performance's price on a WHOLE gasket set for my 340 is only $40, and it includes two new metal-backed silicone rubber valve cover gaskets that are reusable!!! But, I haven't had any recent valve cover leaks with 'Turbo' aluminum valve covers and the 'green-beaded' factory gaskets for about 10 years now! You can get a pair of the 'Turbo' exhaust valve covers for LESS than what the REalGaskets set costs ... and paint them red like on Rarly's engine ... I thought I was the only one crazy enough to paint valve covers RED to match my 'S' engine's RED cooling shroud!!!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Warren, maybe I forgot to say that the steel tubing was rusted. Perhaps water in the fuel line while it was in storage. While I still have the whole assembly, it is definetly NOT re-usable.

I was considering new covers as mine are the original and have not been swithed out to the turbo style. I think I will spend the money where it makes sense for a permanent solution.

Mark

OK, I don't see any reason why you couldn't run OEM bulk hose all the way from the fuel pump to the carbs. I think that would be 4-5 ft. at the most, right?

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

That is what I have done, of course thinking it would be a temporary solution. This whole experience has heightened my "buy in" to you "what should I have in my car" list.

I will however look into getting the part from some other source. My local used parts place said that many of those types of parts were crushed with what was left of a car after the car has been parted out.

Who knows maybe I'll get lucky at a swap meet.

Do you remeber my problem with my targa top and the "slientbloc" pin? After searching for a while, I got an idea. I drilled the center out of both of the broken pieces of my original pin. I inserted a metal insert and used JB Weld as a glue. It worked like a champ! I do not think it is the permanent solution but it might last until I have the top re-furbished. See Ya Mark