Brake Line Routing Question

[Taxi!]

I tried to come up with a more intriguing title to this thread, but my disbelief in what I found this weekend made it difficult. When I took my driver's side rocker off, you can see what I was confronted with. I'm pretty sure this isn't the way it came from the factory (he said sarcastically.)

Unless somebody provides a better idea, for a short term fix I plan to remove the rubber hose, flare the ends of the existing brake line and connect using proper brass fittings and a piece of brake line to fill the gap. Where I could use some help is in identifying the proper routing and location under the car for the brake line, as well as any supporting attachment points under the car. Since this has obviously been worked on by the PO, I question whether the brake line should be routed here since it looks like it could be easily crushed against the bottom of the jack hole, but if so should it hang down that far? Photos would be appreciated, if you have them or can take them. Car is an '86, if that matters. TIA.

(UPDATE: Turns out it's not a brake line. Disappears through the front fender liner and wraps around inside the truck underneath and behind the fusebox. I'm starting to think it's part of the fuel overflow/vapor recovery system and will have to remove some other parts to verify. Thanks to those who set me on the right path.)

SECOND UPDATE: I traced the metal brake line into the engine compartment, where it ended up as an open line that I had previously noticed but not yet tackled. The ability to run the fuel overflow fumes back into the intake was obviously the intention of the poorly designed brake line by the PO, but the car ran fine without it (and I've since added a Fabspeed open air filter.) While I was at it I also deleted the fuel evaporation canister from the front driver's wheel well and capped the metal nipple, so will see if that results in an increased gasoline smell, as some have predicted in other threads.

Jeff

[safe]

Are you sure its used as a brake line?
I don't think that would hold a single push on the brake pedal.

If it is, it's proper dangerous!!!

[Bergo]

crazy, it *could* be being used as a vacuum line, does it go to the master cylinder or a brake booster?

[Taxi!]

Good point, guys. I honestly didn't check, so will do that and report back. Thanks.

[KTL]

I think it might be somebody's *creative* way of moving the brake fluid reservoir overflow hose to the rear of the car?

[47silver]

my vacuum line was plugged took an afternoon to clean out. see if it goes to the gas expansion tank and then to the charcoal cannister in the back.