A better way to replace tunnel brake lines

[inaminit]

I had to remove and replace a rusted leaking tunnel brake line the other day-it was way easier than I expected. The engine and trans were out on the car, and front plate was off. I did this solo. Here is my proceedure:
1. Unbolt the parking brake and shifter-push them to the side and unbend the tabs inside the tunnel on the upper passenger side that hold the brake line.
2. Unscrew the fittings at the tee and elbow. Remove the grommets f&r. Find a length of stiff piano wire like the wire to the hood and lid latches that will equal the length of the tunnel line. Slide the wire into the line from the front all the way until it fetches up on the bend at the rear.
3. Latch the front end of the wire with vice grips, wire tie the vice grips to something so that they does not crimp the wire.
4. Pull the old brake line out backwards leaving the wire in place
5. Push the new line in through the tunnel over the wire. It will go back exactly where the old line was routed. You will have to wiggle it past the bendover tabs and out the front hole-but the three tunnel openings will make that easy.
6. Once through, pull out the wire and blow out the line with compressed air, then screw it into the front elbow and back tee.
7. Bend back the tabs and replace the grommets with new ones. Bolt the parking brake and shifter back in place. Done!

[SalParadise]

Awesome - major victory. Now that I am doing the tunnel fuel lines I am glad that I read this because I minus well do this brake line as well.

[kevingross]

Nice!

[KTL]

Great idea with the stiff thin gauge wire!