brake pipes - how hard to fit?

[Arsen_Design]

hey guys so my mechanic just called saying that the brake pipes are corroded and need replacing.

i found a place which makes a copper pipes kit for e30 they called automac, problem is this guy made it sound like the job (replacing the pipes) is almost not worth it and its better to scrap the car.

how much do you think a garage will charge for the job if i supply the parts?

what would be reasonable?

thanks.

[Jim320i]

Take it to a different garage is the first port of call if he is saying just scrap it...

[Rtaylor2208]

The hardest bit is near the tank as if its the hard lines the tank really needs to be dropped. I wouldnt scrap a car on brake lines alone but it all depends on what else is wrong with it.

Its mainly labour intensive so try finding a garage with a good reputation and a low hourly rate.

[Arsen_Design]

Apart from brake lines it has blown front shock - which I was going to fix this month anyway.
But thats about it...

I guess its not as bad as it sounds.

problem is the previous owner has used some crap underseal (brushed on) - is there a way of taking it off and putting a proper spray on coat?

[gooner1]

IIRC, copper is not the best material for brake pipes.
Isn't Cunifer the better choice?

[Arsen_Design]

where could i get cunifer kit?

[Grrrmachine]

ebay? Lengths of cunifer, brake pipe ends and a flare kit are all you need. If you're brave you can do the whole lot yourself in a weekend, although it's best to replace the rubber lines as well.

Dropping the fuel tank is a pain as it means removing the exhaust and prop beforehand, but for an experienced mechanic that's not much work at all.

[Arsen_Design]

could you please tell me why cunifer is a better material?

i know that the garage i use works normally with copper.

[Grrrmachine]

Proper copper goes brittle with age, and the vibrations of a car are not a good place for that. The nickel in the Cunifer allows it to stay soft without affecting the corrosion-resistance.

[gnrsoul]

just gonna ask? But is it not possible to redirect lines that go above the tank???

[AardHawk]

Why dont you just buy the pipes from BMW? They fit and they are cheap and they last 25 years. Just take the old ones off carefully and use them as a pattern to shape the new ones. All the fittings remain the same.

[jimbom30cab]

pipes from BMW

They are steel and come in lengths which need shaping.

I would take off your old ones and make replacement pipes up, if you dont want to buy the kit then pop the pipes into a friendly local garage with some cash and they'll make you up some replacements you can then fit

[Arsen_Design]

i dont know how comfortable i am with fitting brake pipes myself - never done anything like that. it makes me a bit freaked out. (i know it sounds silly)

im happy to do gaskets and stuff like that but brakes just seem like a grey area, especially knowing that access is a bit awkward...

[jimbom30cab]

for peace of mind pop it into a local (decent rates) garage that you can trust

you'll have the confidence it has all been done properly.

[aimlessrock]

Arsen, im in the process of having mine replaced (the lot) and have a local garage doing it.

Like you, i was not confident enought to have a go myself.

best of luck

[Arsen_Design]

@aimlessrock - can i ask how much are you being charged and whats included?