Looking good from underneath

[MMercury]

Perusing the archives and noticed some very pretty photos, courtesy of "Quarry." (undercarriage cheesecake?) As asked and unanswered, would anyone happen to know the composition of the brake lines? They appear copper or at least copper colored. (Copper wouldn't be my first choice for that purpose, but everything looks more than showroom tidy.)

I am also curious about the cast alloy transmission cross member support. I recognize it but not from any specific model. Could it be PN 23712225124 for a Getrag 280?

In any event, the pictures, in my opinion, are worth a second look.

 

[Bert Poliakoff]

My 81 euro 635 with dog leg has an alloy cross member, the same or very similar to the one in the picture

 

[David]

I had forgotten about this car. Really nice example. Wasn't it sold last year ?

 

[timt]

Yes, was sold (!) but not sure how recently! Originally on the UK BMW CC CSL Register with British owners as of mid 1980s into 90s. Register lapsed for a while and when resurrected car had "moved on", been restored as in pictures and was reportedly in Australia - does anyone know it?

Pictures are pre-Australia - note the "obvious" UK registration and background, plus UK tax disc (not so obvious).

 

[blumax]

A real beauty and so thoroughly sorted--however--wonder why the black outer rocker covers were ommited in the restoration process. IMHO it leaves the car standing too tall--whereas when ORC's are in place they define a clear "cut line" below the fenders, doors and quarter areas that define a lower stance or profile if you will.
JMT

 

[61porsche]

Copper Brake lines

Yes, they are seamless copper. Mainly seen in UK before as several suppliers there were doing brake line replacement kits for British cars. ( Sometime mid 80's) Don't see them much nowadays.

 

[MMercury]

Yes, they are seamless copper. Mainly seen in UK before as several suppliers there were doing brake line replacement kits for British cars. ( Sometime mid 80's) Don't see them much nowadays.

I have seen copper used in a few restored Leyland cars. Had not noticed it on any E9s.

A little bit of searching suggests "cunifer copper" or "copper-nickel alloy" is currently used by Volvo and other manufacturers (see quote below). Some sources state this copper alloy tubing is "DOT approved." Other sources make a point of stating that neither the DOT nor the SAE has standards for rigid brake lines (only flex lines), the implication being that neither entity disapproves copper alloy tubing use for rigid brake line - (so they must approve it?).

Even old-school copper tubing will work - until it doesn't. Anyone here experience any adverse consequences using this product?

Thanks.

http://www.copper.org/applications/automotive/hydraulic_brake_tube.html
http://www.brakequip.com/pdf/ezibend_2.pdf




"Cunifer™ is seamless, copper nickel alloy DOT approved brake line that is as strong as steel, completely rust proof and is easier to work with than any other brake line on the market. It is highly flexible, which allows it to be easily snaked into positions that conventional brake lines cannot. Cunifer™ also flares easier, seals better, and requires less preparation than any other tubing on the market. It does not rust, so it is perfect for any environment. No other brake tubing compares for strength, reliability and ease of installation!

High performance manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Porsche, Volvo and Audi, have chosen to install copper-nickel alloy over all other materials including stainless steel brake lines." http://www.fedhillusa.com/

 

[61porsche]

Cunifer brake replacement lines

The copper is actually an alloy- Copper- Nickel- Iron. While being more malleable ( softer) the reports are that some owners experienced a mystery brake fluid leak. What was happening was that the tubing was expanding and more fluid was being added to make up the difference. As far as the claims that are made as corrosion; I don't hook up the snow plow to my classics to formulate a specific corrosion test. I have never personally seen nor heard of copper brake lines on Porsches. It seems to me and many others that brilliant German engineers tend to enjoy making the simple solutions complex by holding contests? Fender replacement for example; until the accountants get a hold of them.

The product was introduced as being easier to bend (for amatuer restorers)which copper/ alloy is. Shiney- yes, you can polish it.

My personal take is to keep the car original as reasonably possible ( by design and function) since OEM replacements are currently available at a reasonable cost (W&N) vs fabricating and locating new/ OS metric fittings.

I wouldn't take a chance with my braking system. But I'm also fortunate to own the required expensive tools and have the experience to fab my own in a pinch.