pix
FORDMUSCLE.com FordMuscle Nav
Page 2 3
 

Build Your Own Dual Feed Line
FordMuscle readers take pride in do-it-yourself projects. Even when the aftermarket might already have an acceptable product to suit your needs, it just feels right to be innovative once it a while. This homemade dual feed line was inspired by FordMuscle reader Tom Zuloaga. You may remember the article "Right Rod" where we featured Tom's 1966 Falcon. Although FordMuscle did not build the line exactly the way Tom builds them, here's the basic concept using chain store bought brake line and inverted flare brass fittings.


We started by purchasing three 12" segments of 3/8" steel brake tubing from our local automotive chain store. Next, we special ordered from www.hoseandfittings.com a 3/8" inverted flare "tee" (part no. HF244IFD-06-06-06) and a 3/8" inverted flare "elbow" (part no. HF255IFHD-06).
 
By connecting the brass fittings and steel tubing, we envisioned the finished product. Obviously, we needed to shorten the primary and secondary legs as well as our connecting line to match our carburetor's distance between centers. This meant we'd be making a new flare on one end of all three lines.
     

We started with the connecting line since we already knew our Holley 4150 had a distance between centers of 9-7/16". We made a diagram and outlined the required positions of the brass tee and elbow so not to make any mistakes.
 
By laying one of the 12" steel lines on top of our diagram and "screwing" each fitting from the tubing into our virtual brass tee and elbow, we could determine a proper cut line.
     

Here you'll notice the line fitting is showing two threads outside the virtual fitting. This was determined by noting how many threads were outside the brass fitting during a trial fit. We placed a mark on the tubing about 1/8" ahead of the fitting to account for the roll of the flare.
 
Using a coping saw with a blade suited for cutting metal, we shortened the line. A band saw or miter saw with a carbide blade can help achieve a more exact first cut.
     

Since we used the coping saw, the cut was not perfectly square. To make a good flare the cut needs to be perfect, we used a file to get there.
 
Following Tom Zuloaga's advice for achieving quality flares, we used a drill bit to remove any burrs from inside the tubing.
     

Before we made the flare we made sure both fittings were still on the tubing. It can be heartbreaking when you make a flare while your fitting is still on the work bench.
 
Now that the connecting line was the proper length, we connected it to the brass tee and the elbow.
     

With the carburetor on the intake, we envisioned the best location for the line as it hung off the carb. The concern here being interference with the manifold.
 
Using our imagination, we got an idea of how long our primary and secondary tubing should be.
     

Determining where to cut the primary and secondary tubing was not as critical as determining where to cut the connecting line.
 
After cutting, filing, de-burring, and flaring the primary and secondary lines, they were ready to be attached to the brass tee and elbow.
     

We loosely connected the line to the carburetor.
 
Confident about the fit, we tightened down each fitting with the use of a vise.
     
In order to attach 3/8" rubber fuel line, we needed a 3/8" inverted flare-to-3/8" hose barb fitting. We grabbed the Aeroquip piece (AER-FBM1212) from Summit.  
We attached the hose barb fitting to the line.
     

Here's a picture of the final product. On a side note, the brass elbow fitting could have been eliminated if we used a longer segment of brake tubing and made a 90 degree bend to connect with the brass tee.
 
Finally, we installed the carburetor and tested for leaks. There were none. A look back into a dark garage was a proud moment.

 
Page 2 3

Posted by LXguy, 05/25/07 11:32am:
I had one of the russel kits used in this comparison. I didn't have any burrs in the pipe, but the fuel pressure gauge would always bleed down to zero within a few minutes of startup.Very confusing for a first time carb user.
Posted by perikson, 06/25/07 10:18pm:
I tried the the Holley 734-4 but it leaked badly where one of the lines entered the carb. I was going to try the Aeriquip, but after reading this article, I decided to give Holley another chance. I'll let you know if the second one is any better than the first was. Perikson
Posted by dalabast, 08/17/07 10:35pm:
I got burned on the TD and Summit racing fuel line, They were both junk, the summit one was actually rusted inside. and the TD leaked bad. why is it so difficult to find a Good fuel line for a 4150?
Posted by rustee, 04/24/08 12:44am:
Well,as always,spend the money up front on quality parts. Why would anybody even look at some of that junk? For my street car I went with Aeroquip fittings and their socketless hose as it's not that expensive and easy to connect. Ooooh,and so racey...



 


pixblue
pixblue
Tech Archives Project Cars Readers Cars Feature Cars