Brakes: What is correct brake line diameter for 57 Golden Hawk???

[bsrosell]

really feels like a stupid question, but also have learned the hard way 'only stupid question is the one you don't ask", so....

I had it in my head from somewhere or somebody that the 57 Golden Hawk (non-power, original drum brakes) had 1/4" brake line. Now that I'm collecting all my fuel and brake tubing information, I finally measured my original brake line O.D. and it is roughly 3/16" .

So off to my trusty Parts catalog to confirm what it should be; are they talking ID or OD?. But first time I've ever looked up a hose or tube number in the catalog and found NO SIZE listed!
There is nothing for brakes except 'line' or 'tube', page after page of the many various sections and models. Nothing for the fittings either!

Where-as for the FUEL lines for carbs, etc. they list 5/16", etc.. for tubing size, but NOTHING for brake line sizes or brake line fittings style. Probably only WAS one kind back then; but what is that NOW? Since there are several choices of fitting styles on the website.

So, would appreciate confirmation it really is 3/16" brake line , and what fittings to order. Was told by someone when I started asking about getting new lines for fuel and brakes.. "45 deg std flare", for all; but what is standard? :-) My Turner Brake Master Cylinder instructions, says "1/2-20 inverted flare to 3/16" flare" (and also mentions 3/16" lines, kind of confirming the size, at least for HIS kit). Since there are at least a couple different types/threads of brake fittings listed on the Fed-Hill website, is this the correct size and flare type for ALL the brake connections (vs just what is needed to connect to the Turner dual-chamber Master Cylinder?)

As long as I'm writing about brake fittings, what is the difference between a "master cylinder fitting" and a regular brake fitting? Photos look the same, except the "master" is steel vs brass for standard fittings. Just a strength thing?

Have not taken the Turner kit all apart to inventory, but was assuming I just needed standard Stude fittings and the rest is included in the Turner kit. The Turner kit includes two check valves and the fittings to the M/C (from instruction list online; mine is packed away yet). But I don't see anything in the online instructions saying I need "Master cylinder fittings"; just to use the "correct brake fittings" mentioned above, the 1/2-20.... So again, I plan on just getting 3/16" Cunifer brake line, and "1/2-20 inverted flare to 3/16" flare" for ALL my brake lines between brake drums and the Turner M/C, but would have liked to see those sizes listed in the Parts Catalog! :-)

Thanks for confirming!

[StudeRich]

I have never seen a Studebaker Car that did not have Standard 3/16" O.D. Brake Lines, on ANY post-war Year or Model.

[bsrosell]

Thanks for confirming. And Turner's instructions to use "1/2-20 inverted flare to 3/16" flare" is another way of saying "std. 45 deg flare" fittings, I'm guessing?

[52 Ragtop]

The thread into the M/C is 1/2 x 20, The correct fitting is included that will accept the 3/16" so one does not have to have 2 or 3 brass fittings to make it work.
3/16" lines on Studebaker passenger cars, some of the big truck do take the 1/4" line.

Jim

[bsrosell]

The thread into the M/C is 1/2 x 20, The correct fitting is included that will accept the 3/16" so one does not have to have 2 or 3 brass fittings to make it work.
3/16" lines on Studebaker passenger cars, some of the big truck do take the 1/4" line.

Jim

Thanks Jim! I forgot that was your screen-name previously; have been meaning to thank you for supporting the Honor Flights; I had five uncles and aunts in WWII.... and two in Korea. Our oldest employee at 3M just retired last year at ~94..., was a Marine (whatever the female auxiliary of the Marine Corps acronym was?) in WWII (escorted Eleanor Roosevelt occasionally) and she mentioned several times how much that Honor Flight meant to her and her vet friends! So long over-due! Thanks again!
Barry

[Mike Van Veghten]

Not JUST Studebaker cars...but most cars for a great many years have used 3/16" line. Including most of the various forms of auto racing.

Mike