Brake Lines

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

I bought a new set of steel brake lines from Classic Tube. Do you all recommend painting the lines to keep from rusting or leave them alone?

2

I think they are Galvanized. But you could paint them for more anti rust insurance.

3

They are either terne plated or stainless. The finish should last a lifetime. They tend to corrode from the inside out unless you plan on lots of winter driving in areas that use road salt.

4

Thanks Guys! I also got a reply from Classic Tube yesterday too.
Dear James,
I don’t know if you purchased an OE kit (original equipment) or SS (stainless
steel). The OE lines are coated and rust resistant but will deteriorate after a
long time. The SS lines are 304 stainless steel and will never rust.
You may want to add extra protection for the OE lines if the vehicle will be driven
in severe weather. If you have a special car and it will see more garage time than
road time, then I would not worry about either type of tubing.
Thanks,

Cliff Schulz
1-800-882-3711

5

Had mine powder coated. Hides them better under the car and protects them.

6

The use of the word “terne” plating has changed ( since 2012 ) when the traditional terne plating ( containing 15 : 85 Tin to Lead ratio ) was phased out, to be replaced by a 50 : 50 ratio of Tin and Zinc. This was done for reasons owing to the toxicity of Lead. The plating on most steels ( regular steel and a couple of different versions of stainless ) is now a galvanically ( electrolytic ) applied zinc ( called Terne II ) or tin ( used because of its weathered appearance being a matt grey color ). The electrolytic process replaced the older ‘hot dipped’ process, which kept the tin content to a minimum and was therefore more cost effective.