Howdy,

Does anyone have a source for 1/2 inch thin wall steel tubing to replace my transmission cooler lines?
From approximately the engine back mine are rusted to hades.

I have checked the regular parts stores and of course the kids behind the counter look at me like I'm an alien...

I've looked online till I passed out on the keyboard, and checked all of the below shops to no avail.
NAPA
Chicago International
Standard Truck Parts
Monroe Truck Parts

I've found Aluminum and Copper which I have no intention of using, as well as high-pressure steel Hydraulic line which was $8.10 a foot. At that price I'd need to take out a second mortgage.
I have a feeling IF dodge has them I'll still need that second mortgage.

Don't want to cobble it together with high pressure rubber line either.

Does anybody know where I can find some? I'm near Chicago if that helps.

Thanks a bunch...
Vinny

 

I got some from classictube.comabout 3 years ago. Part # GGB2008 6' X 1/2" X .028 wall.

 

don't waste your time going to the dealership. I'll tell you that they will have them there, but they are hilariously expensive. I needed to replace one of mine coming off the heat exchanger and it was something like $200 for one of the short ones.

 

A few years ago i custom bent stainless steel 3/8'' line for my race car. The tubing isn't too pricy, the fittings can be depending on what you use. The benders can be borrowed or rented i am sure.

I could dig up some pics if you like, 1/2'' wouldn't be much different.

 

Hey Archer,

When you ordered, were you able to get mild steel, or only stainless?

I'm thinkin' 1/2 inch stainless is gonna be a bear to bend and flare...

Thanks,
Vinny

 

couldn't you just use hydraulic hose?

 

I know I didn't use stainless it was regular steel. I see they don't have the part # I listed anymore. Give them a call and see what they know. Also you might try finelinesinc.com

 

Thanks Archer...

I could use rubber line (actual trans line), Aluminum, or copper. Aluminum and copper crack and split, especially when heat cycled and vibrated, and I'm kinda' **** about doing things the way they were originally done.

If I have to I'll use rubber line to patch it until I can afford whatever I have to buy.

I did find some copper/nickel alloy tubing which is some serious stuff...also seriously expensive. $161 + shipping for a 20ft roll.

Best price I've found so far for Stainless will run $72 + $27 shipping for 20 ft...

Still looking...

 

Ahem...

Just realized I'm not givin' up the info I've found so far...

Mc Master-Carr has Carbon steel seamless tubing,
1 /2in, 0.43 OD, 0.035 Wall, part# 9220K151 3ft $7.37 6ft $11.34

They also have Corrosion-Resistant... 3ft $13.39 6ft $18.60

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/131/=dxnrjk
__________________________________________________ ______________

Grainger.com catalog 402
pg 4086
Has Carbon steel in 6ft lengths, 0.430 ID, 0.035 wall, part# 3CCJ3 $12.63

pg 4083 at the bottom,
Has 304 welded stainless 0.020 wall, 50ft coil part# 3ADD2 for $85.40
and welded 316 stainless in a 50ft coil part# 3ADK3 $131.35

They also have welded and seamless stainless in 6ft lengths on pg 4084

__________________________________________________ ______________
FEDHILL has the copper/nickel alloy stuff called Cunifer (seriously).

161.95 + shipping for 25ft coil

http://store.fedhillusa.com/12tubingandnuts.aspx

This is actually cheap for this stuff, as Grainger has it for $98 for 3ft and $192 for 6ft
__________________________________________________ ______________

classictube.com only has stainless 1/2in for $4.80 a foot + shipping

http://www.classictube.com/store/ind...egory_ID=46675
__________________________________________________ ______________

inlinetube.com only has stainless 1/2in in a 20ft roll for $72 + 29.57 shipping
__________________________________________________ ______________

finelines.com only has stainless 1/2in for $8.00 a foot in 6ft lengths.
__________________________________________________ ______________

So far it looks like Mc Master-Carr is the winner on price, although I'll probably go to Grainger as there's one a few miles from my house.

Keep the idea's coming...this thread will prove useful in the future I'm thinkin'

Vinny

 

A couple of the lines i bent up on my car years ago, some are 1/2'' and some are 3/8'' stainless.

 

Figure out your routing, measure for length, take the steel lines in, and have a hydraulic hose made, with the proper ends. Regular transmission hose doesn't have braided steel reinforcement in it.

 

I know this is an old thread. Can someone tell me if our trucks take the an 37 degree flare or the 45 degree.
??

Michael