PLATING QUESTION: Caliper hard lines - yellow cad? | FerrariChat
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PLATING QUESTION: Caliper hard lines - yellow cad?

Discussion in '206/246' started by synchro, Dec 10, 2007.

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  1. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

    Feb 14, 2005
    9,294
    CHNDLR
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #1 synchro, Dec 10, 2007
    What is the correct, original color for the hard lines that connect the brake caliper to the flex lines?

    I'm rebuilding my brakes and while it is easy to see that the caliper was originally a light yellow cadmium color, I'm not sure about the hard lines that screw into the caliper to connect with the flexible lines.

    I'm happy with the calipers, here's how the colors have been coming out:
    http://beta.snapgenie.com/CI4M1B58
    PS - Yellow Cadmium is no longer used for plating due to toxic reasons and today's substitute plating for this color is usually a yellow zinc. Unfortunately that has a slightly different color spectrum and the photos show succes after several trials by a Pebble Beach class plating shop to reduce unwanted colors (rainbows, etc).
     
  2. jselevan

    jselevan Formula 3

    Nov 2, 2003
    1,873
    #2 jselevan, Dec 12, 2007
    Synchro - I do not believe that the lines are treated. They are standard hard brake lines of the day. I replaced them with a copper alloy line that has a copper appearance. I would not have them plated.

    You might take a look at this site. It has all the odd sized fittings that you will need. The proportioning valve fittings are different than the master cylinder. They have information on the various alloys of brake line, advantages and disadvantages.

    http://www.fedhillusa.com/

    Jim S.
     
  3. John Corbani

    John Corbani Formula 3
    Honorary Owner

    May 5, 2005
    1,153
    Santa Barbara, CA
    Full Name:
    John Corbani
    #3 John Corbani, Dec 12, 2007
    Synchro,
    Take a look again at my last week's Saga. The picture of the plug in the hard line shows the original color of the line. The area just behind the flare has been protected by the fitting all these years. The color is silver, no sign of yellow color or sign of copper color. I had to pull the fitting way back to work the line out of the caliper. Line is very hard. I assume it is steel but did not check with a magnet. Are your lines magnetic? If so, cad makes sense and can be either clear or yellow. If not, nickel or zinc plate makes sense to get the silver color.
    John
     
  4. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,479
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Newman
    #4 Newman, Dec 12, 2007
    My lines were gold, the main line that runs up the tube with the battery cable was protected and once removed was clearly gold cad. I replated all the lines gold cad since on my 79 it was obvious.
     

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