ajt3138 Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 i have the cab off of the frame and looking for opinions on what to do with the airlines. it looks like a lot of them were cloth covered. were all the lines covered originally? or were some painted? what do you think looks best for a restoration? our main use for this truck will be for local parades, advertising, and etc. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanscottbuilders Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 There may be some restrictions on using the original copper air lines.I don't know that to be a fact so you might want to check with your local DOT before going any further.If a vehicle is licensed as an antique or "historical", the restrictions may not apply.Just a thought -Paul Van Scott Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35169 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 There may be some restrictions on using the original copper air lines.I don't know that to be a fact so you might want to check with your local DOT before going any further.If a vehicle is licensed as an antique or "historical", the restrictions may not apply.Just a thought -Paul Van Scotti dont foresee any reason for the truck to ever come under inspection. just curious as to how different people have finished their airlines on their projects. whether it be stripped and cleared, or painted frame color, or whatever. i assume once the cloth covering has deteriated that you cant replicate that again? i have some lines that the cloth covering is in great shape. my battery cables are cloth covered and although dirty in spots, look really good for originals. my first thought with this truck was to return it as close as i could to original with my limited knowledge capabilities. this is where i welcome advice and/or opinions. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35172 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Aj,If your lines and hoses are as good as you say they are then why not set them aside and use them later after your resto work is finished? Some people like plastic some like flex and some like copper or brass. If you are going for broke then the best is as deep as your pocketbook. Colors are a personal choice as some people like Neon Green. Those hoses ought to standup and be seen then.mi2centsworth mike Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35173 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 Aj,If your lines and hoses are as good as you say they are then why not set them aside and use them later after your resto work is finished? Some people like plastic some like flex and some like copper or brass. If you are going for broke then the best is as deep as your pocketbook. Colors are a personal choice as some people like Neon Green. Those hoses ought to standup and be seen then.mi2centsworth mikemike,thanks for the advice. it just got me to thinking when part of the lines are still cloth covered and part of them are copper because of deteriation of the cloth. if i was to make everything look the same i would probably strip all the coating off that's left and paint them. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35180 Share on other sites More sharing options...
de37champ Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 I took all of mine off too but i won,t put them back on, cooper tubing is like cooper wire that turns green and rots, i am putting plastic on and hopefully it will out last me, but thats just me Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35184 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 I took all of mine off too but i won,t put them back on, cooper tubing is like cooper wire that turns green and rots, i am putting plastic on and hopefully it will out last me, but thats just me thanks for the different view points. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35213 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Rider Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 If you are looking for easy installation and reliability vs. original looks then go with plastic. You could even look for a cloth cover to put on the plastic and give it that look. Quote #1 on A-model registryIf I drink because of work, why can't I drink at work? Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35281 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted May 17, 2009 Share Posted May 17, 2009 Check into vintage auto supply houses and also car & truck shows and flea markets if you want the cloth covering. It is being reproduced. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35308 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted May 19, 2009 Author Share Posted May 19, 2009 Check into vintage auto supply houses and also car & truck shows and flea markets if you want the cloth covering. It is being reproduced.i bet that could be interesting trying to get that cloth onto existing air lines. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35391 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 i bet that could be interesting trying to get that cloth onto existing air lines. It is not hard at all. The polyester cloth type is available in a multitude of colors and will stretch over existing fittings, then shrink back to original size. One is basically unable to tell it wasn't placed over the bare tubing, then the fittings added.The reinforced cotton/asphalt based type that is original to the truck would require the flare fittings be removed as it does not stretch near as much.The actual name of the product is wire "sleeving"Rob Quote Plodding along with no job nor practical application for my existence, but still trying to fix what's broke. Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35393 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobcotkg Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 I think copper lines are dot legal as long as they are original equipment. I called the cop shop and talked with the DOT cop and he didn't give me a straight answer, but he said if it has an air rating and is DOT approved it is OK. Which like I said makes no sence, but as far as I'm concerned its original and once had a DOT rating!Hope this helps someone. But please correct me if I'm wrong. Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35420 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted May 20, 2009 Author Share Posted May 20, 2009 It is not hard at all. The polyester cloth type is available in a multitude of colors and will stretch over existing fittings, then shrink back to original size. One is basically unable to tell it wasn't placed over the bare tubing, then the fittings added.The reinforced cotton/asphalt based type that is original to the truck would require the flare fittings be removed as it does not stretch near as much.The actual name of the product is wire "sleeving"Robthanks, i'll look into some sleeving as an option. its very interesting to find out about the history of how the truck was assembled and what options are available today. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35436 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaddeusW Posted May 20, 2009 Share Posted May 20, 2009 As far as I know copper tubing is still DOT Legal. Last I saw McMaster Carr carried DOT legal copper tubing and fittings but now only appears to sell nylon tubing and fittings. Probably due to demand. You don't see copper because it is expensive and not as easy to run as nylon. Quote -Thad What America needs is less bull and more Bulldog! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35467 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajt3138 Posted May 21, 2009 Author Share Posted May 21, 2009 As far as I know copper tubing is still DOT Legal. Last I saw McMaster Carr carried DOT legal copper tubing and fittings but now only appears to sell nylon tubing and fittings. Probably due to demand. You don't see copper because it is expensive and not as easy to run as nylon.well i cant hardly see doing anything the easy way! Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35477 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick harper Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 I went with plastic and stratoflex. I was going to go back with copper but felt if I'm out driving it is easier to fix plastic or stratoflex on the road. Plus I didn't want to bend the copper tubing.Rick Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35497 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaddeusW Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 I seen a guy use custom aeroquip hose with aeroquip fittings for his IH Transtar. Well it lookd nice and kept it looking factory but he spent big bucks for those lines. Stick with nylon and cover it with cloth. You get the retro look and the cheap, modern easy to use nylon tubing. Quote -Thad What America needs is less bull and more Bulldog! Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35524 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobcotkg Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 My truck even has some Hydrolic hoses as air lines, Which is bad as far as the cops think, but they are tough as nails. By the time I paint everything they won't know the difference. If anything is said I'm gonna say thats how they used to do it, back when they built TRUCKS. Probably get out of it with a ticket of course. I prefer nylon because its easy to work with and it almost never fails. Copper (from my experiences) seems to split and or crack in some places due to vibration ect. Bob Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35526 Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxidyne237 Posted May 23, 2009 Share Posted May 23, 2009 They cant tell you that you can not run a truck because of copper air lines. It was approved at the time of manufacture. I still run a '71 r model everyday and its factory equiped with copper lines. I have never had to replace a copper line in the 20 plus years of ownership and daily use. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/9385-b-model-air-line-suggestions/#findComment-35582 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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