Automec late Mk1 copper brake pipe set

Linked in with my questions about the replacement of the brake compensator replacement, I just wondered if anyone had any experience with the Mk1 automec brake line kit?

Does it come correctly cut for tthings like the brake compensator connections, and also aside from bending is any cutting / extra fittings needed?

I will probably also replace all 4 flexi brake hoses with braided ones from GSF too. What others parts should I be looking at in terms of connectors / wheel cylinders etc, and what tools?

Reason I ask is I need to get a good idea of the total cost - if its a lot I will have to lay the Campaign up for a while whilst I save the pennies  :?

If I am going to have the hassle of doing this I only really want to do it once, so hoping the copper / nickel pipes will last as long as the car once this is done.

Cheers,

Chris

Demon tweeks *cough cough* do the kit for the 1600 GTI (sure it's the same for all the mk1 GTI!) for ?75.28 and say

'About this product

All brake pipe sets are made from thick wall seamless copper with solid brass fittings. They are virtually corrosion proof, strong and malleable, allowing them to be readily formed by hand, although this can usually be done more neatly using one of the bending tools. The materials have been tested beyond 10,000 PSI, double the SEA pressure standard for hoses. '

If that helps?? might get myself a set if mine are bad!

Thanks Phil.

The automec web site has them a fair bit cheaper than that though - 45GBP + VAT for all kits up to 2000cc.

Doesn't say exactly which cars, but I am guessing its just the pipes that are made up the correct lengths with the fittings included. I think all the kist you have to bend them to fit.

So anyone bought and fitted the automec stuff?

Chris

It is far cheaper to buy the pipe and fittings from a local motor supplier.

Then just buy a swaging tool from machine mart and do it yourself.  The swaging tool is an investment anyway as it will last forever if you buy a decent one.

I usually do go down the route of DIY and getting the tools given the choice. In this case though I figure its probably a job I will only do once on this car, and probably not do again unless I expand my collection of cars (unlikley at the moment.

I think I'll probably go with the automec kit for simplicity this time. WOuld still be good to hear from anyone that has fitted it though.

Chris

Fitted the Automec kit to mine no probs (I also got it from their website). All bits are there and all correct lengths - maybe slightly longer - easy to fit. Go for it !  If you add up the cost of tubing plus the unions and tool, it's more expensive to buy the bits and make yourself. I know you'd always have the flanging tool, but good ones aren't cheap. I bought a cheapo one from Machine Mart to try and fix a fuel line and it was crap !
Good luck with it,
Mark

Mark - did the automec set you used come correctly cut and ready to fit taking into account the compensator fitted in front of the rear axle (did you have one on your car?).

The automec kit only makes sense if I don't have to do any further cutting. If I have to start chopping that around to allow it to connect up to the compensator I may as well do the whole thing myself as I'll need the tools anyway.

Cheers,

Chris

Yes - it's all correct for the car with compensator. No modification needed !

Great - thanks.