Bit of tech info please (re brake and fuel lines)

[skentellytubby]

Evening all

I could do with some technical info regarding running brake and fuel lines through the cockpit of my car (an FIA MGB)

First, is it a good idea (not sure about running fuel lines through the cockpit!)?

Obviously both have to be metal or braided but I understand they have to be fixed at a very specific spacing (20cm????)

Can anyone shed any light on this for me?

Thanks

Simon

[Peter Mallett]

Not sure re FIA App K (Zef?) but it is a good idea because they can get damaged under the car; by gravel, kerbs etc. If you can run them inside the car make sure they aren't between the rollcage and the bodywork.

[terence]

20cm sounds a bit ott,however,it certainly wouldn't do any harm.I would use copper brake lines,easier to install ,lighter and easier to work that braided.Fuel line has to be either braided internaly or externally,obviously you will need to run the fuel on the left of the cockpit,on top of the inner sill is easiest. Have fun!

[Peter Mallett]

Originally Posted by terence bower

2Fuel line has to be either braided internaly or externally,obviously you will need to run the fuel on the left of the cockpit,on top of the inner sill is easiest. Have fun!

Yeah but on top of the inner cill is between the Rollcage and the bodywork and you risk crushing it if (heaven forbid) there is an accident. Run it down the tunnel on the passenger side is my recommendation.

[skentellytubby]

Thanks both, that's very useful - all a bit new to me.

If you're at Donington on Sunday I'll have a look at yours!!!

[MartinSmith]

Originally Posted by skentellytubby

Thanks both, that's very useful - all a bit new to me.

If you're at Donington on Sunday I'll have a look at yours!!!

Where did you hear about the 20cm rule?

Terry better be at Donington Sunday!!

[terence]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Yeah but on top of the inner cill is between the Rollcage and the bodywork and you risk crushing it if (heaven forbid) there is an accident. Run it down the tunnel on the passenger side is my recommendation.

Only one problem there,the exhaust runs directly in front of the footwell.Top of the sill it is then.

[terence]

Originally Posted by skentellytubby

Thanks both, that's very useful - all a bit new to me.

If you're at Donington on Sunday I'll have a look at yours!!!

I could well be there but unfortunately the car wont be.I'm in the SC so come and say hello down the bottom of the pitlane.

[skentellytubby]

Or leave it where it is!! The brake line however will move.

Thinking about it, the car was parked in the gateway to the main pits at the Masters meeting at Donington in May and I had a good ole nose around then. I'm sure at that time it ran along the trans tunnel on the passenger side into the footwell - and was rubber/cotton braid!! Solve one problem and create another....?

I'll certainly keep an eye out for you on Sunday. Looks a good line up and the weather should be decent, just wish the Gentlemen Drivers weren't late in the day. I've lost count on how many times I've had to leave before the end!

Anyway, thanks again for your help chaps!

[skentellytubby]

Originally Posted by ClaireSmith

Where did you hear about the 20cm rule?

Terry better be at Donington Sunday!!

It was mentioned to me by the fella sorting a few bits for me (a well known MG prep guy up here in Manchester); I'm sure that's what he said.

Still, 20cm isn't a lot really, any wider spacing and it could shift around I'd have though (plus it is currently set up with two seats, so would keep it out of the way of clod hoppers)

[terence]

I really would run both lines through the car,with a bit of thought you can overcome any little niggles that spring up,I would also recommend using a D8 hose size throughout.

[Peter Mallett]

Besides, running the brake lines inside the car allows for the driver adjustable brake balance valve to be conveniently loca.......................... Oops!

[Mike Bell]

Interesting no-one has suggested using hard line for petrol rather than braided. I know it is legal but IMO the latter is not good as can give off fumes inside car.

Can't remeber ever reading about 20cm rule

[Peter Mallett]

I use Aeroquip hoses. As to the fumes? Sniff, Aaaaah.

[terence]

Good point Mike,just the ease of installing a flexible line.I did run a copper line in my car for years but decided on Flexi when I fitted the big tank. As to the obscure 20cm thing,no idea where that has come from.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

I use Aeroquip hoses. As to the fumes? Sniff, Aaaaah.

Visions of the Air Traffic Control scenes in 'Airplane' come to mind......

[JP12]

I routed my fuel line along the passenger floor tight to the gearbox tunnel, then turned it up through a bulkhead connector where the servo is normally positioned and into the carb. I have seen this done on loads of MGBs.

[AndyB]

Did the same in my MGB, hard cooper fuel line from boot mounted tank along the tunnel. Demon Tweeks sell some nice firewall grommet seals to use on the rear panel. Also ran the brake lines & wiring loom through the car. Who are you using in Manchester?

[Al Weyman]

8 inches? :-)

[skentellytubby]

Ok well I'll swap the fuel line that's already in the cockpit for a steel braided one and run the brake line through also (it goes through the firewall above the tunnel)

I use Mike Entwisle by the way.

While I'm on..........does anyone know of a nice seat that doesn't look modern. There was a silver lightweight E type at Oulton and it had one of those aluminium shells with a leather seat cover (Kirkey???) like the yanks use. Looked good but are they comfortable and are they legal?

Thanks for all the help so far, I'm learning a lot!

Simon

[Peter Mallett]

I think you can use a Ridgard. They aren't FIA approved but for App K I don't think they need to be. I don't know why though. However possibly the most comfortable seat you can buy.

[Al Weyman]

Yes I have seen those yank seats I do like the look of them and they are not offencively expensive, I think Summit Racing stock them and will ship worldwide reliably.

[Mike Bell]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

I think you can use a Ridgard. They aren't FIA approved but for App K I don't think they need to be. I don't know why though. However possibly the most comfortable seat you can buy.

Yes, for Period F which FIA 'B' is in seat can be 'period specification' rather than FIA homologated. Think Bob makes to order, so allow time or consider something from Cobra.

[terence]

The Kirkey makes getting in and out of a B very awkward.I would ignore the Ridgard as being expensive and very heavy,despite them being comfortable Far better to go for the OMP Retro seat,has a built in head rest,no FIA lable so you'll not be renewing it every five years.I think they are available from DT at something like £140. And they fit a B perfectly.

[skentellytubby]

Excellent, I'll get something a bit more retro and not worry about it then. I like the look of the OMP and I'd be able to sit in one before buying.

Thanks again everyone

Simon