Classic Tube FAQ

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We may use the information you provide in aggregate (non-personally identifiable) form for internal business purposes, such as generating statistics and developing marketing plans. We may collect, store or accumulate certain non-personally identifiable information concerning your use of the Site, such as information regarding which of our pages are most popular. We may share or transfer non-personally identifiable information with or to our affiliates, licensees and partners.

If you are a registered member on Classic Tube’s website, update your information at checkout.

Evolving technology will continue to provide us with new and better ways to collect, use and protect your personal information. We may revise or update this Privacy Policy in the future to reflect technological advances. We encourage you to return to this page from time to time for any updates.

Classic Tube wants your visit to our website to be informative and enjoyable. We may ask you to voluntarily provide us with information for market research such as your demographics, intended product application, and experience with our products and services. We use this information to better understand your needs and to provide quality products, services and other opportunities. This information will help us improve the content, functionality and overall usefulness of our Website.

Again, we will not share or otherwise profit from the distribution of your personal data.

If you elect to participate in any promotions, sweepstakes, surveys, questionnaires or other events during your visit to our Site, the rules or terms and conditions for those events may indicate that your personally identifiable information will be shared with third parties. By choosing to participate and submitting your personally identifiable information with respect to such events, you consent to disclosure of your personally identifiable information to such third parties.

We may retain other companies and individuals to perform functions consistent with our Privacy Policy on our behalf. Examples include customer support specialists, web hosting companies, fulfillment companies (e.g., companies that fill product orders or coordinate mailings), data analysis firms and email service providers. Such third parties may be provided with access to personally identifiable information needed to perform their functions, but may not use such information for any other purpose.

Classic Tube, through our Web Host provider, uses a secure server which allows the receipt of online orders and other confidential information in a secure environment. A secure environment refers to the transmission of encrypted information from a web browser to our web server. The user’s web browser encrypts each transaction via our secure online ordering system. Current browser software from Microsoft Explorer and Netscape support this feature. A padlock will appear on the bottom of the web browser to let you know your information is secure.

Only authorized personnel of Classic Tube are able to view these transmissions.

Classic Tube seeks to protect the security of your personal information both online and offline. All credit card transactions are secure. Every online order is encrypted and sent through a secure server, using SSL technology to prevent information from being intercepted. Confidential information such as your credit card number will be used only to fulfill your order. To protect your privacy, we will ask you to enter your credit card number and expiration date each time you place an order with us. This way, even if someone else accesses the account information stored on your computer, they won't be able to use your credit card. E-mail is not encrypted and is not a secure means to transmit credit card numbers. We will only display the last 4 digits of your credit card number on your account.

Classic Tube reserves the right to revise this Privacy Policy in the future by posting changes at this location and we may make changes at any time without notification.

If you have requested a Classic Tube brochure, all information is kept completely confidential and is not shared with any third parties. We may, on occasion, send you an updated catalog or brochure. If you do not wish to receive any mail from Classic Tube, please contact us via email at [email protected]. Include your name and mailing address and email address. You will be removed from any future mailings.

This Privacy Policy applies only to the information collected on this Site. Our Site may contain links to or from other websites and you should be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of other websites linked to the Site.

We may disclose any information, including personally identifiable information, we deem necessary, in our sole discretion, to comply with any applicable law, regulation, legal process or governmental request. We may also exchange information, including personally identifiable information, with other companies and organizations for credit fraud protection and risk reduction.

We will never provide your personally identifiable information to third parties for their use in marketing their products or services to you without your consent. Classic Tube takes great pride in having you as a customer and we will ensure your privacy as a customer. Classic Tube does not sell or exchange names or any other information about our customers with third parties.

We may place a "cookie" on your computer's hard drive so we can recognize you as a return user and personalize your experience. A cookie is a piece of data that enables us to track and target your preferences. The cookie will be stored on your computer's hard drive until you remove it. We may also use temporary or "session" cookies to help you shop. These cookies will expire when you place an order. You can have your browser notify you of, or automatically reject, cookies. If you reject our cookies, you may still use the Site, but you may be limited in the use of some of the features. In addition, we may use IP addresses to analyze trends, administer the Site, track traffic patterns, and gather demographic information for aggregate use, as well as in combination with your personally identifiable information for credit fraud protection and risk reduction. Similarly, when you visit this Site or view one of our emails, we may use pixel tags (also called "clear" gifs), tracking links and/or similar technology to note some of the pages you visit on our Site and personalize your experience. We may also use pixel tags to determine what types of email your browser supports. We may use the information collected through pixel tags, tracking links and similar technology in combination with your personally identifiable information. Our website does recognize your ISP (internet service provider), however, we cannot identify you as an individual. If you make an online purchase, we do collect information (such as sales statistics and traffic patterns) to help improve your shopping experience. We keep all information confidential.

If you have elected to provide us with your contact information, e.g., by registering at the Site, emailing our Customer Service department or placing an order, we may provide you with service-related announcements concerning the Site or contact you regarding your customer service requests or your order. For example, all registered users will receive an email to confirm their order. These types of communications are necessary to serve you, respond to your concerns and to provide the high level of customer service that Classic Tube offers its customers.

If you select during the order process or at other times when you submit personally identifiable information, the information you provide may be used by Classic Tube to create and deliver to you our newsletters, surveys or other communications containing product information. If you prefer not to receive such Communications, please do not select the ‘Please inform me option’. If you do select this option and later decide that you would no longer like to receive these communications, please use the features made available to you.

As we continue to develop our business, we might sell certain of our assets. In such transactions, user information, including personally identifiable information, generally is one of the transferred business assets, and by submitting your personal information on the Site you agree that your data may be transferred to such parties in these circumstances.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Statement, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this website, please feel free to contact us at anytime.

We welcome your comments and questions about privacy.

Please send email to: [email protected]

We are confident that your visit to Classic Tube is secure and safe. However, you may choose to call us directly to place your order over the telephone.

Please call Customer Service at 800-882-3711.

 

Shipments are by FedEx or United Parcel Service ground delivery. These carriers require a street address (They will not deliver to a P.O. Box). The carriers make three attempts to deliver before returning the order to Classic Tube. If no one is available to accept the merchandise, a notice will be left with further instructions. Please contact FedEx or UPS immediately so your shipment will be delivered to you without delay. Shipping by U.S. Mail used upon request only. How long will Ground Shipping take?

Should you need to return a part for refund, exchange or credit please contact our customer service department for a Return Authorization Number (RA Number) and instructions. Returned items must be in new, unused, or resalable condition and must be accompanied by a copy of the invoice and return authorization number for us to process any claim. Classic Tube will not accept returned goods without a prior return authorization number. Freight charges are not refundable and customers will pay freight on all return orders. Returns could be subject to a restocking of up to 15%.

All foreign orders must be prepaid before shipment can be sent. Due to various rate differences and depending on what items are being ordered, your freight fees will vary. It is important that you contact the Classic Tube sales department for instructions regarding all foreign orders. Please enclose the items you intend to order so we may calculate the best – most efficient and inexpensive way – to ship your order. You will be solely responsible for the customs, duties and additional taxes.

For “OS”(oversized) items that can be shipped via FedEx, oversize rates apply. Oversized items are charged in accordance with the FedEx Dimensional Weight Formula (the average weight plus size and girth). Many products listed in this catalog are oversized. We reserve the right to charge an oversize fee on any order which contains a product that is oversized.

Classic Tube offers FedEx next day delivery with the same qualifications as FedEx 2nd and 3rd Day Air Delivery. The cost is approximately 1/2 times greater than 2nd day delivery. Prepayment on credit card is required before shipment can be sent. Call your sales representative for rates regarding overnight delivery.

Classic Tube offers FedEx 2nd and 3rd Day Air Delivery which is available in the Continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska. The cost of 2nd day delivery is greater than normal FedEx ground delivery and is based on FedEx Dimensional Weight Formula. FedEx will deliver the package(s) within 2 or 3 working days from the time the order is shipped (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays).

Always check the contents of your shipment in the presence of the person delivering the merchandise. Should any damage occur, immediately notify FedEx so that all the steps necessary will be taken to insure a prompt replacement of any damaged goods. Notify Classic Tube’s customer service department for instructions on returning damaged goods. Classic Tube is not responsible if notification is not given within 5 days of receipt.

Parcel post is the only means of shipping to an APO or FPO address. Due to size restrictions the maximum shipping box can be no larger than 72″ width and girth combined. All military personnel must write or call to determine what size box will be used for the shipment. All orders that exceed these limitations will be shipped in accordance with customer approval.

All Alaskan and Hawaiian orders are shipped via FedEx 2nd Day Air Delivery whenever possible. All orders must be pre-paid with credit card, money order, or check. FedEx rates depend on the items being ordered. Contact our sales representatives for exact rates.

Our lead time is determined by several factors. We check to see if it is in stock. Items in stock will take 3-5 days to ship. If it is not in stock, we need to make to order. We check to see if we have a pattern. We have over 50,000! If we don’t, we check to see if the customer can supply a pattern (old lines in good condition), a pattern, or a blueprint. Lead time on custom or non-stock orders is determined by the season and the amount of orders pending ahead of yours.

Our corporate offices and factory are located in Lancaster, New York; a suburb of Buffalo, New York.

There are two indicators when determining when to replace hydraulic tubing: The most obvious is when you perform a visual inspection of the exterior of the tube and find corrosion in the form of rust. Some locations that you should inspect are under the clips that hold the tubing to the chassis and at the ends behind the fittings, as the ends are usually susceptible to more damage and moisture especially at the wheels and where the tube attaches to hoses. The second is more difficult to identify. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, so it absorbs water at a rate of 2 percent each year. This also lowers the boiling point dramatically. Without regular flushing, the water will start to attack the inside of the tubing. Since the OEM steel tubing has corrosion protection on the outside only, the tubing has no protection on the inside diameter. When bleeding the brakes and finding rust colored fluid, you will know that the lines at are the point of deterioration to the inside of the tubing.

If there is any corrosion? Never. For the simple reason that if corrosion has started and one tube has failed, more than likely the rest of the system is compromised. Never use a compression union. This method is prohibited by the DOT. Otherwise, you can join an old line to a new line.

The key will be the successful disconnection of the old tube. Things to take note of: The tube nut is seized and/or the hex starts to round; The nut is seized to the tubing and starts to twist the tube when unscrewing. Those are indicators that it’s time to install a new tube. When trying to reconnect an old tube with potential fatigue, you can compromise the torque value to reinstall the tube properly and to achieve the correct seat pressure and seal.

Moving parts like parking brake cables, throttle linkage, cooling fans and clutch linkage can become an issue. Look at the range of motion in each moving component that might not be evident in a static position.

Stainless steel tubing, nuts, and gravel guard are impervious to salt and other metal-destroying elements your vehicle is subjected to. Equally important is that it will never change its appearance. It is a permanent replacement that looks great.

The diameter of the tubing to determine proper pressure and volume for fuel related tubing. This becomes an issue when plumbing the vehicle after a new engine installation, when the components have changed; displacement, intake size and style, fuel pump and carbureration. In our experience, there is a tendency to use too large of a diameter when it’s not warranted.

Our Quality Control department oversees the manufacture of all flare ends both inverted and bubble, the specifications we adhere to have been set by the Society of Automotive Engineers – SAE.

The best material is stainless steel, since it is the least prone to corrosion. The second best goes by multiple industry names but is a steel tube with a top coating composed of 95% zinc and 5% aluminum with an aluminum rich epoxy topcoat then topped with a polypropylene cover. Readers will be most familiar with the third type since this has a greenish color to it, which the OEM’s started to use in production cars in the mid 80’s. The earlier cars used Tinned Bundy Weld. Most people will be familiar with this term. This is the tubing that has the galvanized silver look that was used from the 30’s to the 80’s. All automotive manufacturers have a specification for the tubing they use on current production and it must pass a minimum required time in a laboratory salt spray test.

Corrosion is the biggest problem so replace them before there is a failure, which could be very dangerous. Heat is another issue, so determine where the heat sources are before replacement. Boiling fuel or brake fluid can cause serious problems and be hard to track down.

The following SAE specification, J512 APR97 shows the torque table for the nominal size fitting with a SAE double inverted flare. Through our internal tests we believe the following SAE specification is correct when the matting seat is brass. We have proved out both steel fittings with steel tubing as well as stainless steel fittings with stainless steel tubing. The results showed an almost exact concentric impression into the brass seat with both materials. But, this has been proved out using components with new seats. Master cylinders, wheel cylinders, flex hoses, unions, distribution blocks, proportioning valves, metering valves are all made from either brass, steel, cast iron or aluminum. So the torque table would be used as a guide. It would be up to the installer to verify the torque needed for sealing the associated materials to achieve a proper seat but without deforming the seat to a point where it won’t seal or striping the threads. Keep in mind the use of original or used components that have already seen a tube installed and the seat formed to the old tubing will need additional torque to overcome the previous impression in the seat to properly seal the new tubing.

SAE J512 Revised APR97 TABLE 8A-WRENCHING TEST REQUIREMENTS
NOM Tube OD ( In.)	Torque Requirements for Steel Nuts (N-m)	Torque Requirements for Steel Nuts (lb-in)
1/8	6.8	5
3/16	13.6	10
1/4	16.9	12.5
5/16	20.3	15
3/8	23.7	17.5
7/16	33.9	25
1/2	45.2	33.3
5/8	56.5	41.6
3/4	73.4	54.2

There are numerous ways, just try to use common sense. One thing is for sure, heat is the worst thing to be routed by.

96″ is the maximum that can be shipped straight. We recommend that a shipping bend be used to reduce the shipping cost.

Most of the popular cars and trucks are in stock. The more unusual vehicles we will manufacture to order.

The stainless steel nut will require approximately 15 lb./ft. of torque to seal. This is slightly more than the normal steel nut requires. Remember to check the seat where the flare will seal. If the seat is deformed you may need a new block, hose, etc.

Typically when joining tubes, Classic Tube strongly suggests using a brass union, this will cut down on the potential galling of the threads as well as give a nice soft seat for the tube flare to seal against. No issue with steel to stainless, but never use an aluminum fitting without some anti-seize (only on the thread).

When replacing old tubes with a new preformed replacement it's good to always match up to the original so as to aid in visualizing the re-installation and identify any obstacles. A common misconception is that stainless steel tubing cannot be double inverted flared. Since there are many different grades of stainless steel there are some grades that will not form. At Classic Tube we use USA made, annealed stainless steel tubing: A grade that is specific for bending and flaring. Another misconception is the use of Teflon tape. We only use tape on pipe thread. In a flare nut installation, the threads are doing the compression of the flare to the seat.

We ship the line in an oversize box approximately 10″x18″x66″ (the largest allowable by FedEX) with a shipping bend in the center section. This shipping bend is easily removed by placing the line on the floor, holding one end against the floor and pressing your hand slowly along the bend to straighten it out. No need to use tools. We have also included instructions in our boxes, you may also reference this video: https://youtu.be/OgYDzOpPAQs

Hydraulic Brakes:

Hydraulic Brakes were invented in 1918 in the California shop of Malcolm Loughead. He later changed his name to Lockheed. He and his brother founded the aircraft company of the same name. The Lockheed hydraulic brake first appeared on the 1921 Model A Duesenberg. In the 1930’s, hydraulic brake technology was still evolving. Much of the industry was using old-fashioned cable actuated brakes when Packard brought out its hydraulic brakes on the first model of the ’35 Packard 120.

Disc Brakes:

Disc-style brakes began in England in the 1890s; the first ever automobile disc brakes were patented by Frederick William Lanchester in his Birmingham factory in 1902, though it took another half century for his innovation to be widely adopted.

Modern-style disc brakes first appeared on the low-volume Crosley Hotshot in 1949, although they had to be discontinued in 1950 due to design problems. Chrysler's Imperial also offered a type of disc brake from 1949 through 1953, though in this instance they were enclosed with dual internal-expanding, full-circle pressure plates. Reliable modern disc brakes were developed in the UK by Dunlop and first appeared in 1953 on the Jaguar C-Type racing car. The Citroën DS of 1955, with powered inboard front disc brakes, and the 1956 Triumph TR3 were the first European production cars to feature modern disc brakes. The next American production cars to be fitted with disc brakes were the 1963 Studebaker Avanti (optional on other Studebaker models), standard equipment on the 1965 Rambler Marlin (optional on other AMC models), and the 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C2).

Anti-seize and Teflon tape are not needed when installing your lines. The seat on the end of the tube is what seals against the brass seat in your cylinder or block. Make sure the seat is the correct size and has not been damaged.

Stainless steel fittings will not rust. Which means that if you need to remove them they will not rust to the brake line and will come off as easily as they went on.

Sorry, we do not include clips, however we do carry generic line clips that can be substituted for the factory clips.

Yes, though we need the original lines, a wire mockup, soft tubing templates, blueprints, or CAD files.

Yes, we can reproduce almost any line in OEM steel or in stainless steel working with the original lines, from wire, soft tubing templates, blueprints, or CAD files.

Starting in the 1950’s, manufacturers used a fiberglass sleeve with an asphalt coating to cut down on heat transfer. Around this time, OEM’s would ”sleeve” the outside for the tube to create a double walled tube in areas most susceptible to shock, vibration or damage. In later production models, the use of spring guards or armor guard was used to combat “sand blasting” of the tube by road debris. This was installed strategically in certain areas of the tubes that would see the most potential damage. Classic Tube uses all of these in our manufacturing process to duplicate the OEM component. Classic Tube also sells these items separately for the “do it yourselfer.”

All Classic Tube products are manufactured in the U.S.A. to ISO 9001:2015 International Quality Control Standards and to S.A.E. and D.O.T. Specifications. Further, our stainless steel tubing and fittings exceed the requirements of S.A.E. and D.O.T. specifications.

Classic & Performance Specialties Inc. dba Classic Tube warrants its manufactured products to the original purchaser. Products sold shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for the warranty period. Our obligation under this warranty is limited to one year from the date of purchase. Any purchased or component products we use in the manufacture and assembly of a finished product shall carry its original manufacturer's warranty. Under our warranty we will make good at our factory any part which may be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid, and which our examination shall disclose, to our satisfaction, to have been defective when shipped. Our obligation will be limited to the repair or exchange of any part or parts which may prove defective. This warranty shall not apply to any product or component thereof which has been repaired or altered outside of Classic Tube’s factory.

By placing an order with Classic & Performance Specialties Inc. dba Classic Tube, the customer accepts that Classic Tube shall not be held liable for any and all damages, injury, loss and other claims, resulting from the inability, use or misuse of the product. Buyer or user accepts liability of all kinds associated with the use of all products.

It is the responsibility of the person installing any brake component or kit to determine the suitability of the component or kit for that particular application. If you are not sure how to safely use this brake component or kit, you should not install or use it. Do not assume anything. Improperly installed or maintained brakes are dangerous. If you are not sure, get help or return the product.

For additional information and technical support call Classic Tube 716-759-1800. Technical support from Classic Tube does not guarantee proper installation. You, or the person who does the installation, must know how to properly use this product. It is not possible over the phone to understand or foresee all the issues that might arise in your installation. Automotive components including brake and fuel systems must be maintained and should be checked regularly for fatigue, damage, and wear. Some of the components are for use in custom brake systems for performance, racing, and other special purpose-built off-road vehicles. It is not intended as a direct replacement for any OEM application.

- Do not drive on untested brakes, brakes must be tested after installation or maintenance.

The minimum test procedure is as follows.

- Make sure pedal is firm: hold firm pressure on pedal for several minutes, it should remain in position without sinking. If the pedal sinks toward the floor, check system for fluid leaks. Do not drive a vehicle if the pedal does not stay firm or can be pushed to the floor with normal pressure.

- At very low speed (2-5 mph) apply brakes hard several times while turning steering from full left to full right, repeat several times. Remove the wheels and check that components are not touching, rubbing, or leaking.

- Carefully examine all brake components, brake lines, and fittings for leaks and interference.

- Make sure there is no interference with wheels or suspension components.

- Drive the vehicle at low speed (15-20 mph) making moderate and hard stops. brakes should feel normal and positive. Again, check for leaks and interference.

- Always test vehicles in a safe place where there is no danger to (or from) other people or vehicles.

- Always wear seat belts and make use of all safety equipment.

NOTE: Silicone DOT 5 brake fluid is not recommended for racing or performance driving and remember to never mix different grade brake fluids.

NOTE: Silicone DOT 5 brake fluid is not compatible with any aftermarket or OEM replacement brake components such as master cylinders, wheel cylinders, slave cylinders, brake calipers, metering valves, combination valves and proportioning valves, or distribution blocks that utilize a differential pressure switch.

Classic Tube’s patented StopFlex Stainless Braided Brake Hoses use cutting edge technology and the best materials to give you maximum braking performance. Stainless braided hoses consist of woven stainless braid over rubber hose and wrapped in rubber hose. This combination offers the best braking performance on the market, great for project cars and race cars.

Classic Tube specifically uses a special grade of 304 double annealed stainless steel tubing to ensure the best balance of malleability, rigidity, spring, and cosmetics for all of our kits for all models. Choosing this stainless steel for your prebent tubing is sure to make a statement on your truck, restoration, race car, or project car.

Classic Tube’s rubber hoses offer an excellent replacement for your brake hoses. Using original patterns and trim-specific brackets and fittings to match the original look, feel, and performance of your OEM brake hoses.

Classic Tube has developed a coating process that duplicates the performance and cosmetic elements of the mid 1980’s domestic OEM change-over to a more corrosion resistant topcoat for automotive steel tubing. This green/gray topcoat includes a hot-dip zinc/aluminum rich topcoat delivering a minimum of 3,000 hours of corrosion resistance in accordance with ASTM B117, ESA-M1A270-A and GM-124M(A/G/E).

Classic Tube has developed a silver galvanized/ terne top coat for its OE steel tubing that duplicates the original Tinned Bundy Weld tubing with better corrosion performance. The most recognizable reference to automotive hydraulic brake tubing is Bundy Tube, sometimes called Bundy pipe. This is because it’s manufactured by the largest supplier Bundy Corporation of Warren, MI. with the 1937 patent of Copper coating and welding process. The first type of domestic hydraulic brake tubing used was Bundy tube. It is a type of double-walled low-carbon steel tube manufactured by rolling a copper-coated steel strip through 720 degrees and resistance brazing the overlapped seam in a process called Bundywelding. Sometime in the late 1930’s the process changed to include a terne coating of the tubing for corrosion protection.