Peter,
  I have a section of copper pipe in my system for about 1 1/2 years now and
the only thing I see is that it is not bright and shinny anymore.  I am
currently pursuing an adventure to try and get flexible coolant hose at
1.25" ID from anyplace.  I am unsuccessful to date but I just started
Emailing suppliers.  (I ask the comunity again, does anyone know where I can
get the flexible cooling hose?  NAPA does not have it.)  I wasn't going to
attempt what you are trying for the sole reason that the existing pipes look
like they make subtle bends that would not be easily duplicated with copper
pipe and some 45 degree bends.  I wish you luck and please let me know what
you come up with.

Rich and Annemarie
85GL "Buba"

>From: Peter Krogh <VW85Westy@AOL.COM>
>Reply-To: VW85Westy@AOL.COM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Long Pipes- Copper replacement?
>Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 11:08:51 EDT
>
>I have gotten a few responses to my query about my cooling system repairs.
>My question now is this:
>
>Has anyone (can I) used 1.25' Copper house pipe to replace the long steel
>pipes in the '85?  It looks like I could make the bends with a couple 45
>degree connectors.
>
>Any opinions on, especially, the durability of copper house pipe in this
>application?  Is the pipe strong enough?  Would the soldiered joints deal
>with the vibration and flex of being on a car?
>
>I assume that there is no metalurgical reason not to use copper.
>
>I'd like to work on this over the weekend, so opinions appreciated.
>
>Peter & Zippy

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