The stainless steel brake lines from classic tube can have a coil rock guard
or rubber guard added to any of the lines you purchase.

Robert
-- 
Rob
NYC/Long Beach, NY
88 Wolfsburg, Silver

on 4/21/06 4:20 PM, Jonathan Farrugia at jfarrugi@UMICH.EDU wrote:

> do these stainless brake lines have a protective jacket over the outside
> of the stainless steel braid?
> 
> jonathan
> 
> On Fri, 21 Apr 2006, robertmstewart wrote:
> 
>> 2 weeks ago I had my entire van's brake system replaced, and I mean entire!
>> 
>> Front L&R Rotors, Calipers and all associated hardware with all new PBR
>> pads.
>> Rear L&R Drums, Cylinders, springs, shoes and Emergency Brake Cable.
>> (All from Van-caf�.com, except the Ebrake Cable*)
>> 
>> Stainless Steel brake lines throughout the entire van with coil rock guards,
>> and new pressure regulator.
>> (SS lines from http://www.classictube.com/products.asp, P-Reg. From Ken @
>> Vanagain.com)
>> 
>> Last but not least Van-caf�.com stainless steel brake lines for the front
>> and rear.
>> (
>> http://www.van-cafe.com/vanagon_parts.jsp?pa=p&p=265624003&pct=55048531&ct=3
>> 97859801)
>> 
>> The brakes on the van prior to the entire overhaul had very good front
>> braking, the rear was poor I felt. I replaced everything because of the
>> extreme level of rust on all of the components. Many mechanics told me they
>> were afraid to try and change anything for fear of breaking parts off and
>> they all recommended to replaced the parts to be safe for the future.
>> 
>> I have to say the brakes now are so sensitive now, just touching them with a
>> little pressure applies sufficient force, and when hard braking is needed as
>> in highway driving it stops with real strength and force. I do not have to
>> give a mile to slow down now. I always give lots of time for braking with
>> van just to be easier on the brakes and be safer but now it�s not as much a
>> requirement when driving.
>> 
>> I have tested it's braking from 55mph in a hard stop in a vacant area and it
>> is a vast improvement. Prior to the upgrades the front brakes gave very good
>> braking in the same test but now it's much faster response and the brake
>> pedal provides greater consistent pressure at the foot, a very solid feel.
>> 
>> I would say the $115 for the SS Braided Kit from Van-caf� is worth the peace
>> of mind. I looked at it as a lifetime investment for the van and possibly
>> may improve my chances in avoiding an accident in the event of real
>> emergency braking situation.
>> 
>> Regards to all,
>> 
>> -- 
>> Rob
>> NYC/Long Beach, NY
>> 88 Wolfsburg, Silver
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> on 4/21/06 12:01 PM, Mark A. Kreuzer at markk@OURWESTY.COM wrote:
>> 
>>> I just ordered the SS ones.  I'm drinking the coolaid and buying the story
>>> about the firmer brake pedal.  Give me about 3 weeks and I can tell you how
>>> it's working out.
>>> 
>>> -- mark
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>>> Rob Infante
>>> Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 10:53 AM
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Subject: brake lines
>>> 
>>> In the past I've had not one but two karmann ghias on the side of the  road
>>> from old swollen brake lines.  I have no idea how old the lines are on  the
>>> syncro westy, so I'm thinking its time to wise up, be proactive,  and
>>> replace
>>> them now.  I see van/volks cafe has normal flex lines, and ss  ones.  Has
>>> anyone
>>> used the ss ones?  Did you see enough of a  difference to justify the price?
>>> 
>>> thanks
>>> rob infante
>> 
>> 
>>