Hi,
I think you might be talking about the hose coming off the side of your
brake fluid reservoir.
That's not for the brake system, of course, it's for the clutch hydraulics.

The reservoir sits right on the master cylinder, with rubber
seals.....that's how the brake system gets its fluid from the reservoir.

Given that it's not part of the brake system....it's not critical, just
inconvenient if the hose blows or the clutch won't disengage.

I'd use ....... ....I suppose you could use fuel hose.  The original part is
that blue hose......it might be available from a vw stealership ....they
might want to sell it a meter at a time.....you'd have blue brake fluid hose
for life then !

'maybe' at a FLAPS you could have an intelligent conversation about what
hose to use. 
You'd also think coolant hose might not be affected by brake fluid too much.

Personally, I'd go to the trouble to get the right blue hose from vw. 
Scott
www.turbovans.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Anthony Kimmons
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 3:02 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Tubing for Brake Fluid recommendation?

Years ago, before I knew better, I replaced the hose from my brake
fluid reservoir with
the reinforced vinyl tubing that you can buy at Home Depot. I think I
used 3/8" or 1/2" tubing.

Today I changed out the front brake pads on my 87 GL and changed the
brake lines to the calipers. While bleeding the brakes, I noticed that
the old vinyl tubing is getting quite yellow and I decided that I
should change it before I get fluid all over the inside of my dash.

Any recommendations for a hose here? Is this a basic FLAPS item? Or
was I ok in putting the vinyl tube there? It's held for going on 5-6
years now (fortunately). I don't think there is any pressure there,
just worried about the fluids affects on the vinyl over time.

THANKS!

PS. Update on progress...
I finally was able to drive the old van around the neighborhood today!
First time in a long while! No problems with the oil pressure, but I'm
still a little timid. Still amazed that I was actually able to rebuild
an engine on my own! :o) Anxious to get her legal and take her for a
real drive. She still has 2001 stickers on her window, so I don't
think I'd last too long on the road before the man in blue spots me!