Fuel
Fuel system requirements are very strict because of the danger of fire. Often times when a different carburetor is installed, the factory hard line is replaced with flexible fuel hose. While this can be acceptable if the length is kept in check, a safer and more sanitary fuel line routing/connection is desirable. For fuel system requirements it's hard to beat AN fittings, and honestly AN lines and fittings can be used in just about any fluid application, although fuel systems are the most popular. There are even quick-disconnect style AN fittings for easy vehicle servicing.
| AN Size | Tube Outside diameter |
| -2 | 1⁄8-inch |
| -3 | 3⁄16-inch |
| -4 | 1⁄4-inch |
| -5 | 5⁄16-inch |
| -6 | 3⁄8-inch |
| -8 | 1⁄2-inch |
| -10 | 5⁄8-inch |
| -12 | 3⁄4-inch |
| -16 | 1-inch |
| -20 | 1 1⁄4-inch |
| -24 | 1 1⁄2-inch |
| -28 | 1 3⁄4-inch |
| -32 | 2-inch |
Another An Application
On most of our Fords, the engine oiling system is completely internal to the engine and doesn't require our attention. However, once we get into high-performance applications an external engine oil cooler is often desirable.
Coolant
Another critical area on your Ford involving fluid transfer is the engine cooling system. Here, unimpeded and uninterrupted fluid circulation is imperative. While OE-style rubber hoses are usually adequate, many enthusiasts we know choose to add braided steel jacketed hoses to their engine cooling system. While cooling systems operate at relatively low pressure of between 5 and 18 psi, these hoses have a greater resistance to heat and bursting and also add a custom touch to the vehicle engine compartment.
Loosen and remove the screw...
Loosen and remove the screw cone and die. The result for the first half of the procedure is a single flare and should look perfectly round and symmetrical as shown.
Next insert the 3/16-inch...
Next insert the 3/16-inch die into the tubing end. You may need to clean up the end of the line with a fine file to be sure the die will fit into the opening. Be certain that no metal shavings or material remain in the tube.
Next, reinstall the screw...
Next, reinstall the screw cone over the end of the brake line tubing that has been single flared, without the die, and once again drive the screw cone to the bottom of its travel.
Hard lines should never be...
Hard lines should never be connected to moving suspension or brake parts, as the movement will fatigue the brake line. A flexible hose must be used between the hard line and caliper. Many disc brake kits come with rubber flex hoses. While adequate, many performance oriented drivers prefer steel jacketed lines. Classic Tube's Stop Flex braided steel brake hose has a 5,000 psi rating, while regular rubber hoses usually rate around 1,500 psi. The braided stainless jacket prevents volumetric expansion, a major culprit in a spongy brake pedal. The very high burst pressure is a safety plus and it produces a firmer and more responsive brake pedal feel. A kit for a '65 Mustang consisting of three hoses costs $119.85.
Here's the completed double...
Here's the completed double flare on our 3/16 brake line. The bevel in the cone imparts a perfect 45-degree angle to the flare. The Great Neck flaring bar has openings and dies for steel lines in the diameters of 5/8-, 1/2-, 3/8-, 5/16-, 1/4-, and 3/16-inch. Flaring brake line tubing takes some practice, so practice on some scrap steel tubing before using the actual material going onto the car. If you need a more elaborate flaring tool for stainless steel line, EFI fittings, or modern metric bubble flares, check out the TLF04 hydraulic flair tool from Inline Tube.
These new transmission lines...
These new transmission lines are offered by Classic Tube. They are a bolt-in solution to the problem of new transmission lines when an AOD is installed in a classic Mustang. They're a great solution to the problem and typical of the advances being made in the area of fluid transfer technology for our beloved classic Fords. We found a set in stainless for about $85.
For any kind of high-performance...
For any kind of high-performance use, an external automatic trans-mission cooler is a very good idea. The stock heat exchanger for the transmission is often limited in its ability to cool the transmission on a hot day because the extra heat load is placed on the radiator. Having an external cooler will contribute greatly to the service life of your automatic transmission. This unit from Fluidyne would be a perfect choice for a high-performance Ford automobile application.
This photo shows the transmission...
This photo shows the transmission cooler in place in the slipstream, done in conjunction with a custom radiator conversion. Generally, such a cooler installation is spliced into the existing transmission cooling lines downstream of the factory heat exchanger located inside the radiator. We've seen both sanitary hard line installations as well as those done with rubber hose. When using rubber hose, however, be sure you are buying hose rated for transmission fluid, as regular fuel or coolant hose will swell and get soft when used for oil lines. We also recommend stainless hose clamps (non worm drive) that will not cut into the hose when tightened.
Mechanical fuel pumps for...
Mechanical fuel pumps for carbureted engines such as these Holley examples generate the appropriate fuel pressure of between 5 and 10 psi. As you can see, these pumps are ready to install with AN-type fittings.