Fuel line sizes.

[su8pack1]

1969 280SL. What size OD feed and return fuel lines have any of you used? In inch mesurements. I ordered a pair from a vendor, but you have to make all the bends yourself. I did but the return line is steel and very hard to bend even with the correct tools. I ended up kinking the 45° bend that goes over the rear axle. I'm thinking aluminum lines. I ordered a hydraulic hand bubble and flare tool as the hand tool I have is a killer to make the bubble end in a steel line. Any recommendations on size and thoughts on using aluminum lines.  My research comes up with several different sizes. Thanks.

[rwmastel]

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17479

I hope this helps.

[su8pack1]

Thanks for that link, I missed that one. Any thoughts on aluminum lines? I see they're used on many other cars, as they are just easier to shape.

[TJMart]

Thanks for that link, I missed that one. Any thoughts on aluminum lines? I see they're used on many other cars, as they are just easier to shape.

I installed all new brake lines on my car and used Copper/Nickel lines using the Eastwood Tool to flare the ends mentioned in the above post. I don't see why the copper/nickel lines would not work on fuel lines. They are much easier to bend and flare with the proper tools and will not rust. I was very happy with the results.

[merrill]

hello
about 20 years ago i replaced all the fore to aft lines on my sl.

brake, fuel return, fuel send.

at that time i believe i was able to order all 3 lines from the dealership which arrived in a coil.

first step was to un roll and straighten the lines as best i could.
 I think i taped one end to the garage floor and then carefully un rolled keeping the coil as steady as possible and using a foot to keep the line in place as i un rolled.

i ended up bending the lince by hand,   i would tape one end of the original line to one end of the new line
then, slowly working my way down i would bend by hand (maybe using a tool here and there)  and taping the lines
together about every foot or so. 

once i got to the other end, i would to back to the start and double check.

the most fun was re installing all 3 lines in the car.    new clamps and rubber etc.

hope this helps
j