Expert: Brad Sears - 7/19/2009

Question
I'm completely novice at car restoration but have help to do so.  I have run into the following issues.

I recently bought this car and it requires a new front break line for the rear drum break.  I went to local parts supplier and was told they do not make metal lines anymore and I would have to either make it myself (scary thought) or find a similar car make/type that the parts are inter-changeable  Do you know of one?  This seems like the best option.  A third option was semi presented as to replace the whole thing with a rubber line.  How extensive is this?

Also, I started the task of gaining access to the front left wheel stud, as I need a left  threaded one.  I can not remove the peice I need to obtain a sample bolt as apparently they no longer make left threaded wheel studs for this make of car and I was told I could replace them with right threaded wheel stud.  It was recommened to replace all 10 on the wheel otherwise I would risk the bolts breaking if someone else ever needed to remove them.  Does this make sense? and what step am I missing in gain access to them, I have the tire off but nothing is budging.

I appreciate the time taken to read and hopefully respond to my questions.

Answer
Sad to say that your local parts store is not the place to go for advice on old cars. There are cpompanies out there that make all kinds of parts for the old car hobby. My stock answer for “where can I find….” Is to latch on to a copy of Hemmings Motor News, the old car hobbies classified bible. There are many companies that supply parts for old cars and you will find them in Hemmings. www.hemmings.com
Brad