Automotive Fittings - Getting Fit

Often called a Ford nut, this is a compression fitting without a sleeve. It was used on early Ford vacuum lines, among other applications.

Referred to as a banjo design because of its shape, these fittings can swivel to make connections easier. They are often found in the brake system. Gaskets are used on both sides of the banjo to prevent leaks. This one accepts an AN fitting.

In a banjo fitting, fluid flows through the center of the attachment bolt (note the hole) and an annular groove cut into the housing.

This adapter would be used to connect a female -3 AN line to a wheel cylinder or caliper that has a female 3/16-inch inverted flare port.

Another handy adapter: a tee to allow the use of an 1/8-inch pipe hydraulic stoplight switch in -3 AN lines.

Barb fittings are commonly found in fuel lines. They accommodate different size hose, and may have male or female ends.

This is a cool piece. It accepts a standard 3/16-inch inverted flare brake line and connects to a -3 flex hose. The groove is for a brake line clip to lock the fitting securely in a mounting tab.

While this looks like an ordinary barb fitting, it is unique because it has the unusual threads found in Stromberg 97 and early Ford Holley carburetors.

There are a variety of adapters for later-model carburetors that allow the use of AN lines rather than the OEM-style inverted flare style. This one is for a Rochester Quadrajet.

On the subject of Stromberg 97s, Dick Crawford makes these cool combination needle and seat/barb fittings that swivel to make connecting single or multiple carburetors easy. They also come oversize so stripped float bowls can be saved.

A simple trick to keep copper oil pressure lines from fracturing is a vibration loop (plus it looks cool). Wrap the tubing a turn or two around anything cylindrical.

Teflon tape has many legitimate uses; unfortunately it's often seen as a cure-all for mismatched components and improperly formed flares. Care must be used when applying the tape to ensure it doesn't end up inside the system being sealed.