Braided hoses are not typical on classic cars, but for those who need them for a high performance model, resto-mod, or a pro-touring car they are functional and certainly eye candy under the hood.
For the DIY mechanic assembling these hoses are not a difficult project, but it is all in having the proper tools. The tools are not cheap for the potential limited use in making these hoses for your classic car. In some areas local performance shops will make them for you at a reasonable cost so you may want to do some research before buying these specialty tools.
I quickly realized the need for proper tools after fumbling thru the process for a number of hours. You will need the proper AN host wrench, fitting assembly sleeve/socket, hose cutter, vise jaw protector, assembly oil, and electrical tape. Now assmbly takes just a few minutes once I have the correct hose measurements.
Using the measure twice cut once approach make sure you take into account that the fittings add length to you hose so you will need to add them on the the correct hose length you will need.
Once you have the correct hose length mark the hose at the location you need to cut.
Wrap the hose tightly with only 1 layer of thin electical tape with the cut mark at the center of the tape.
This will help to avoid the metal wrap from unwinding creating a near impossible hose to use for installing the AN fitting.
Now cut the hose at the center of the tape. Make sure the cutter is set at 90 degrees to the hose for a clean level cut.
Next add the assembly lube to both the inside and outside of the braided hose; you will not need a lot of lube, but make sure all sides are covered.
Put the AN fitting nut into the assembly sleeve and lock into the vise firmly.
Next twist the braided hose (clockwise) into the AN fitting nut. Keep twisting until the hose reaches the lip where the nuts threads start.
Put the AN fitting nut into the vise protector jaw to hold the AN fitting securely without damaging the finish.
Next insert the other part of the AN fitting into the hose.
Press the fittings together to start the threading at least ¼ to ½ turn before using the AN wrench to avoid stripping the threads.
Turn the fitting clockwise until the two parts of the fitting are fulling locked together.
For those classic car owners that need or want braided hoses for their car this DIY project is relatively easy for that fancy look under the hood.
