On the fuel vapor line where it goes through the frame on my 72 Cutlass, there is a fiber material "sleeve" that goes around tube for about 18 inches. Mine is very dried out and mangy looking - what does it do and where can I get some or something that closely replicates it?

 

The sleeve might be to protect the lines from wear, or to keep them from making noise as they vibrate against the frame. I can't see where it offers any real barrier from engine heat.

Related to this topic:
Make sure that where the fuel lines exit the frame up front that you slide the rubber fuel hose (to/from the pump) far enough over the lines so that it protects the line from the edge of the opening in the frame. If you look in the assembly manual ( and service manual?) you will see notes to this effect. Without the cushion of the rubber hose, the steel lines will get a notch "filed" in them from contact with the rough edge. This isn't just theory -- I've learned it the hard way. It wore all the way through and started leaking gas.

 

I was wondering about this myself. This same stuff is also used on the battery cable up over the starter. My Ford needs some as well. Where can it be had from?

 

I think what ya'll are looking for is referred to as 'asphalt cloth loom'. I used this in several different places on my 69 442 restoration. It comes in several different sizes (for fuel/brake lines and wiring) and can be found on EBAY or from www.homeprofasteners.com.

Hope this helps

 

My vapor line goes along the frame. The main fuel line goes through the frame though. The sleeve stuff came with the fuel line when I got it. I think I have seen FS on feebay.

 

Any other places than fleabay? I do not go there anymore. Homepro looks lot be a neat place...

I will point out that little piece of fuel line in the picture above is often forgotten and should be checked for cracks and breaks. Mine was original and horrible looking. I never thought to look for rubber line there!

 

Nice looking frame.

Here's some pics of what came out of it - looks very similar to the asphalt loom stuff mentioned, but it does not appear to me to have been coated with the asphalt I'm sure I'll wind up using it though. The asphalt stuff I've seen OE before (smaller diameter) on the lead that goes to the trunk light on my 68 H/O.