Tungum Tube in Classic Car

Tungum® tubing has been used since 1976/1977 in a 1960 Jensen 541R car

The Jensen 541R is a closed four-seater GT-class car built in the United Kingdom by Jensen between 1957 to 1960. In total Jensen built 193 541Rs before it was succeeded in 1961 by the Jensen 541S. This was similar to the 541R, but with a larger body and a GM-licensed Rolls-Royce hydramatic gearbox, and only 127 cars were built before the model was discontinued to be replaced by the CV8.

Tony Wilde whose role as Jensen Owners Club Spares Secretary (1975 to 1981) used to work for the UK MOD which is where he learned about Tungum tubing being used on Army vehicles etc, he has had Tungum tubing fitted in his Jensen since 1976/77 with no problems experienced whatsoever. During his time as Spares Secretary he bought, on behalf of the JOC, bulk purchases (small batches) of 3/16 piping and sold single lengths sufficient for one car to other JOC members for their Jensen’s.

During the last 4 years he has carried out significant restoration.

During this restoration some of the brake piping was re-routed and he then used up the last of his 40 year old stock of Tungum 3/16 inch piping. Replacing the rusting end fittings with stainless steel fittings also resulted in replacing some pipework.

Tony says “As you can see from the brake area photograph I also polished the 40 year old tubing and then clear coated it as well as the 1/4 inch copper tubing used on the non- pressure reservoir side. “

“Further work on the car involving an engine change will include replacing a 56 year old length of OEM plastic fuel piping with the 3/8 inch Tungum piping and with the engine (type) change it will necessitate further work on the braking system.”