Hi all. Just joined the site and have a question on the 65 bird that I purchased a few weeks ago. I'm replacing the stock carb with a Holley 80457s. Does anyone have a suggestion on the transition from the hard fuel line to the new carb? I don't want to cut the line unless I have no other options. Your expertise is appreciated!
Thanks.

The only modification you need to make is the fuel line inlet. The holley has a nipple, not a threaded hole like the Ford Autolite. You will need to cut the fuel line, bend it over to the fuel inlet on the Holley and use a rubber hose to connect the two.

Jeff, you can fabricate a new line from the fuel pump. The tubing, 5/16 inch galvanized steel, is available at many "real" parts stores. You will need a few specialized tools to accomplish this (tubing cutter, flaring tool)but, it's not a difficult project. You can use the original line as a pattern for the most part and then route the carb end as needed to complete the connection. Holley sells an adapter to allow you to use a flare connection at the carb inlet.
Is the original carb rebuildable? If so, would you like to sell it?

Thanks for all the info! I'm going to cut the line and attach an inline fuel filter before I enter the carb. My only concern is bending the hard line to a favorable position, but it looks possible. The original carb is rebuildable and tagged so I'm going to hold on to it, maybe try rebuilding it myself this winter. I've never tried it so it would take me that long. It was going to cost me as much to have the original carb rebuilt as it cost for the new Holley carb! After the new carb comes the Pertronix electronic ignition. Does anyone have the specific model number required for the 65 birds?

They sell cheap tubing benders in almost every auto store