Radiator hose sections-What to use?

[slocrow]

When using a metal pipe or pipes, what is used to attach the pipe to the part end like the radiator, thermostat housing or water pump? I'm guessing some model specific, molded radiator hose cut in 2 and 3 inch length's but are these just that, a cut up radiator hose. Or are there different sized hoses that you can buy somewhare by the inch, avoiding buying a full hose or two and cutting it up? Thanks, Frank

[phat46]

When using a metal pipe or pipes, what is used to attach the pipe to the part end like the radiator, thermostat housing or water pump? I'm guessing some model specific, molded radiator hose cut in 2 and 3 inch length's but are these just that, a cut up radiator hose. Or are there different sized hoses that you can buy somewhare by the inch, avoiding buying a full hose or two and cutting it up? Thanks, Frank

I just went through this. If you are freindly with a local parts store they will probably let you look for a hose yourself. I was able to look through the stock at four local stores and still couldn't find one hose to fit. I had to order two hoses each with a 90 degree bend in it to get what i needed, with a short metal pipe in between.  You should be able to  find one hose to cut a couple pieces out of for what you need, just pick the cheapest one that's your size. I paid $6 apice for the ones i ordered, which was cheaper than most of the ones in stock.

[enjenjo]

If you go to your friendly Heavy truck dealer, a big one, they have hoses in stock for the ends of pipes in various sizes. Trucks of course are each a little different, so only the connections are rubber, and the piece in between is bent from pipe for that particular truck. The best part, the hose is made of silicone rubber, and is lifetime hose. Comes in different colors, red, blue, green, white, and others, but for a particular hose it may only come in one color. They also have silicone straigh hose that is sold by the inch, actually made by Gates, and available at most parts stores by special order in 3' lengths, about $1 an inch.

[slocrow]

Thanks Frank. That's the info I was looking for. Appreciate your suggestion Phat46 though I'd been through several parts stores and one warehouse inventories prior to having the stainless pipe welded up. Now I only needed a couple of 2" pieces of different diameters and was looking for a good solution. Thanks again Guys....Frank

[C9]

Not quite what you're looking for, but thought I'd throw this in.

You can get short 90's and if you need a 90 with a longer leg on one end, select a formed hose with a couple of 90's in it and cut it to the length you need.

I did this for the lower hose on my 455 Buick powered roadster and connected the ends with .120 wall mild steel tubing - it's what I had on hand - it worked well and is still in good shape.
In my particular install, the tubing was buried inside the two lengths of rubber hose.
Double stainless worm drive hose clamps are a good idea considering the smooth finish of the outer wall tubing.

A few years later I pulled the rubber/metal hose and took it to the parts house.
The girl was able to find an exact match formed hose using the rubber/metal hose for a sample.
A lot of guys like to use bent to shape welding rod or the flexy aluminum hose used for hot air to connect to thermostatic air cleaners for patterns and they work, but it was nice to have an exact piece with the exact angles for a sample.

Another way out is to get stainless tubing at Home Depot etc.
The stainless tubing used under sinks etc. and they have a nice look when combined with short connecting lengths of rubber hose.
Most times you can set up the upper hose with no problems.  (short 45 degree formed hoses are available also.)
Home Depot et al also carry brass tubing that's chrome plated.
It comes in the 1 1/2" sizes for both the stainless and chrome plated tubing and this is the usual size to fit most of todays hot rod engines.