I need to replace both the heater hoses and the heater control valve on my 70GS455 with A/C. Where can I purchase the correct parts? Thanks Bert
YO repros the correct hoses and www.GMpartsdirect.com sells the valve. Duane H. repros the rubber ring around the valve.
Clamps? Thanks Jim. Should all the clamps be pinch clamps? Two at the firewall, two at the control valve, one at the intake and one at the water pump? How long should the hose be between the intake and the valve? Thanks Bert
I think you guys should look at this picture. It is from the 1970 Assembly Manual p. 1-11.5. If everyone used this book it sure would make my life easier when the cars hit the show field. Duane
Short hose? Thanks Duane and Jim. Where can I get the short hose that goes between the valve and the intake. Thanks Bert
You can buy heater hose by the foot at parts stores. I usually buy 4 feet each of 3/4" and 5/8" ....and end up with enough to throw away without feeling guilty.
Bert, According to the assembly manual the short hose between the water valve and the intake would be a 5/8" hose that is 5.5" long. Duane
Pinch clamps at firewall? Thanks Guys! One last question, looks dern near impossible to install the pinch clamps at the firewall on a car with A/C. Any suggestions or tricks. Thanks again. Bert
Purchase the Sears special pliers for this purpose. They are designed to hold those clamps in the open position so your hands are not under the pressure to exert any claming force. With your hands now relaxed and the clamp fully open lube the firewall end of the hose so it slides on to heat exchanger nipple with the corbin clamps already on the hose. Then slide the clamps up the hose in place and disengage the lock out on the special pliers.
If I was going to the trouble of putting on those correct pesky clamps I would sure not get the incorrect looking hoses ( although they are the correct diameter) locally.
Jim, I imagine the question of using the correct ribbed hoses would depend on which Show Class you are planning on placing your car in. Many of the guys want the correct look, but are not interested in showing their cars, or doing a Concours restoration so they don't care about correct hoses. I know you are looking to do a Concours resto, and the Judges look for things like incorrect hose clamps and correct ribbed hoses. That is why I posted the picture here in the first place, to help both you and Bert not put incorrect items on your car. Maybe in the future I will just keep my mouth shut and let everyone do whatever they want. Then they can look at their judging sheets and figure out what was wrong. Duane
You may catch us on something but it would not that one. We are checking behind ourselves with the assembly manual and I have the correct clamp kit also. I should add that we are appreciative of any and all assistance. Getting a concours car correct the first time out is nearly impossible.
Thanks Guys! Before I discovered this board I probably would have went to autozone and bought whatever they handed me and stuck it on the car. Like the ugly ass orange heater hoses that are on it know... Back then I had no way of finding this huge stash of information and knowledge. Although I am not restoring my car for any Show Class, when I do replace parts I would like to use the correct parts when feasible. Like Jim said if I am going to the trouble of using the pinch clamps I might as well get the right hose. This would not be possible without all the information and help that you guys post here. So please keep answering all my PIA questions whenever possible. I really appreciate it and feel sure everyone else feels likewise. I cant find the heater control valve on http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/ More help needed. ??? Bert
