Is there a source for the correct radiator hoses , upper and lower ? Received a reproduction set. Both hoses were embossed into the rubber, made in Mexico. Thanks
It's not a Chevelle. That's as close as you are going to get. If you got them from Dave Kleiner. Nobody is ever going to tool up to make these unless you order a minimum of about 10,000 hoses.
Not sure how Kleiner is supplying correct 70 Radiator hoses when correct shape hose hadn’t been available for over 25 years?????? I have bought every brand available and none of them are correct. Lowers are OK. I have been stamping these for a long time but the current batch of hoses now are heavily ribbed and don’t stamp well so I don’t want to do them anymore. There were several different style stamps on hoses. None of them are more correct than the other. Don’t let anyone tell you there was only one style stamp. Just not true. I think I have posted here about hoses a hundred times.
Previous picture is an NOS hose I had. It matched some originals I had. Sorry Frank it had AU embossed into the rubber. Here are two more NOS 70-71 upper hoses all with GM part numbers but different style/manufacturer.
Here is a comparison of hoses. Top is a true NOS hose. It is the correct shape and the only one that is. If you find one of these you hit the lottery. The middle one is the Gates. AC Delco is same shape. It fits the best of any aftermarket hose. It is listed in the books as a 71 GS455. There actually is not even a listing for a 70 GS 455 with ram air although factory used both the same for 70-71. The Gates hose now is heavily ribbed and does not stamp well. This is the style I was stamping. Pretty sure this is the hose Kleiner stamped as well. NO ONE SUPPLIES THE CORRECT SHAPED HOSE!!!! The bottom hose is a Dayco. Embossed with made in Mexico. I have tried this hose and it fits in either direction but not real well. I think direction shown is correct?
Check out the gooseneck on the NOS hose that fits between the air cleaner snorkels. It’s a damn shame no one can make this hose. I was asked to loan it to see if they could get it reproduced. Ain’t happening. I’ll never see it again. Anyone want one made? Call Goodyear or Gates and have them give me a call.
This is NOS next to Dayco turned the other way. If you cut maybe 2” off the right side and attached it to radiator it might fit better? I think that little dip is made for thermostats end however. Once you cut it and it’s doesn't fit you are all done.
Geez' Dave, I've never seen an embossed radiator hose. Here's what I know about the hoses. I've never done business with DK, not for any particular reason. Last I knew, when there was a big hose debate thread on here a long time ago, he was selling the like double S snake shaped top hose. I think they were Goodyear. Maybe 90% of the cars I see here and elsewhere are running that hose. Let me say that I have probably 4-6 vintage hose and belt catalogs, Dayco, Gates with cross references. Like everything, I researched this a lot. There was a change in the bottom hose shape for more clearance, I think in 71. I'm only talking A body BBB cars here. The hoses...I thought the consensus here was it was stamped. Different numbers, colors, and codes were the debate. The shape was in debate, too. If you look at any old mag pics, the top hose has simple bends that clear everything. I have 2 early exact replacements here, they have the simple bends and the goose neck. One is on my car now. Only the very early hoses were like that, but you could buy a very similar looking hose w/o the goose neck up 'til a very short time ago. At some point I think the dobles S snake hose may have been implemented, maybe 72 for the new air cleaner, smog or shroud/hook placement, I don't know. i also don't know why so many guys are running those double s hoses and saying they are right. The bottom hose is only a small difference in shape. I know back in the 60's + early 70's the hoses would have like lines suggesting where to cut them. Like a fuel line from Inline always has to be tweaked, so do hoses. You don't just buy a hose and put it on. These Buicks are like the worst to fit, because of the distributor, hook and scoop(s). They are busy where that top hose is! That's all I know about rad hoses.
