[mklinger]

While upgrading my project with an aluminum radiator I found that the stock lower hose (1 3/4 x 1 1/2) was not going to work since the radiator outlet was 1 3/4 as was the water pump inlet.

After some research I found the following solution that was easy enough that I thought I would share. Hope this helps someone with their project.

Stock radiator part# on top (1 1/2 x 1 3/4) and solution hose (1 3/4 x 1 3/4) on the bottom.



Here are the hoses side by side before cutting to fit.



After cutting to fit.



Installed top and bottom

[tempest1964]

Great info. Thanks!

[JC455]

Sweet! Thank you for the info!

[pokey1]

Make sure you use one that has a spring in it so it does not collapse.

[tempest1964]

If, by chance, the only one available doesn’t have a spring, our host sells the spring separately.

[mklinger]

There was no spring in the Gates 20603. I have never had a hose collapse that did not have a spring. I get the potential necceessity, just never experienced it.

[Engine-Ear]

Guessing ... for a '69 Firebird with a v8?

[mklinger]

Nope, ‘71 Firebird with a V8 but probably the same for a ‘69. I have a stock radiator in my ‘69, will have to look to confirm.

[pokey1]

Originally Posted by mklinger

There was no spring in the Gates 20603. I have never had a hose collapse that did not have a spring. I get the potential necceessity, just never experienced it.

I could not ever see it collapse but was having cooling problems. Tried several different things one at a time and adding the spring made a big difference.

[HWYSTR455]

Yeah, only happens at higher RPMs, and when the stat opens fully. The more times it collapses, the easier it collapses, and at lower RPMs. It just makes sense to run the spring, it will screw you while you're out on the road.

You have a build thread? Would like to see the car. Maybe even do a signature too.

.

[pokey1]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

Yeah, only happens at higher RPMs, and when the stat opens fully. The more times it collapses, the easier it collapses, and at lower RPMs. It just makes sense to run the spring, it will screw you while you're out on the road.

You have a build thread? Would like to see the car. Maybe even do a signature too.

.

Just need to figure out how to do it..

[HWYSTR455]

Originally Posted by pokey1

Just need to figure out how to do it..

For a new thread, when in a section, and the top to the left is a button 'New Thread'.

In User CP, on the left column, there's a link to signatures.

.

[pokey1]

Originally Posted by HWYSTR455

For a new thread, when in a section, and the top to the left is a button 'New Thread'.

In User CP, on the left column, there's a link to signatures.

.

Got it. Will give it a shot.

Thanks

[Skip Fix]

Thanks, just measured the Griffin for the Camaro IA project and 1 3/4 on the radiator also.

[GT182]

If you're thinking of an aluminum radiator, may I suggest a Cold Case radiator. I bought one last year for my 66 GTO, and the Cold Case is a good one. Far less expensive that all of the others out there. Look in the add on the right side of the forum pages and you'll see the ad. Just click on it.

I had my doubts about it, but no longer since running it. My GTO runs cooler. And the radiator looks fairly close to an original.

[dataway]

Do the Cold Case use original size and shape hoses?

Do they mount in the core support the same as OEM style? Can OEM style mounting insulators be used?

Might go this way, I need a radiator for my 68 GTO, something either used original, or close to original in appearance. Four core original 68's are getting hard to come by and by the time I purchase one and have it re-cored it would probably cost more than a Cold Case.

But, I do like the brass tanks and copper cores of originals.

[r00a005]

More sharing of part numbers. I found the Napa NBH 745 fits for a lower hose for a 1967 GTO.

The continental 60702 does not, one end is too small

[dataway]

Any input on my question above? Thanks.

[gtospieg]

I would think CCass can answer your questions about the cold case....member here and I believe HE sells these...you could PM him

[dataway]

Thank you!