[55GMCX2]

Originally Posted by Safari Larry

Good news, I used a long round file to knock out some of the rust buildup from inner 56 head and the 57 tube now inserts freely into the head! Assuming the 55 head is the same as 56, the 58 tubes will work.

That is good news. Thanks for taking the extra time to clean things up so the tube would fit. The pictures also help!!

I've contacted IndianPontiacs as Bill recommended to see if they have a set of 55-56 tubes, but I'm still waiting to hear back from them. I may go ahead and get the 58 tubes just to try them, but like you said, the challenge is going to be, which is left and which is right. I'd also like to see the two side by side for comparison.

The machine shop that's rebuilding my engine said that the tubes I have are shot and need to be replaced. They said that I could probably get away without them, but if I can find a set, then I'd be better off with them than without.

Thanks again,
Steve

[Safari Larry]

Originally Posted by 55GMCX2

I'd also like to see the two side by side for comparison.

See my 03-03-2013 post for left and right 57 tubes side by side. Looking at the end, they are mirror images of each other. It is most obvious in the back end view of the tubes. I really don't think you can go wrong, if they are installed on the "wrong" side, I believe there will be little or no difference in effectiveness. The water exit ports will be on the bottom either way. There is one way of installing them where they appear to be a better fit and that's how I would install them -- and not worry about it being wrong.

Originally Posted by 55GMCX2

They said that I could probably get away without them, ...

I think that is bad advise. Yes, you can get away without them for a while. But the back of engine will run hotter than the front and it won't show up on the temp gauge. Not good for a long lasting engine! I would not use those heads without the water tubes.

[Bill Hanlon]

Steve:
The one '58 tube I have is yours for the price of the ride. Down side is that I won't be able to get it in the mail until after March 18. I'm heading to the ski slopes with my daughter and her family tonight and won't be back until the 17th.

[55GMCX2]

Originally Posted by Safari Larry

I think that is bad advise. Yes, you can get away without them for a while. But the back of engine will run hotter than the front and it won't show up on the temp gauge. Not good for a long lasting engine! I would not use those heads without the water tubes.

I agree. I'm of the belief that if they were installed from factory, then there's obviously a reason for them. My heads will go back on with tubes, one way or another.

Originally Posted by Bill Hanlon

Steve:
The one '58 tube I have is yours for the price of the ride. Down side is that I won't be able to get it in the mail until after March 18. I'm heading to the ski slopes with my daughter and her family tonight and won't be back until the 17th.

Sounds like a deal. The machine shop is nowhere close to be ready for the tubes, so the 18th will work. I'll send you a PM on the gmc site with my shipping address.

Steve

[flat-bill]

If it were me I'ld get whatever the machine shop had of the "need to be replaced" tubes. Sometimes, if it isn't an effortless fix, the standard answer is " get me new ones". These tubes may be fixable without a lot of trouble by a clever guy. Billk