My upper radiator hose is getting a bit cracked around the edges, and soft in the middle. I've been trying to find a replacement, but the local shops carry name brand "just like original" hoses, without the little chafing cuff (that sits on top of the standoff from the alternator belt). I haven't been able to find a hose with a cuff, or even just the cuff anywhere. Don't want to sit that hose on top of the standoff without it, as the vibration will definitely eat into the rubber.

Examples:
Goodyear 61163
Goodyear Vette upper hose

Then I was in NAPA, picking up a new heater cutoff valve, and decided to check if they had the cuffed version... Lo and behold:

NAPA vette upper hose

This one is shaped to clear the alternator belt with room to spare, and even has a cuff just in case. I was planning on rigging something up today involving a pair of 3" stainless clamps, a 1" slice of the original cuff, a 3" strip of 1/2" band steel, the original standoff, and a welder. Glad I didn't have to after all. [sm=yeahsmile.gif]

cheers!
bill.

 

O. K. .................