Radiator Hose

[76okievette]

I am having a problem finding a upper radistior hose from my 1976 L-48. Everyone I find both at the local parts houses and the internet parts houses does not have the same bends as the one I have on the car now, and the will not fit. I am thinking about going with the metal covered braided hose. Has anyone tried this type of hose? I would like to know the pros and cons to going with this type. I know it won't be orginal but what else?

 

[silver 80]

check out The Last Detail or your local chevy dealer.
TLD has them for 28.00

 

[76okievette]

OK, I have to ask what is The Last Detail?

 

[g4460]

http://www.tld-corvette.com/

 

[C3forME]

If i'm not mistaken, I thought that I read somewhere that 1976 had 2 versions on either the upper or lower radiator hose, not sure which. When you replaced it you had to specify early or late production. I'm not positive about this but I'm sure someone here with a '76 can guide you in the right direction.

 

[silver 80]

c3FORME is correct. TLD can only get the late model the early one is out of production. I would think that if you brought your vette to a place like napa and said I need a hose like this one that they could find one that fits.

 

[Willis76]

Early or Late 76 (from a previous post)

The difference in the early vs late 76 radiator is in the top hose outlet. The early 76 upper outlet pipe goes to the right and late 76 upper outlet pipe goes straight back. I just replaced my upper hose and got it at the local Auto Zone store with no problem.

The lower hose is the same for both early and late. I found this out through Doc Rebuild site at:

http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/RAD-HOSE2.PDF

Best bet, take the old one with you when you buy another.

good luck

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Have the same problem.

We have put a big block radiator in to replace the stock 2" radiator.
Problem now is what hose to use in it's place?????

I have found a guy who imports the "Coolflex Hoses" from the US.
Check the out at www.coolflex.com


Cheers

Tony

 

[76okievette]

Thanks for all the good info. I do have a late 76 and have takent he hose to that local AutoZone but they did not have one like it. All the shops have what they say is the correct one but it has a 90 degree bend in it and won't work on my car. I will keep looking, and am sure I will find it. Thanks

 

[DDLS3]

You might try comparing a hose for a 77-78 model to see if it is a better fit. Also some models used different hoses if they came with factory a/c, another possibility is that a previous owner changed the water inlet housing to a different arrangement from stock. There are several variations that fit small block chevys.

 

[76okievette]

Thanks everyone for the good info, what I found out is I have a early 76 radiator in the car, although the VIN says I should have a late model 76. I will go get a hose for a early 76 and should have no problems. Thanks again.

 

[76L82]

76okie - If you're not into originality I just went to Autozone and got behind the counter and started looking through the flex hoses. Found one that fit perfectly...I believe it is the yellow striped version..

 

[76okievette]

Thanks, I have an orginal one on the way, just hope it fits. After all the help I got here in the forum I found out I have a early 76 radiator. My car was built in Jan of 76 so I assumed it was a late 76. Also the rear bumper emblem is another way to tell, I have the 6 1/4 inch emblem again a late model indicator. The early ones had the 8 inch emblem. So I guess I have some of the early and some of the late parts on the car. Thanks again.

 

[PigPen]

FYI - I've got an early '76 built in January too. The shorter rear emblem is the early design for sure.