Cool/Heat: '61 Hawk heater hoses

[jrlemke]

I have a '61 Hawk, I'm removing the underseat heater. The way the defroster hoses are connected doesn't seem right. The two 3/8" hoses are both connected to the same hose coming from the water manifold. The hose from the water pump goes straight to the heater control valve. I want to keep the defroster working, so I need to know how to hook the hoses so I don't blow up the core. I don't need the 5/8" hoses at all, correct? Thanks-Jim

[TWChamp]

You should have a Tee fitting in each of the 2 heater hoses, and a 3/8" hose from each Tee to each outlet on the defroster. You could then just cap each of the ends that used to go to the heater core.

[jrlemke]

That is how I thought it should be! The way it is, both t's are in the same hose. Where can I get 3/8" X 5/8" connectors? The caps only lasted about 1 year and they were cracked and leaking. - Jim

[StudeRich]

198653 Defroster "T", 3/8" to 5/8" where all Studebaker Parts come from: http://studebakervendors.com

[jrlemke]

I've got the t's, I just want to connect a 3/8 hose to a 5/8 hose without having to use the cap to block off the third side. As I said earlier, the caps lasted about 1 year. Jim

[TWChamp]

I would check the brass or plastic plumbing fittings at Menards.

[BShaw]

Could you use a 5/8 to 3/8 reducer like this? You'd sweat a short piece on each end to give you enough room to clamp your hoses? (said the guy with no plumbing experience)