Need lower radiator hose - HELP!!!

Hi All,

This is my first time posting in this chat room - actually, in ANY chat room! So please be patient with me if I mess up protocol.

I have a 1950 Starlight Coupe with a small block Chevy (long water pump) set back in the engine compartment about 6 inches. The radiator set up is the stock Studey configuration (though it is aluminum). I can't find a moulded lower rad hose to save my life. I've taken the old one to Checker, Auto Zone and Car Quest to try to match it, with no luck. Does anyone have any other ideas of what type of stock vehicle might use this hose? The parts stores always ask, "What's it off of?" when I walk in.

The hose is basically an "L" shape with a very slight downward bend where it comes off the water pump. I've tried just a plain "L" shape, but without that bend, it puts a bit of a kink in the hose.

Many, many thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

I can provide pictures if that would help.

Ralph
Phoenix, AZ

Thank you,
Ralph
Phoenix, AZ

[Guido]

Ralph,

Welcome aboard! Since you know the dimensions and configuration, have you looked to see if a manufacturer like Gates may have an online catalog you could check?

Gary

[41 Frank]

As your car is a modified could you use one of those ribbed stainless hoses as used on streetrods? They can be found at a lot of auto parts stores and speedshops and can be bent to fit. They come in various lengths and come with adapter sleeves for different size necks.On my rod I used a 90 degree molded elbow and hooked one of these ribbed units to it and bend it to fit.

Frank van Doorn
1962 GT Hawk 4 speed
1963 Daytona Conv
1941 Champion R-2 Rod

[Dick Steinkamp]

I doubt if you are going to find someone with the exact same set up as yours.

Any numbers on the old hose that can be cross referenced?

It could be that the old hose is a PORTION of an OEM hose. Check out those that look too long.

How about a "hard" elbow (bent pipe of the proper diameter) and some straight sections of hose.

I feel your pain, Ralph. I'm a "hose snob" and want OEM looking hoses on my hot rods.

[mbstude]

I just LOVE the way Studebaker did the hose on my '59 truck. [^]
(I know I should detail it, sorry Dick!)



The top hose is a straight piece as well.


I like Frank's idea. Those stainless hoses are a nice addition to any custom. [^]

Matthew Burnette
'59 Scotsman
'63 Daytona
Hazlehurst, GA

Cruising the Proving Ground Test Track

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by mbstude

I just LOVE the way Studebaker did the hose on my '59 truck. [^]

I love it too. Simple, easy to find the rubber parts.

(It would look MUCH better detailed, however )

[N8N]

Jerry Forrester did the same thing with stainless exhaust pipe on one of his '55 coupes. Looks awesome.

nate

--
55 Commander Starlight
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

[rlguarig]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the ideas. Though I am a hose snob, the chances of finding this hose seem slim. Truth be known, I kept the part number from the old hose for 5 years. When I went to Checker to get a replacement, they had changed hose suppliers (Dayco to Goodyear) and the guy told me he couldn't cross the number I had. I, like an idiot, believed him and threw the number away. Everyone else tells me, "If we had that number, we could cross reference it for you." Ay carumba!!! So, in the words of Paul Harvey, "Now you know the rest of the story."

I would have included a picture of the hose on the off chance that someone will recognize it, but I am not smarter than this posting page and can't figure it out. But, with your ideas, and the more I read Hot Rod, I may go to the flex stainless, though I have not quite given up, yet, Gary.

I hope I can repay all your help by helping someone in the future.

Thanks, again, Guys.

Ralph

PS - If someone can tell me how to post a picture, I'll put up the hose and a pic of the car. I clicked the "Insert Image" button, but that was no help...



Thank you,
Ralph
Phoenix, AZ

[bams50]

Ralph, here's how:

http://studebakerdriversclub.com/sdc...?TOPIC_ID=3219

Robert (Bob) Andrews Owner- IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys!)
Parish, central NY 13131
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2358680/1

[fmarshall]

The best thing to do is to take the hose you wish to replace to a full service, well stocked auto supply store. A large NAPA store is an example.

Then you can match the hose you need to sections of hoses in their inventory.

This may seem like a daunting task at first; but, us humans are quite good at pattern matching.

And if what you find suitable turns out to not contain a spring, i would buy a lower hose (with a spring) to use the spring. Lower hoses usually have a spring inside them to prevent collapse, preventing over heating and engine failure.

Looking at an online catalog is helpful, though I wouldn't purchase on a hunch ...

[JDP]

I have a connection with a "real" auto parts store and just go in with a hose and match it to one hanging on the wall or in the illustrations at the back of the book.

JDP/Maryland
64 Daytona HT/R2 clone
64 GT R2
63 GT R2
63 Lark 2 door
58 Starlight
52 & 53 Starliner
51 Commander

[Mark57]

quote:Originally posted by JDP

I have a connection with a "real" auto parts store and just go in with a hose and match it to one hanging on the wall or in the illustrations at the back of the book.

JDP/Maryland

I am always jealous that you guys "south of the 49th" have an easier time finding service parts... I had to go to 3 different stores today to find a paper air filter to fit my 289 and even at that, they have to order it in which will take until Tuesday.[V] I would hate to think what would happen if I tried to find a rad hose![:0][:0]

<h5>Mark
'57 Transtar </h5>

[tyaughton]

Rad hoses are best purchased from a Stude Vendor - I must have made a dozen trips to Lordco trying to get the right hoses for Peter's truck. Thankfully, they have an outlet open to midnight, and they are really good about exchanges and refunds. The club discount doesn't hurt either.

I don't have a problem with air filters - seems to me last time I picked one up for the Hawk it was at Canadian Tire (believe it or not)

j

[rlguarig]

Stude-Heads,

We have victory! I was able to find a hose that worked at the local NAPA store (thanks, fmarshall!). It was one of three I brought home and gave me a chance to see if those Ronco kitchen knives really cut as well as they say...and they do! I had to cut off about half the hose, but all's well that ends well.

Now, here's the REALLY frustrating part. I found the original hose that was on the car when I bought it. It was a NAPA brand with a NAPA part number, big as life, stamped on the side. So, I head back over to NAPA, hose in hand, so they can call up their old part number and I can buy 3 hoses to keep on hand so I never have to do this again. The guy tells me he can't cross that old part number, even though it's THEIRS! It's no longer in their system. JEEZ!!! Dejected, I brought it home and will search other sources when I get a minute.

Many thanks to all you guys for all your suggestions and ideas. (In my best kid-from-New-York-accent)I couldn't-a done it widout yas!!!

As soon as I get all the other stuff done (should be before 2021) I'll post a picture or 2.

Hope you guys are well!

Ralph

Thank you,
Ralph
Phoenix, AZ

[41 Frank]

I may have to come and check on your progress Ralph as I spend the winter months there in the phoenix area.