Lower Radiator Hose
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
Lower Radiator Hose
For some reason I always thought the lower radiator hoses had the steel coil in them. My 79 doesn't, is this correct? Car wants to run a little warm (220)on the highway 70-75 mph w/ac on. Thanks 
Ed
Ed
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
Well I checked with one vender and was told that 76-79 (strange)didn't call for a spring in the hose. Of course I do want a hose that is formed to fit and was wondering how different they would be from previous years? ED
ED
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 10
From: Kulpmont PA
That's one of those jobs that made it to my "do this in the winter if you can" list. That way the garage windows are closed, and my wife worries less about the neighbors hearing me speaking in tongues.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I replaced my parts store lower hose on my 79 with a correct reproduction from Zip. The parts store on did not have a spring, the one from Zip did. Zip's was more expensive. I have had a similar problem on my 79, it will get up to around and sometimes slightly over 220 on the highway in the summer heat. If I slow down from 75 to say 60, the temp will drop to a more acceptable level. Unfortunately, the new hose with the spring in it made no noticeable difference. I wish I knew what to do next. The system has been flushed many times, all the seals are in place, the timing is correct, the radiator was recently out for repair, and the shop said the flow is fine. I'd love to pony up for a DeWitt's aluminum radiator, but it's just not in the budget any time soon.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
I replaced my parts store lower hose on my 79 with a correct reproduction from Zip. The parts store on did not have a spring, the one from Zip did. Zip's was more expensive. I have had a similar problem on my 79, it will get up to around and sometimes slightly over 220 on the highway in the summer heat. If I slow down from 75 to say 60, the temp will drop to a more acceptable level. Unfortunately, the new hose with the spring in it made no noticeable difference. I wish I knew what to do next. The system has been flushed many times, all the seals are in place, the timing is correct, the radiator was recently out for repair, and the shop said the flow is fine. I'd love to pony up for a DeWitt's aluminum radiator, but it's just not in the budget any time soon.
Ed
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
... Unfortunately, the new hose with the spring in it made no noticeable difference. I wish I knew what to do next. The system has been flushed many times, all the seals are in place, the timing is correct, the radiator was recently out for repair, and the shop said the flow is fine. I'd love to pony up for a DeWitt's aluminum radiator, but it's just not in the budget any time soon.
When I bought my '73 about 10 years later they were still available although the price had gone up a bit. I don't think GM carries them anymore, but Dr Rebuild did the last time I checked, It may be worth a try if the rest of the cooling system is in good condition.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
I guess they need to update their catalog more often. Thanks Steve Ed
Platinum Supporting Vendor
Joined: May 2004
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From: Mechanicsville VA
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Asheville N.C.
Ed