Amongst the many simultaneous undertakings on the restoration of my '71 convertible, I've been replacing the original vacuum hosing with a kit sourced from Dr. Rebuild. Let me say that his offerings are the best and most accurate and a great resource.

The long hose from the RH head light actuator (green 84") goes to the vacuum tank and is opposite the junction block for the wiring harnesses. There's precious little room there and the hose I removed clearly has a preformed/molded 90 degree bend. I brought it up to Dr. Rebuild and was rebuffed by letting me know that I had no idea what I'm talking about and I should recognize that the old hose was 90 degrees for having been in position for 55 years. I offer you a photo of the green hose in question and seek your opinion. You could bend that hose for 100 years and it would never be a tight 90 degree. I'm likely going to splice-in a section of the old hose with the tight 90 degree bend as I was told 'it's over'. (huh??)

Experienced restorers/owners are an invaluable for those finding their way along in a project, and telling me to take a hike is hardly the hoped for response. If I could help someone in some way, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

I've not done it but folks say you can add a bend to your own hoses. Search YouTube, I know there are videos on it. Here's a video short on it:

 

I agree, Dr. Rebuild has the best vacuum hose kit. A few other parts I bought from them have also been really good quality.
As far as the hose bending, the suggestion above works well. I did it for heater hose. You can heat/cool the hose more than once to get the desired shape.

 

I'm (easily) confused. The hose shown with the tight 90* bend looks to be the new one as it appears to be in better condition that the other with better green coloring. Is that top hose really the one sent by Doc?

 

I've bought a lot of things from Doc and they are all spot on, he can be a little harsh at times when replying to questions but he knows his stuff. I have to agree with his statement though that the years of it being in that position molded it to its final position. Hell when taking my dash apart it was fantastic that all the wiring going to the speedometer and Tach and gauges were set in a position so that they easily just fit back into place reaching up under the dash because of the years of sitting in that position. I'm pretty sure GM didn't mold them in that position.

 

Both are old hoses. The lower one is the one with the preformed bend (in my opinion).

 

Hello,
I very much respect Dr.Rebuild for what he has contributed to the art of Corvette restoration.
More than a few years ago he had a terrific run-in with another Corvette supplier of vacuum hoses.
I believe the confrontation ended in a lawsuit.

How many examples of a particular part does one need to look at to be able to make a call as to what was 'TYPICAL of production' ?
Regards....

Mid-Jan built 71 original hoses.

 

No question, the single best supplier of restoration parts and supplies for period Corvettes.

I've never been disappointed with all of what I have ordered for my project. And they all have been deadly accurate. In this instance, a formed hose was on the car originally in a position where a tight bend was needed. I innocently inquired on whether the wrong piece had been sent to me (which happened to be missing from the kit I recieved in the first place and promptly forwarded), and would happily return the non-formed hose. Telling me that "I didn't know what I was talking about" (while staring at a preformed hose in front of me....) and then writing me off is unheard of in this day and age in customer service.

Point is that we are all on a learning curve and folks like you, Alan, are gracious with your time and patience and one would expect a like attitude from a supplier. I wish I knew it all...but I don't.

Thanks for all you do for the C3 community, Alan. (BTW, I copy and save every photo you post as they are definitive reference for assembly).

Bob

 

Doc is known for two things:

1. Excellent restoration parts and wiring diagrams.
2. His unbelievably bad attitude and abrasive personality.

His customers put up with #2 because of #1.

 

I’ve ordered numerous items from Doc Rebuild and everything I’ve received was perfect quality in every way.
I’ve never needed to call or speak with him personally, but received a short not so nice email one time for an online purchase when I transposed a digit on my credit card.
I will continue to purchase items from him because of the quality of the parts and perfect fitment of the items I’ve received.