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'73 lower rad. hose....

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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 09:50 AM
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Default '73 lower rad. hose....

goin' after it today. Heard some horror stories 'bout how bad this is. Anyone have any good tips. Thanks.
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 11:18 AM
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Take the hood off and take the entire rad assembly out, Shroud, rad cradle, etc, etc. This is the only way to get that hose on and off. Fought with it a couple of times last year and this was the easiest way.
Shouldn't take more than about 5 beers to do the job, start to finish!!
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 11:24 AM
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babyiza73,

Thanks for that encouraging bit of info. Now, is there a drain petcock on it, I've looked all over and can't see one anywhere!
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 11:36 AM
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There wasn't a drain on mine. I took the hose off the water pump aand drained it that way. PITA, make sure the coolant is cool when you do this.
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by babyiza73
Take the hood off and take the entire rad assembly out, Shroud, rad cradle, etc, etc. This is the only way to get that hose on and off. Fought with it a couple of times last year and this was the easiest way.
Shouldn't take more than about 5 beers to do the job, start to finish!!
Is this common in all C3s, or is there something specific to the '73 that makes it a pita, cause my '77 "looks" pretty easy to replace.
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 12:36 PM
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It is a very tight fit on a 1973, but it can be done without removing everything. Be sure before you start that you have the correct lower hose! Be sure the spring is in place inside the rad. hose also. Tip: Use vasoline or similar lube to help slide the hose onto the lower radiator neck outlet.
Good idea on lightly cleaning the outside of the rad neck/water pump outlet with sandpaper, sos pad, etc. to remove any rough spots and make it smooth so that hose goes on easier--I have done this before. The fan shroud is what makes this job difficult. oh yea, remember to slide the clamp on the hose before you put the hose on the lower rad neck.
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 02:28 PM
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Patrick, Thanks, that's what I want to hear. Thinking the vasoline trick myself along with cleaning the outlet tube real well. New hose seems stiff enough, SHOULD slip right on.
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 03:01 PM
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Old Nov 4, 2005 | 07:34 PM
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Patrick is spot on, the fan shroud is the only thing that you have to take out to get the lower hose in. Good advice too about the spring, I figured it was just a 70's thing and left it out after the first hose change, then I talked to my buddy and had to do the job all over again
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Old Nov 5, 2005 | 07:54 AM
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The shroud is the biggest pain on the 73, when I changed the radiator I used a Dremel on the outside of the shroud where it comes close to the lower hose to help in installation . Now I can change the hose without moving the shroud...
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