Radiator Hoses
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
No I have not either and you probably won't find one. There were just too many kinds and combinations based on year and model. Individually isn't all that hard considering there are really only four main hoses.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
I don't think anyone sells them as a kit. Your local parts store (Napa, Autozone, etc.) should be able to get them for you. If you want NCRS correct, go with Dr Rebuild or other Vette vendors carrying the correctly marked hoses.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Autozone is pretty hopeless for radiator hoses for C3s in my experience. My 72 has the aluminum radiator and they had one part number for all 72s. I went to at least 3 Autozones looking for the right hose and even after cross-referencing they came up with the wrong hose. Even Napa couldn't come up with the right upper hose.
I would look to one of the Vette specialty suppliers for hoses.
Rick B.
I would look to one of the Vette specialty suppliers for hoses.
Rick B.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Columbia Missouri
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
Ecklers (actually) has a good price on the ACDelco radiator hoses--I just installed the upper and lower yesterday--they were perfect.
Installation note: I have long since discovered that the nly way to make the lower radiator hose install go easier is to put the end of the hose in boiling water for about ten minutes. Then run out to the car and shove it on before it cools off.
Installation note: I have long since discovered that the nly way to make the lower radiator hose install go easier is to put the end of the hose in boiling water for about ten minutes. Then run out to the car and shove it on before it cools off.
Last edited by PhotoVette1; Jan 21, 2007 at 08:03 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 156
From: Clayton New Jersey
Thanks guys for all the info.
I have another quick question regarding the cooling system. My C3 is a 77 4 speed, it did have A/C at one time. The heater control valve is original and leaking. Because the Vette no longer has A/C can I just run the hose straight through?
I have another quick question regarding the cooling system. My C3 is a 77 4 speed, it did have A/C at one time. The heater control valve is original and leaking. Because the Vette no longer has A/C can I just run the hose straight through?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Yes, the function of this valve is to block the hot water flow to the heater core when the a/c is on. You can just remove the valve by replacing the hose. Be sure to block off the vacuum line which controls the switch.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,503
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
Except, I'd bet you'd rather not have the heat on all the time in the summer--the air will leak around the flapper doors--best to leave the valve in or get stop valves.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Replace it with a new valve, but maybe a manual valve so you can manually shut if off in the summer, and back on in the winter.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
There is a valve available that allows you to turn on/off the water flow into the heater core as needed. (I believe he said his is leaking). Since I'm in S. FL, I disconnected my heater core as we don't have much use for a heater. I replaced it once and I ain'ta gonna do it again...PITA. 
Last edited by Jud Chapin; Jan 21, 2007 at 12:46 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 156
From: Clayton New Jersey
If I disconnect the heater core will the car be cooler inside in the summer? I normally only drive the car during the summer. Once in a while I'll take it out in the winter but you dont have to turn the heat on it gets hot inside on it's own.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Basically yes, but only because most systems leak a lot of air around the door, and that pushes hot air into the cabin. Most guys that live in hot areas, remove the heater hoses, and just bypass from one nipple to the other with a shirt length of hose. This removes hot water from the core altogether. If you have cold weather where the Vette is driven, a manual valve will keep hot water out of the heater core in the hot months, and in it during winter.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The current AC Delco replacement valve is a plastic unit that seals much better than the original metal valve.