Hello,

I am in the middle of some cooling system maintenance on my 78 and I removed the radiator & shroud tonight. I plan to replace all the hoses and the radiator seals. I have a couple of questions:

1) The upper hose. My car is a 78 (built in March of 78) L48 with a/c. I obtained this hose to use:

http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...356&imagename= Radiator Hose - Upper 1.5- ID_ 3970124&image=/images/catalog/products/item_36356.jpg

The replacement hose had very different bends than the one it replaced (the old one was a very good fit) and the 90* bend of the new hose at the radiator inlet is not sharp enough- the hose kinks slightly. I am thinking that if I trim the length on the thermostat side it might reduce the kink, but I am not sure if I have the right hose. The diameter seems ok- its just the bends. Anyone had this problem?

2) Does anyone have a picture of installed radiator seals they could send me. I think I know how to install them from the assembly manual, but I would like to see a picture.

That darn radiator was a JOB to get out !!

Dan

 

I just went thru the same drill this past fall. I used GM# 371443 which is the Corvette America # 36357. It is also the correct number and documented in the NCRS technical assistance guide for 78-79. The fit was perfect.

The number you used shows a different GM# and might be a service replacement for late 79. They reference Note 6 but I found it obtuse.


My radiator was in place when I realized I had forgotten to re-install the seals. There are actually two different sets...those that close the gap between the hood and radiator and than those that seal the radiator to the surround. I also concluded that vendors package this stuff goofy. I specified an L48 w A/C and they sent me a set for an L82 or something...don't recall. I ended up using my old seals supplemented by a replacement for the seal that is installed under the plenum but on the top of the radiator. I took lots of pictures of low-mileage 78s with original seal configurations. Drop me a note (email) and what you're looking for and I'll send what you need if I have it.


Yeah...especially when you do it by yourself with the hood on. I straddled over the engine compartment, legs spread while pulling it up or dropping it into place.

I'm sure others will suggest getting a second set of hands and take the hood off...I don't have that kind of patience.