Big Block Upper Radiator Hose

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Jun 1, 2015 | 07:12 PM

DO2G

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Pro

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From: Connecticut

Big Block Upper Radiator Hose

I put a big block motor in my 78 and I'm using a Dewitts Radiator matched for the 78.

Does anyone have an upper radiator hose part number? I've tried a few from NAPA and none of them are even close. The alternator is very close to the upper radiator port, so it will need a weird bend.

Any thoughts?

Jun 1, 2015 | 08:19 PM

labhound

Racer

Joined: Sep 2013

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From: Jamestown Ohio

The factory hose does have a very weird bend in it and it's very close to the alternator pully.

Jun 1, 2015 | 10:10 PM

Mooser

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From: North of Toronto - Ontario

VERY weird bend

68 GM 1159866 (I think that's correct)
69(l)-72 GM 3967433
73-74 GM 1159876

M

Last edited by Mooser; Jun 1, 2015 at 10:17 PM.

Jun 1, 2015 | 11:34 PM

hwcoop

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 2,084

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From: Airdrie Alberta

I just used the stock 350 rad hose when i swapped in the 454 and dewitts rad, & stock GM alternator

Jun 2, 2015 | 08:31 AM

DO2G

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Pro

Joined: Dec 2004

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From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooser

VERY weird bend

68 GM 1159866 (I think that's correct)
69(l)-72 GM 3967433
73-74 GM 1159876

M

The neck on my radiator is straight....

Jun 2, 2015 | 10:08 AM

toobroketoretire

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2009

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From: Great Plains Iowa

I got tired of replacing swelled hoses in my '71 (daily driver) so I finally used exhaust tubing to make uh "tubing" hoses then used 3" long pieces of heavy duty straight hose to join the ends. Being made out of 14 gauge steel they'll last a very long time (longer than I'll last anyway). It took me an entire 12 hour day to make the upper and lower tubings but their lifespans will be worth the effort.

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Jun 2, 2015 | 10:37 AM

0Willcox Corvette

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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Quote:

Originally Posted by DO2G

The neck on my radiator is straight....

That may cause you an issue, the stock radiator for the 1978 had a straight neck out of the tank, but the big block used one like Mooser posted, with the turn.

Will the stock hose clear? I found this pic on our help and repair page of a 1980 (1979-1982) hose installed and it looks like it would.

Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jun 2, 2015 at 10:46 AM.

Jun 2, 2015 | 11:11 PM

FirebladeDan

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Joined: Oct 2014

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Your endless hours of searching is what I went through. What I ended up doing is going to O'Reillys, Autozone and Advance with the radiator hose. They have a giant rack of hoses in the back just ask the gents if they'll let you walk back there. Find which one has your sizes and cut to length. Bends are ABSOLUTELY necessary! Don't go cheapo and get the one that is ribbed. **Remember hoses will swell dependent on how long you had it going. So make sure you get a new hose that is about an 1/8th of an inch smaller than your old hose. This+Radiator grease goes in like butta...

Dan