Correct radiator hoses for 1970?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
Correct radiator hoses for 1970?
HI all - can someone help clear up my confusion on the proper radiator hoses for my car? It's a 1970 L46 (350/350). It is a manual transmission and no AC. In doing various searches, I find so many options. Some of them list that it is for the "high performance option" and I don't know if that means the LT-1 model, or if my L46 is also a "high performance option" since it is a higher performing option than the base 350 that was offered that year? When I see some of the pictures, they don't really look like the hoses I'm taking off. Particularly the lower hose. Mine has a significant bend (greater than 90 degrees maybe?) towards one end and the ones pictured don't seem to have that? Further, my lower hose has a spring inside of it, but my upper does not...and none of the hoses I see listed mention an internal spring? Now, the problem could be that the previous owner has replaced the hoses with hoses that are not "correct" but he made them work and that is adding to my confusion? Last variable - I'm replacing the radiator with a Dewitts direct fit aluminum model. I assume the connections are in the exact same place as the original radiator. Any help, (with specific Gates numbers even) would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
Thanks - do you mean I'm supposed to get that spring out of the hose? It doesn't come inside the hose when you buy it? It seems like that would be very difficult?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
So I got my new radiator installed tonight. I ordered two hoses that after many conversations with several Corvette shops, thought they were right. Neither of them are correct. Uggg. The upper hose that I pulled off has MR831 on it. I've tried searching for what this could mean to try and cross-reference it, but I'm not finding it. Does anyone know what this might stand for?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
Thanks Tom! With the GM numbers you provided napa was able to find me hoses that look like they will work! However, the lower hose they provided does not have the internal spring like the one I took off does. Will this be OK, or should I order from paragon to make sure I get the spring?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,299
Likes: 416
From: Michigan
What he said. But if you do order the Paragon ones you get them 100% correct with all the silk screen blue lines, GM logos, and part numbers. They are more money but it does look cool. I like to put a little armor all on them.
Last edited by Tom DeWitt; Aug 22, 2020 at 04:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Michigan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Minneapolis, over the years radiators get changed in these cars from time-to-time as do thermostat necks, all for a variety of reasons. That's why correct hoses often times don't match what is currently on the car. It gets frustrating, but kind'a comes with the territory.
The first thing you need to do in the event the current hose doesn't have a part number or other identifying marks, is determine what radiator and thermostat neck you have. That will get you a good start. Use that information to start looking for the hoses. Also if you're going to a local auto parts store try to take the original with you to match it up. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't match the engine you think you're buying for...
The same applies to engine pulleys. It's a rare Corvette that has all of the correct original pulleys on it, which needless-to-say makes finding the correct belt just as frustrating.
This is why I keep a log book on every vehicle I own and a separate section, just for part numbers. For all those service items that may or may not be correct, but they are what's on there now, and they fit.
Good luck... GUSTO
The first thing you need to do in the event the current hose doesn't have a part number or other identifying marks, is determine what radiator and thermostat neck you have. That will get you a good start. Use that information to start looking for the hoses. Also if you're going to a local auto parts store try to take the original with you to match it up. Just don't be surprised if it doesn't match the engine you think you're buying for...
The same applies to engine pulleys. It's a rare Corvette that has all of the correct original pulleys on it, which needless-to-say makes finding the correct belt just as frustrating.
This is why I keep a log book on every vehicle I own and a separate section, just for part numbers. For all those service items that may or may not be correct, but they are what's on there now, and they fit.
Good luck... GUSTO
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 878
Likes: 60
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
Also - I know you have moved on, but I purchased a DeWitt aluminum radiator (black) and I gotta say it is a very nice unit...my compliments to you on the fabrication. The petcock valve was a little ornery to get to close, but otherwise I'm very happy with it!