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I have a 2000 hardtop. After reading Patches thread I just had to check under my hood. This has been bugging me for a few years. Is anyone else missing the rubber A/C line protector (shown with yellow arrow pointing at it). I am wondering if the factory started installing this after 2000 or was it installed on all model years? The metal A/C line in my car already has several gashes in it from the plastic radiator shroud vibrating against it.
It must have been hit or miss at the BG factory over a period of years. My 2000 is missing it so I went to the stealership today to try to buy it. I printed out the picture above so they could see what I am talking about. They could not find it in their electronic parts catalog so I went outside and opened the hood of a 2000 and a 2003 that were both trade-ins. Neither of them had the rubber piece, but they did have gashes in the metal a/c line and the rubber line next to it. Does your piece happen to have a part number on the bottom of it?
Don't have it on my '97 coupe. However, my A/C line is in great shape. No nicks or gashes. Heck, it's only rubbing up against plastic. If it's routed properly, it shouldn't rub at all.
I made a quick check of my 99 hardtop, it's missing. A small cut was starting to form on the rubber hose. Thanks H-T for the heads up, and to Patches who posted the original warning. I try to read the Forum every night, but missed this. I caught it just in time.
My 2001 Coupe has it. No part number on it though. If you are concerned just get a piece of 3/8 clear hose cut about 2" off then split it length wise and slip it over the AC pipe problem solved. You can then take your time looking for the proper part.
Mr. Monkeywrench called the GM parts HQ two days ago and left a message about this mystery part, but as of today they have not returned his call . Now it is like a treasure hunt for me. I found this on Ecklers site: http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1249
The tiny little rubber part is kinda blurry in their picture when I zoom in on it, but it sure looks like what I am after. I just e-mailed them to see if they will sell me just that small part.
Last year I found a funny looking block of rubber lying on my garage floor and wondered where it came from. The post answered my question. Maybe other C5's had it, but theirs fell off too.
My 99 coupe does not have this part.
A/C line looks good too.
I can put my finger, easily, between the plastic and A/C line, lots of room.
I wonder if this was a part that was installed only if the car needed it ??
These things will be worth GOLD in 100 years or so!
No need to wait 100 years. GMpartsdirect.com already turned it into gold. Nothing like a Corvette tax.
First reply:
I was not able to locate the part number for your request. I have sent a copy of your illustration to GM for assistance. When I receive a response I will forward the information supplied to you. Thank you for your understanding. Thank you for choosing www.GmPartsDirect.com
Second reply:
Here are your part numbers you requested.
10405439 radiator upper support, includes insulator.
You can go to http://www.gmpartsdirect.com
GM PART # 10405439
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $80.63 OUR PRICE: $49.47
****Just to get a small chunk of rubber!!*****
Something is fishy with GM parts. I stopped in at the stealership today to check the truthfulness of what GMpartsdirect.com told me. I had the parts counter man pull the upper radiator shroud off his shelf. Still sealed in thick clear plastic. There is no rubber insulator for the a/c line with that $100 part. Yes my local dealer really wanted $100 when GMpartsdirect is asking half that. Not only does the factory have a quality control problem, but their OEM parts are also as inconsistent as their prices. GM still insists that the only way to get that rubber part is to buy GM PART #10405439. Sight unseen, I cannot trust GM to buy over the Internet. I love this car for the HP, but I really hate the quality control problems. No wonder GM is in financial trouble again.