Radiator hose replacement –What would you do?
08-22-2011, 12:02 PM
#1
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Radiator hose replacement –What would you do?
My 2000 FRC is in need of new rubber. As I will be doing the work myself, I want to put in the best parts. I performed a search and have become confused.
The choices I found are OEM, stainless braided and silicone replacements. Clamps found are either OEM spring type or band clamps. I want to install the best parts as I am saving on the labor.
What is the best solution?
I am always amazed by the forum knowledge
Thanks in advance -Joe
The choices I found are OEM, stainless braided and silicone replacements. Clamps found are either OEM spring type or band clamps. I want to install the best parts as I am saving on the labor. What is the best solution?
I am always amazed by the forum knowledge
Thanks in advance -Joe
08-22-2011, 12:08 PM
#4
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Unless you are going to track the car silicon hoses are way over-kill (put the money you save on labor into something worth your while). Just go to your local Oreilly Auto Parts store and pick up the hoses you need (they carry Gates brand). Gates manufactures extremely high quality hoses and belts.
Last edited by SilentFright; 08-22-2011 at 12:29 PM.
08-22-2011, 01:39 PM
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
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+1 for Gates, they make AC Delco rubber, and it's about the best out there. 
08-22-2011, 04:28 PM
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I think its so cool that people who own these cars, go for the "Best" products they can get or afford. Its one of the main reasons the Corvette name is still around and people are still buying them. We care for our cars!
08-22-2011, 10:58 PM
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08-24-2011, 01:49 AM
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St. Jude Donor '13
Can't buy red rubber hoses so it's silicone for me. They just look cool in my opinion.
08-24-2011, 03:14 AM
#10
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Question - are you sure they need replacement? I've seen vehicles go 25yrs w/ stock rubber hoses. A lot of my friends think they need to change them every 7-10yrs because they're going to crack and fail on them overnight, lol.
08-24-2011, 07:43 AM
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Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I tend to agree with you on this. Not sure about 25 years but yes, a good long time. On my super high mileage '99, I did replace the upper radiator hose for grins and was going to replace the lower one at the same time, but the new one didn't fit very well so I left the original on it. Its still there and still functioning good. I do keep a close watch on it but so far, no issues.
