Braided Hose Covers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Elburn IL
Braided Hose Covers
This may be a dumb question, but here goes.
I have a braided hose cover kit that I picked up at the FunFest last year and since it is a week away from this years FunFest I thought it might be a good idea to maybe even install them.
Question is, if I disconnect the upper radiator hoses in order to install the covers, will I have to drain the coolant ? Or can I take off those hoses without any leakage. My sense is that it will leak out, but I was hoping for the quick mod and I didn't want to find out the hard way.
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Dave
I have a braided hose cover kit that I picked up at the FunFest last year and since it is a week away from this years FunFest I thought it might be a good idea to maybe even install them.
Question is, if I disconnect the upper radiator hoses in order to install the covers, will I have to drain the coolant ? Or can I take off those hoses without any leakage. My sense is that it will leak out, but I was hoping for the quick mod and I didn't want to find out the hard way.
Forum Members know best
Thanks
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,396
Likes: 2
From: North Manchester Indiana
braided hose covers suck,,at least get cool flex. They are outdated. If its the cheapo stuff, especially the nylon stuff, the car show crowd will laugh behind your back, the braided stainless is a little better , but really serves no purpose but to cover up. A lot of our customers want it unitl they see it on a car then they stay with good old black hoses..
If done right, you can make new hoses for ac line and have the covering crimped on, then you dont need extra clamps. Not trying to be a spoil sport. I have put a lot of the sutff on, it can be a real bear to get tight ove the hose to make it look good. And yes, you will get anitfreeze running out, make sure you get the air pockets out if the system...
If done right, you can make new hoses for ac line and have the covering crimped on, then you dont need extra clamps. Not trying to be a spoil sport. I have put a lot of the sutff on, it can be a real bear to get tight ove the hose to make it look good. And yes, you will get anitfreeze running out, make sure you get the air pockets out if the system...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Elburn IL
Thanks for the reply. The stuff I bought is from MidAmerica and is the actual stainless covers. Mr. Gasket brand I believe. I did see a car with these on and come to think of it, it did have the loose fitment that you speak of. I guess I'll have to see if they will take a return when I get back down there.
Thanks
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
Likes: 3
From: Delray Beach FL
I put them on my 93 C4 to "dress up" under the hood. What a waste! I didn't care much for it after I was done, but wasn't going to redo it. Besides, I traded my 93 in 3 weeks later. The salesperson was impressed and it got me a little extra on my trade, but for my Z, this dress up option is off the list. If I can find colored hoses (I've seen red, but would like blue), I will install, or they will stay black. That is my $0.02. But, remember, to each his own. Make your Vette, yours!! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,396
Likes: 2
From: North Manchester Indiana
I guess I came across a little harsh, if you like it , do it,, just make sure you get them snug.. but, I have to say the mr. gasket stuff is not the best quality....sorry, the kits I have seen were still the cheaper stuff....I have installed the cool flex plated hoses and they seem alright, but I have also seen them blow off, mostly due to incorrect install, gotta be careful. I hate to say this, but nice corvette with hose covering just cheapens it up, I do like the silicone colored hoses, blu and red. I would go to a local car show and look real close at the covered hoses, then think about it,,, again, the slip on ends can look real tacky if they are crooked and the braid is poking out the ends....I have seen some that use two piece ends that look decent.....YOu have a vette, respect it,,,(it just adds weight , and dont make it faster,,lol
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
I put some of this same covering on my hoses, I took my time and got them on and it looked pretty good for a few weeks but then it started to darken up and with all the work I do on my car the braids would get dirty then when I'd clean them up the braids would get bent out of shape so I pulled them all off
