Coolant hose clamps

[cwmcobra]

I'm going to put molded hoses on my red Steve Shuman convertible and am looking for info on the correct hose clamps.  It currently has a mix of tower clamps and worm screw clamps on the heater hoses.  And worm screw only on the radiator hoses.  So, am I correct in assuming that to be original, it should have tower clamps on all the hoses?  Any advice on clamp sizes or part numbers to buy?  I've found some Wittek tower clamps online, but it appears tough to decode what is the right size for these applications.

I'll be looking for the same information for my restoration that I'm converting to A/C.  I know the radiators and hoses are different, are the clamps also?

I checked on Mark's parts list but didn't find info on these.  Help, please!

Thanks!

Chuck

[Mark Ascher]

Hi Chuck,

Guess I should get that info on there! Best recollection is the radiator tower clamps are all the same.
I'd have to look through my files on the size of those. If you measure the hoses, you'll be in the ballpark.
There are two different size heater hoses, and the clamps are the Corbin, or wire type clamps. I got all that stuff out of the Fusick Olds catalog. There is a special pliers that will make your life a lot easier using the Corbin clamps. I don't know if you can buy them new anymore, but I see them at swap meets all the time.
I think heater hoses are 1/2 and 3/4. Hope that helps!

Mark

[Brian]

Heater hoses are 5/8" and 3/4".   All 4 radiator hose clamps are the same size--2-1/16".   The newer engines starting in 67 used larger clamps on the lower hoses, so make sure the kit your order has 4 of the 2-1/16" size. 

[dsags]

There's a name for the pliers that fit the clamps but can't remember it.    Just Google Corbin Clamp Pliers and lots of options turn up. It is much easier to put on the clamps with the correct tool.

[Mark Ascher]

Dan,

These are like the ones I have.

Mark

[cwmcobra]

Thanks guys.  Any suggestions on where to order the kit, Brian?  I've seen individual clamps, but don't think I've run across any kits for the GS.  I've seen them for Corvettes.

Chuck

[Brian]

There was one guy on Ebay that had a kit for Chevys with all the clamps and he had a note that he could supply it with all 4 radiator hose clamps the same size if you had an engine that required that.    Other than him, the only way I know to get them is to order individually from one of the restoration parts suppliers.  The last ones I got, I bought from Ausley's Chevelle in NC since UPS delivery is one-day in state and I needed them the next day! 

[dsags]

The Parts Place sells the 2-1/16" tower clamps for $3 each. They also sell the Corbin clamps, they call them wire pinch clamps, for $2 each.

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Dan!

[cwmcobra]

I'm about to order clamps and see that The Parts Place offers "ribbed" heater hose for the 65 GS.  Is this correct/required for a faithful restoration, or will the unribbed hose from a parts store be fine?  Since I'm changing the radiator hoses on the Steve Shuman red convertible, I'd like to change the heater hoses as well and want it to be as original as possible.

Thanks,

Chuck

[Brian]

I know Mark Ascher will chime in here too, but to be correct, a 65 GS non-AC car came with molded heater hoses from the factory.  Mark has managed to find one NOS one for his car, but the other has been elusive over the last 20 years.   I would just use regular black heater hose from the parts store if I were you.  The molded hoses did not have the ribs on them.

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Brian.  I don't need any more "hen's teeth" to find! 

O'Reilly's here I come!

Chuck

[Mark Ascher]

Chuck,

What Brian said. You can make it look pretty "correct" though without the molded hoses. Just make sure you get hoses cut to the right length - they run out of the heater core and then along the inside of the valve cover to the outlets on the crossover and water pump.
See pic of Rob Keena's car attached.

Mark

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Mark.  I'm on it!

Chuck

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Mark.  While on the subject of clamps, do you remember what size spring action clamps to use on the 5/16" fuel line hose?  As usual, I can't find a reference on which hose ODs are covered by which clamps 

Thanks!

Chuck