upper radiator hard pipe

[65chevysub]

I just got my upper radiator hard pipe kit today since I can't find a molded upper hose anymore, and was wondering on the originals, were they left the galvanized look, or painted black? I'm thinking of painting mine gloss black to go with my other trim.

[reed62]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

I just got my upper radiator hard pipe kit today since I can't find a molded upper hose anymore, and was wondering on the originals, were they left the galvanized look, or painted black? I'm thinking of painting mine gloss black to go with my other trim.

I think gloss black would look better. I made a lower hose for another project out of copper pipe fittings so I could get around some tight 90 degree turns.

[LT1 Burb]

They were black, this one was NOS with the GM part# still on it.

[Chknlyps2]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

I just got my upper radiator hard pipe kit today since I can't find a molded upper hose anymore, and was wondering on the originals, were they left the galvanized look, or painted black? I'm thinking of painting mine gloss black to go with my other trim.

Where did you get the pipe at and how does the quality look?

[65chevysub]

I got it through Classic Parts, and it looks pretty good. Galvanized pipe and solid. I will post a pic of it shortly. I called Classic Industries and they told me their upper hose was molded for a 283, but when I got it, it didn't come anywhere near the water neck. Just a heads up for anyone wanting to order one from CI.

[65chevysub]

here is the hard pipe kit I just got. Comes with the 2 pieces of hose and 4 generic tower clamps.

[Captainfab]

Your engine may not have an original water neck. Those radiator pipes are designed for the original straight water necks.

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

I got it through Classic Parts, and it looks pretty good. Galvanized pipe and solid. I will post a pic of it shortly. I called Classic Industries and they told me their upper hose was molded for a 283, but when I got it, it didn't come anywhere near the water neck. Just a heads up for anyone wanting to order one from CI.

[65chevysub]

I will check it, but it's the original angled on the engine came with.
I will look this morning, and post what I find
Thanks

[65chevysub]

Well, the issue I ran into is the diameter of the hard pipe compared to the radiator inlet. There is a 1/4" difference. I can get the pipe and rubber hose on the water neck, and the other end lines up with the radiator but the pipe is right up against the inlet, and the rubber adapter hose won't fit over the inlet as it is too smal. I will have t return the kit, and see about having one made at a muffler shop in 1-3/4" diameter if I can.

[jtrichard]

If it fits the T stat housing good I would take it to a muffler shop and have them just expand the RAD end up to 1-3/4 ... take them about 1 min to do

[65chevysub]

Thanks jtrichard. I will check into that when I get to Prescott, AZ again. We don't have a radiator shop here anymore so I have to go over the mountain.
Do you think I should have the rad end shortened a little so it isn't right up against the radiator inlet?

[66Gilbert]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

Thanks jtrichard. I will check into that when I get to Prescott, AZ again. We don't have a radiator shop here anymore so I have to go over the mountain.
Do you think I should have the rad end shortened a little so it isn't right up against the radiator inlet?

65chevysub,

You can take it to Black Hills Auto Body repair shop over on Black Hills Drive, they do exhaust work there. I have had them expand or flare exhaust pipe for me a few times recently.

[jtrichard]

Yes it could be a tad shorter 1/8 to 1/4 gap

[Chknlyps2]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

Thanks jtrichard. I will check into that when I get to Prescott, AZ again. We don't have a radiator shop here anymore so I have to go over the mountain.
Do you think I should have the rad end shortened a little so it isn't right up against the radiator inlet?

Looking at LT1 Burb's pic there is an hour glass shape in the upper hose meaning there is a gap of at least an inch or so between the radiator inlet and the tube. I would keep close to the same gap so the engine can torque on the mounts and the hose will have room to flex and not tear open the weakest point which would probably be the rad inlet.


After looking at your pic again you have the long side down at the motor, can you flip it around so the long straight section is at the radiator like LT1's pic? If so you would have more room to trim it.

[65chevysub]

Thanks everyone for the replies and advice. I will probably have the tube modified next week. Gotta go back to work tomorrow.

[jtrichard]

Originally Posted by Chknlyps2

Looking at LT1 Burb's pic there is an hour glass shape in the upper hose meaning there is a gap of at least an inch or so between the radiator inlet and the tube. I would keep close to the same gap so the engine can torque on the mounts and the hose will have room to flex and not tear open the weakest point which would probably be the rad inlet.


After looking at your pic again you have the long side down at the motor, can you flip it around so the long straight section is at the radiator like LT1's pic? If so you would have more room to trim it.

Good catch ....Just reading your post (with out seeing pics) i was thinking that the pipe would have to be in bass ac-wards

[Brad54]

Yup, as others have said, it's installed backwards.

-Brad

[65chevysub]

I can flip it around so the long end is near the radiator. It looked like it was going to block the oil fill cap at first, but after looking at it closer, it will clear the cap.
Thanks again guys.
66gilbert: Are you going to Wesies Customs show in July? I guess there is going to be a concert and they are gong to be doing some filming/taping there.

[66Gilbert]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

66gilbert: Are you going to Wesies Customs show in July? I guess there is going to be a concert and they are gong to be doing some filming/taping there.

What day and where is this being held?

[65chevysub]

It's at his shop on Cherry, across from the DES building. I belive it is the 3rd Saturday. I will get online with Cruise Arizona and double check. I will shoot you a PM. He has a BBQ and everything. Last month, May, he had over 300 cars, trucks etc show up. They were parked all the way to Main St. and back.
He has a flyer on www.cruisearizona.com .

[65chevysub]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

It's at his shop on Cherry, across from the DES building. I belive it is the 3rd Saturday. I will get online with Cruise Arizona and double check. I will shoot you a PM. He has a BBQ and everything. Last month, May, he had over 300 cars, trucks etc show up. They were parked all the way to Main St. and back.
He has a flyer on www.cruisearizona.com .

3rd Saturday from 4p-7p. Flyer is online at

www.arizonacarshows.com

[66Gilbert]

Originally Posted by 65chevysub

3rd Saturday from 4p-7p. Flyer is online at

www.arizonacarshows.com

Right on! I will try to make it to the July cruise in.