C1 lower radiator hose clamp

[Jon S.]

Are there any short cuts to getting at the lower radiator hose clamp near the radiator in my 62? Its already swallowed two of my small ignition wrenches. Can the lower fan shroud be removed without the upper shroud? Will I need to pull both shrouds, the fan or upper hose to get to this clamp? Any tricks of the trade would be welcomed. Sure would like to meet the fellow who put it on the last time. Thanks in advance.
Jon

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 lower radiator hose clamp

I have found it easier to remove the shroud than to try to tackle the hose with it in place. There is probably a way to do it with the shroud in place, but I haven't figured it out yet.

[Jon S.]

Re: C1 lower radiator hose clamp

Ed,
Do you remove the upper and lower schroud completely or do you simply unbolt them and move them towards the engine itself to have more room? It looks to me as if you would have to remove the upper hose to lift the upper schroud from the engine compartment. Remember, I still have to retrieve two wrenches when I find them. I currently have a tower clamp in that area. Maybe, I had better switch to one of the newer clamps from my local auto parts store for reliability. After all, it wouldn't be that visible down there Thanks for the help!
Regards, Jon

[Roy Braatz]

Re: C1 lower radiator hose clamp

on my 55 I position the wire clamp down so that I can get to it from under the Corvette I find I have just the room to get my tool on it. I also can remove the bottom schroud if need be.

[Jon S.]

Re: C1 lower radiator hose clamp

Roy,
Thanks for responding to my post. I was hoping you might come across it and offer a suggestion that would save me time. You've been so helpful in the past. But, you wouldn't be able to access the clamp from the bottom on a 62. The front frame cross member blocks it. I'm going to try to loosen just the right lower shroud, retrieve my wrenches, and draw the clamp up while I'm there. Should the cold weather continue, this simple job will be exciting enough!
Regards, Jon
P.S. Are there any specific dimensions for building a saddle for jacking the front of my 62?

[Roy Braatz]

Re: C1 lower radiator hose clamp

JON I never owned a 61 which the shielding would be different, I was going by my 55 which has about 2in. clearance from under the vett. No I don't know about a saddle others have spoken about it.

[Verle R.]

Re: C1 lower radiator hose clamp

I used a 4x4 just long enough to fit between the bumper supports on my 57 and cut a notch wide enough to fit over the steering mount. No magic and it works like a charm.

Verle

[Jon S.]

Thanks Roy and Verle! *NM*