Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

[Richard K.]

I've been unable to get answers from the archives, or my 4th ed. judging guide regarding my late November '69 350/350 with a copper radiator.

Could someone answer these questions:

# Were Sure-Tite clamps used only at the radiator, and not at the engine? Were Wittek tower clamps used at the engine?
# What sizes of Sure-Tite were used by number, i.e., #28, #32, or, of Sure-Tite at the top and bottom of the radiator? (or elsewhere)?
# Was Sure-Tite NEVER embossed on original '69 clamps?

Thanks much,
Rich Kossum

[Richard K.]

Re: Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

Sorry, meat to say "Was Sure-Tite NEVER embossed in BLOCK LETTERS on original '69 clamps?".

THX

[Terry M.]

Re: Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

Sorry, meat to say "Was Sure-Tite NEVER embossed in BLOCK LETTERS on original '69 clamps?".

THX

Sure-Tite "worm" clamps for both ends of the upper and lower radiator hoses. Tower clamps at all ends of the heater hoses. There are two different sizes of tower clamps on the heater hoses, however, and those are a much longer story.

I thought the latest 1968-69 Judging Guide has the Whittek number called out, but I don't have my copy with me here in Altoona. We have lots of those manuals floating around this meet, so I'll check tomorrow for you.

I never say never, but all known original "worm" type clamps have Sure-Tite in script. The block letters are a later production clamp.

[Mike E.]

Re: Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

Sure-tite 28s with script were used at the radiator end and engine side of both hoses. Except for some 454s which used a 32 on the lower hose at the radiator side. If I recall correctly, that 32 was on an ac car only.

[Richard K.]

Re: Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

I have a late '69 L46 with copper radiator (non A/C car), which, I believe was used for air conditioned cars also in late '69. I'll measure the size of the lower radiator, and water pump connections to see if they are larger that the upper connections. Right now I'm assuming the lowers are #32's based on Mike E's information. If someone can confirm that they're #32's, I'd appreciate it. Thanks all for your help. I think that these will be a b***h to find!

[Mike E.]

Re: Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

Richard,
I am not sure how you drew your assumption based on the info in my post. You indicated you have a sb without air. I posted that the only usage of 32s was on some big blocks with air. You need 28s on both upper and lower on your car.

[Gary B.]

Re: Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

These are the style of Suretype clamps I would expect to see on 68 to 72 Corvettes. Air Condition cars have a steel tube as part of the lower radiator hose assembly, near the fan blade. I frequently see the 32 size there, holding the steel tube to the lower hoses.

Gary B

[Terry M.]

Re: Sure-Tite Radiator Clamps

These are the style of Suretype clamps I would expect to see on 68 to 72 Corvettes. [Big Block]Air Condition cars have a steel tube as part of the lower radiator hose assembly, near the fan blade. I frequently see the 32 size there, holding the steel tube to the lower hoses.

Gary B

I fixed it for you Gary.