Heater Hose/Radiator Clamps

[Terry M.]

Re: Heater Hose/Radiator Clamps

Thanks, Terry. I found myself locked into the C-3 mode (1968-1972) and I really need to start expanding my knowledge a bit more about the C-1s and C-2s. I have a '66 Impala SS396 that probably uses a lot of clamps that the C-2 Corvettes used.

I understand the "locked into C3 mode." Happens to me a lot.

I don't know about '66 big cars. I don't have any pictures of my long gone 1965 Impala to help, and my 1967 Chevelle has very little stock about it, so I don't care about hose clamps. It is oh so nice to not have to obsess about such things.

[Mark D.]

Re: Heater Hose/Radiator Clamps

Over the years, I have found and purchased original, correctly dated (when applicable) clamps for every position on my 69. Nothing beats original.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Heater Hose/Radiator Clamps

BB hose blow off was common way back then too, 1 wk in the hosp as a result in '81. Issue is the system design of the housing, little to zero retention, and poor post clamp design. Even back then they had the propensity to screw side ways. You never want to have to remove and reuse, especially today, that is a sure failure.

[Michael G.]

Re: Heater Hose/Radiator Clamps

I've found that if you put two clamps (one worm and one repop Wittek) on each connection of the radiator hoses, but only tighten the worm clamps all the way (leave the repops snug, but not clamping), then add a sealer to the anti-freeze, you can seal it well. You can later (after it's run for a short time at max temperature and then cooled) remove the worm clamps, then shift the repops over to where the worms were and tighten them without losing your seal. I've never had one of them leak after that.