C3 big block A/C main hose question

[Tom L.]

The usual vendors sell a hose for '69-'72 big bloks w/ A/C and GM part#3963760 that needs one end crimped on. Is the end that needs to be crimped sold that way because there are differences between the years they list it for?

Does GM part#3963760 apply to all of these years? I'm asking because I'm looking at buying a used hose from a '69 for my '72 and I have nothing to compare it to, not sure if it will fit correctly or not. I hate buying incorrect parts, did it once too many times. Thanks!!

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 big block A/C main hose question

The usual vendors sell a hose for '69-'72 big bloks w/ A/C and GM part#3963760 that needs one end crimped on. Is the end that needs to be crimped sold that way because there are differences between the years they list it for?

Does GM part#3963760 apply to all of these years? I'm asking because I'm looking at buying a used hose from a '69 for my '72 and I have nothing to compare it to, not sure if it will fit correctly or not. I hate buying incorrect parts, did it once too many times. Thanks!!

Lynn------


GM #3963760 has not been available since October, 1970.

[Bill C.]

Re: C3 big block A/C main hose question

Lynn,

The hose that Ecklers sells for the big block (says repro of original), is close.
I saw one of these and was told by the owner that the angles of the tubes welded to the bulkhead block were not oriented as the orginal.

I think they come with all the hoses needing crimping.
You will need to bolt on the bulkhead and then arrange the hoses and angle the best you can.

It will never look like the factory one, but it is the best available short of getting a NOS one (if you can find one, and be wiling to pay about $500 bucks for it). I sold my spare NOS one about three years ago and got close to $350 back then.

The other option is to have your original worked on. The crimps will be wrong, but all else will be way better.

Bill

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 big block A/C main hose question

Unfortunately I have no original to look at or repair. I guess the focus of my question should be, is a '69 BB hose assembly the same as a '72 hose assembly. If they are not I'll walk away from this one and get a repro. Thanks for the help!

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 big block A/C main hose question

Unfortunately I have no original to look at or repair. I guess the focus of my question should be, is a '69 BB hose assembly the same as a '72 hose assembly. If they are not I'll walk away from this one and get a repro. Thanks for the help!

Lynn------



1972 was not the same as 1969. 1972 with LS-5 and C-60 used fitting and muffler assembly GM #3998472. I believe that this will provide a functional replacement for 1969 and vice-versa but the configurations are different.

[Richard C.]

Re: C3 big block A/C main hose question

Lynn, before you put things together, try this on the orings and threads. www.refrig.com.watch the vedio.hope this helps.richard

[Tom L.]

Re: C3 big block A/C main hose question

Would anyone have a pic of the diffrences Joe points out? Would sure help a lot since I have no originals of my own to compare.

Richard, the link didn't work. I went to the site though. If you're referring to theor product "Big Blue", I'm well aware of it, I've been using it for years in the commercial refrigeration buisness. For those that may not want to buy a jug of it or can't get it locally try A windex type product. It works almost as well. I've used it when in a jam more than once. Thanks!!

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 big block A/C main hose question

Would anyone have a pic of the diffrences Joe points out? Would sure help a lot since I have no originals of my own to compare.

Richard, the link didn't work. I went to the site though. If you're referring to theor product "Big Blue", I'm well aware of it, I've been using it for years in the commercial refrigeration buisness. For those that may not want to buy a jug of it or can't get it locally try A windex type product. It works almost as well. I've used it when in a jam more than once. Thanks!!

Lynn------


I have no pictures. However, I can tell you that the 3963760 used a fitting (the cast/machined aluminum piece that attaches to the compressor) which was of "binocular" configuration (two round, side-by-side fittings which are cast as part of one piece) whereas I believe the 3998472 uses a basically rectangular fitting.

As far as the hose lengths, I don't know how they differed between the various assemblies used over the 69-72 period. I do not think that any of the original hose assemblies, including SERVICE, required any field hose crimping. So, if the "3963760" being sold does require this, then it's not really a 3963760 or, even, a true reproduction of it. However, it might be all that is currently available for big block installations.