Thread: Radiator Hose that makes sharp bends?

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...Hello Everyone! Is there a type/brand of Radiator Hose that makes sharp bends? Thanks Bill

I used cool flex.

Kitz

Personal bias here; I really dislike the "ribbed tickler" corrugated hoses, be it metal or rubber (sorry Jon), but acknowledge they have appeal to some.

My personal choice would be to find a molded (preformed) hose or something like Jon's picture, but with a piece of metal tubing (steel or stainless) bent to make the turn needed with the rubber connections at each end. There are heat shrink couplers available nowadays that do away with the screw drive clamps and give a smoother look as well.

Here's a pic of a molded hose app on my '36 roadster, the first pic is the finished version, the second is fitting it to cut out the portion of a longer molded hose to get what I needed. I make a wire form template to determine the length, turns I need and then go to the parts house and work the hose board to find one that matches my need. Rarely have I found the perfect one, usually I have to cut out a section to get what works.

Originally Posted by kitz

I used cool flex.

Kitz

kitz,
Really nice job-I've never used Cool Flex, but my understanding is that it doesn't bend very easily-how did you do that bend?

And, si there a Thread that describes your BBC? Just wondering how you got the 550 h.p.-

Another idea that I have used in the past (unfortunately I don't have a picture) is to get copper plumbing pipe and elbows of the appropriate diameter. Solder them together in the necessary configuration and use a short piece of rubber hose & clamps at each end to make the connection. It helps if you put a bead of solder around the ends so the hose doesn't blow off under pressure. The whole thing can be polished for a nice look.

I agree with Kitz, Cool flex is the only way to go, Ive used it on my last 3 rides.But there
are generic brands 1/2 the price of Cool flex. Earles makes it and another is
www.zirgo.com

you can buy a J bend out of metal and weld them up i have made them out of steel or alum make sure there room for movement .or find a bend out of a molded rubber hose i do this works good .i have used the coil flex hose it bends nice but do not care for the end adapters but it been on a truck i did over 4 years no problems

Originally Posted by 35WINDOW

kitz,
Really nice job-I've never used Cool Flex, but my understanding is that it doesn't bend very easily-how did you do that bend?

And, si there a Thread that describes your BBC? Just wondering how you got the 550 h.p.-

They bend easily by hand. The 550 is a dynoed combo from formerly Salley Chevy, now Gilbert I believe. It consists of basic porting and blending in the ZZ502/502 heads in the intake/exhaust, port matching to intake, and a slight cam upgrade and roller rockers. The cam is a Crane 168731 hydraulic roller (0.587/0.610, 226/236 dur @ .050).

Kitz

On my truck, I went the molded hose route. I ended up finding one which worked if I trimmed off the top and bottom. Important point here: make a note of the part # and where you got it. It will save you an hour re-matching the hose next time.

I used a Cool Flex on the top but needed a molded on the bottom - too close. I found the bend that I needed then went to my local parts store and got one and trimmed to fit. You do need to be careful as sometimes the pump inlet/engine outlet and radiator outlet or inlet are different diameters()

The ribbed dildos - not good stuff

coolflex!

Thanks Kitz, Bob, 35Window, J. Robinson, Redrodman, Pat, Firebird, Ic2 & 29 a rod.... Lots of options!

nice pic of the hose bob and the all important spring that keeps the hose from collapsing