C2 Upper Rad Hose

[Donald T.]

Hola amigos!

I just received a 63-65 upper rad hose for my 65 L79 from Paragon. It has the GM part number and the blue stripe. However, it also has a bunch of manufacturer info embossed into the rubber including "Made in Mexico". The one I'm replacing is an older repo, and it does not have these markings. Why would I pay extra for the GM markings, if it's going to have a big Made in Mexico embossed all down the side? It's going back to Paragon, but anyone know a source for a more correct upper rad hose?

Muchos Gracias!

[John D.]

Re: C2 Upper Rad Hose

Don, There isn't a SR (service replacement) hose on the market that is even close to the original. My 63 FI car has an old old NOS original that has a rubber texture like alligator skin. It is one ugly hose but original. Judges aren't used to seeing a hose like mine since all they see on the show cars is pretty repros with smooth rubber. Meanwhile be careful with the top hoses as there is a variation in the overall lengh of them. The NOS GM replacement hose is a tad shorter than the OEM one. Look thru the archives here for more info. But meanwhile you are not going to find a correct hose via catalog. I am not trying to affend any of the repro boys-just stating a fact. Look under Chuck Gongloff on both the Corvette Forum and here as he put some posts on top hose problems. If the good Dr. is looking in maybe he can help some more also. Jorjorian and Hanson know these hoses as Jorjorian specializes in hose. Michael why don't you put a nice pic for Don here of a nice original hose. John

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 Upper Rad Hose

How's this pic John? Clearly shows the alligator skin texture that you mentioned. Also, the blue stripe is subtle, not screaming blue.

Oh, and check out the BLACK PAINTED steering gear and the remains of engine orange on the ear of the exhaust manifold. Totally untouched all original car.

[Donald T.]

Re: C2 Upper Rad Hose

Thanks guys!

You're right, that is an ugly hose!

I know the repos aren't going to be exactly correct, and I'm okay with that. I would just like to find one that doesn't have "made in mexico" permanently molded into the rubber.

Thanks!

[John D.]

Re: C2 Upper Rad Hose

Don, That is a great pic that MIchael posted. Lots of things to be learned other than the hose also. If you look closely you can see where the original decal used to be on the valve cover. Doesn't look like the gear box has a lot of war paint on it either. Black spring for a 340 HP. Looks to be a late 63. Notice that hex bolts holding the VC on. Etc.
I once blew a hundred on NOS Delco shocks that were stamped Made In Mexico. Believe one of the DB members has a company that makes dem. Nice touch I thought. Took them to several flea markets and they did help the table from getting blown away. Good paperweights. Good luck on finding a hose. I had mine since the 70's otherwise my car would have a typical repro. My bottom hose is alligator also. Had a NOS aligator by pass hose but we lost it. THe orange overspray covers up the by pass hose so much that you cant tell what it is. Good luck on finding original by pass hose and overflow tank hose clamps. Original are rare. LI has some nice dated big hose clamps. John

[Geoff C.]

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 Upper Rad Hose

Here's another on a nearly brand new car. (few months old) I have lots more. I'm sure the degree of depth, or texture, may vary from hose to hose but they all had some when new.

[John D.]

Re: Alligator Skin?

Geoffrey, I can see you put a lot of thought into your highly detailed letter. Actually I see a lot of alligator hoses from GM. Just as you do. You sure have studied hoses thru out the years. For the most part a typical NOS Corvette top water hose appears to have the alligator skin with some variations as you described. I got stuck with an El Camino load of GM hoses from a dealership around 1980 and a high percentage of them had the alligator look. Some though were a little smoother. But none in the load that I looked at were smooth with no texture. Course I haven't dealt in 1000's of them. Just hundreds. Had a bunch from a Cad dealer and also a Chev dealer. Sold them at the Carlisle flea markets cheep to unload them. Most all the original pics that Michael has sent us have the course alligator look to the hose. But more that the texture of the hose is the size of the logo and the numbers. The replacement Chev mid year top hose has a smaller logo and numbers than the real deal. Course I am sure you know this. Thanks again for your informative post. John

[John D.]

Re: C2 Upper Rad Hose

Michael, That an extremely nice photo of the early FI engine. I say early cause it appears that the choke tube is cadmium instead of chrome. Nice hose. Not quite as textured as the other one although you can't tell. Still has a distinct pattern to it. Maybe you can find one that really smooth. If you can't look at Sr.'s car. It has a smooth hose on it. Might be fake though.(the hose) Jr.

[Michael H.]

Re: C2 Upper Rad Hose

Yes, early car with unplated choke tube. I believe the car is in the 2500-3000 VIN range.