Robust Orig. Rad Clamps

[Mark Evans]

Can anybody recommend where to find robust NOS style upper and lower radiator clamps that will not leak from the get go.

I did a complete flush of my system, I filled it with G05 any freeze and upon start up three out of four of the brand-new Long Island Corvette clamps leaked. I even put high temp RTV silicone on the joints before I clamped them tight.
Thanks in advance,
I have completed my engine compartment cleanup and restoration with all the help from this site. I will be posting some photos soon.
New subject,
I would like to attend the national meeting in Boston and have my car judged, since I am so close.Can somebody explain the process to a rookie.

I have been recently told that I have to have the car judged at a local event to be able to enter the national event, is this true.

[John S.]

Re: Robust Orig. Rad Clamps

Mark,

Dr Rebuild has NOS Wittek clamps.

[Jack H.]

Re: Robust Orig. Rad Clamps

Yes, the pre-requisite for having a car Flight Judged at an NCRS National Convention is that it was judged at least one time before at a Chapter or Regional event. The schedule of events is listed on the back page of Driveline magazine and you'll find application forms inside the magazine. Simply fill out and mail in!

[Alan Drake]

Re: Robust Orig. Rad Clamps

Mark, join the local NCRS chapter it's a fun time.

Now the wittek clamps; funny you mentioned the leak, I just installed all new stuff (dated) along with hose, water pump, . . seeing water from what appears to be the lower main hose, rust on Wittek. Just have distilled water in system and heater hoses are jumpered with pipe right now.

It would appear that this is a problem?? I will do a search later today, but are there any comments today.

[John H.]

Re: Robust Orig. Rad Clamps

Mark -

You need the "Corvette Judging Reference Manual", and the "Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide" for your year car, both of which are available from the on-line store on this site; the Judging Reference Manual explains the process in detail, including prerequisites and an "Owner's Advisory" that tells you how to prepare and what to expect.

I've had nothing but trouble with the dated reproduction Wittek clamps - they're NOT made with the same materials as the real ones; I use old genuine Wittek clamps and ignore the dates.

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Robust Orig. Rad Clamps

As John H. says below, I use original Witek clamps. They are not that difficult to find in your local salvage yard as long as they have old cars that haven't gone to the shreder yet. I have a couple dozen of them, of course, none are properly dated. VERY small deduction on that IIRC.

Gary

[Paul O.]

Re: Robust Orig. Rad Clamps

If the leak is at water pump to the lower hose then you may have painted the the hose contact area of the pump this will cause a leak and in most cases under operating conditions the hose will be pushed off completly the paint is to slick for the hose to get good friction to stay in place. Paul

[Mark #28455]

RTV silicone glue

Take the fitting apart, clean thoroughly with water then a solvent, let dry, then carefully put the THINNEST smear of black RTV around the inside of the rubber radiator hose and reassemble. Even with a lousy clamp, it will likely no longer leak.

Drawback? you may have to cut the hose to peel it off the fitting, but I usually have to do that anyway by the time I disassemble my cars.

Mark