1972 Fuel Pump line - the answer
In a separate thread regarding the green hose clamps used in various locations on Corvettes I posted a picture of what I believe to be an original rubber fuel line on a 1972 Corvette. I asked specifically if anyone knew why the cracks in the fuel line happened to be oriented in a particular direction. See photo at the bottom of the post if you wish.
The answer?
While working on this car I had to replace the hard line from the fuel pump to the carb as the carb end had been butchered by Bubba when installing an Olds carb. To do so I ended up removing the fuel pump and therefore disconnecting the rubber fuel line you see in the picture. Inside the fuel line is a spiral wound wire, very similar to what you see in an original lower radiator hose. Because of this wire inside, the cracks on the outside of the hose look like they do.
The unusual thing is that I've never seen or heard of a wire-reinforced line being used in this location. I'm relatively certain no one had touched the hose since late 1971 when the car was built, and the hose was also correctly bent in an "S" shape as expected.
So, if anyone ever happens to see a wire reinforced fuel line in this location I'd be interested to hear about it. As noted below, you might be able to detect it by looking at the outside of the hose.
Patrick
The answer?
While working on this car I had to replace the hard line from the fuel pump to the carb as the carb end had been butchered by Bubba when installing an Olds carb. To do so I ended up removing the fuel pump and therefore disconnecting the rubber fuel line you see in the picture. Inside the fuel line is a spiral wound wire, very similar to what you see in an original lower radiator hose. Because of this wire inside, the cracks on the outside of the hose look like they do.
The unusual thing is that I've never seen or heard of a wire-reinforced line being used in this location. I'm relatively certain no one had touched the hose since late 1971 when the car was built, and the hose was also correctly bent in an "S" shape as expected.
So, if anyone ever happens to see a wire reinforced fuel line in this location I'd be interested to hear about it. As noted below, you might be able to detect it by looking at the outside of the hose.
Patrick