Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

[Jamie F.]

The CTIM&JG says that the radiator hose clamps where changed from the tower type to the side screw type in September of '69.
What is the general opinion as to all 4 upper and lower clamps being all changed at the same time?
What has been observed on original cars?
I have a November '69 car and all the clamp vendors list the tower clamps through the '69 model year.
Some have told me only the uppers were changed and the lowers remained towers.
What type of clamps, upper and lower radiator, should I put on my car?
Thanks!

[John M.]

Re: Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

Very interested in this as well. I have a last day production 69 and this is the first I've ever heard of that. Ready to attach my hoses any day now.

Are the correct side screw type reproduced?

[Jack H.]

Re: Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

I don't know of a reproduction source for totally 'correct/original' side screw hose clamps... It's a matter of how they're embossed vs. what was made in later years (see descriptive text in the JG book).

Those of us who need correct/original side screw hose clamps generally take them off real McCoy scrap yard cars from the era. The clamps were NOT exclusive to Corvette... So, other Chevy and GM cars from that era are good donors for 100% correct/original hose clamps.

[Jeff G.]

Re: Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

I went through this for my January build car, but there is no question which I needed. Be careful on those clamps, particularly the lower hose. Some of the reproduction clamps will yield leaks. I have repro towers on the lower hose for appearance but have screw clamps actually on there. Original Wittek tower clamps for radiator hoses are next to impossible to find. If you do find them, be ready to open your wallet.

[Jamie F.]

Re: Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

Jack,
So are you saying they should all be side screw clamps for my car?

[Jack H.]

Re: Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

Wow! How did you possibly conclude that???

I thought my English use was reasonably concise:

Some of us needed correct hose clamps get them off scrap yard donor cars.

Nothing more, nothing less said except to read the text of the JG book to know exactly what the judges are told to look for. That way you know what you're looking for at the scrap yards.

[John M.]

Re: Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

Well this amazes me. I clearly need to study this TIM/JG as it's called out clearly.

[John M.]

Re: Late '69 Rad. Hose Clamp Change? All?

Be careful on those clamps, particularly the lower hose. Some of the reproduction clamps will yield leaks.

The trick with reproduction clamps is to seal the hose with a layer of Copper RTV after cleaning both surfaces thouroughly with solvent. Tighten the hose and let dry for 24 hours before pressurizing.

After learning this little trick I never had a problem with tower clamps.

I have had to cut off a recently new $100 Hose though to remove it.