correct '63 heater hoses

[Jon R.]

Hello,

I could use some help from someone who has been there regarding the correct heater hoses for a '63 300HP (no A/C). I have the Judging Guide and it is very vague as what the hoses may have on them in the way of "GM", square boxes, colors (3!), texture, ribs, grooves...... It does go on to state that the 5/8" hose generally is not ribbed and has 5/16" "GM" logos and square box symbols at 1-3/4" intervals. Would white "GM" have been the most common? For the 3/4" hose, the manual states that it is normally ribbed with no "GM" ID. Most Vendors sell these as 'kits' in a set, but none that I have seen have both hoses in the 'kit' matching the general or normal description from the manual. Short question - who sells the most correct set?

Thanks in advance,

Jon

[Jon R.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

No more info? Surely someone has to have been thru this before! Anyone?

[Stuart F.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

Jon;

I believe there was another thread just recently on this same subject. You might want to check the archieves, as recent as this past month.

I got my replacement hoses quite some time ago and don't recall where. I recently changed anti-freeze and battery, and re-routed my hoses to correct them in accord with the J.G. even though I liked my way better.

Stu Fox

[Loren L.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

Well, let's just say that the 7000 mile ZO6 convertible that had been stored _____ years had ribbed hoses with not a "GM" in sight.

[Loren L.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

Jon;

I believe there was another thread just recently on this same subject. You might want to check the archieves, as recent as this past month.

I got my replacement hoses quite some time ago and don't recall where. I recently changed anti-freeze and battery, and re-routed my hoses to correct them in accord with the J.G. even though I liked my way better.

Stu Fox

I'm not sure what re-routing you did, but this is somewhat dependent on VINs and when-it-was-built. As an example, one of the very best photos of a SWC appeared on a Motor Trend issue, with a detailed article on that car. Photos clearly show the "early" outside mirror, etc. Photo in the article shows the routing from the expansion tank down across the inner fender to the radiator.
In 1982 at Bend, I was taken to task for not routing that hose around the hood support. With the MT article and some other photos, I was able to explain that his "routing" did not occur until shortly before the availability of A/C, when the area had to accomodate more hoses.

[Larry M.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

Jon:

Not certain who has the "best" set for 1963 cars. DR REBUILD used to have the correct ribbed hose with logos, but I am not certain he sells with the GM logos anymore.

Also checkout Long Island Corvette, Paragon, Corvette Central, and DeWitts. Most (all?) logos can be removed with laquer thinner dampened cloth if you take your time. Some folks have actually had the logo stamps made and then purchased the ribbed hoses from DR R.

Hope this helps. The archives is your friend......this has been discussed before.

Larry

[Stuart F.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

Mine was when and where the 5/8" crosses the 3/4". I have a July 8 build and radiator to expansion tank hose does go around the hood support, but I'll be darned if I can get a tie strap to stay in that locating hole. The tie strap replacements are just a little smaller and keep popping out, even though I have shimmed the hole - so to speak.

Stu Fox

[Jon R.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

Stuart and Larry,

I did check the archives before I posted! I did not see anything regarding where to get correct heater hoses for a '63. If I missed something, please direct me to it!

Larry,

I also checked DR REBUILD, Long Island Corvette, Paragon, Corvette Central, Ecklers, Vette Products of Michigan and DeWitts before I posted. None had sets that matched the description in the Judging Guide.

Based on the judging guide, I will check again and see who has either a 5/8" hose (not ribbed) with 5/16", white "GM" logos and square box symbols at 1-3/4" intervals or a 3/4" hose that is ribbed with no "GM" ID in their set. Since they do not sell them seperately, it looks like I will have to buy two sets from two different vendors and sell the ones I do not use on Ebay!

If I find one that matched the above except has logos on the 3/4" hose, do you think that the lacquer thinner will harm the rubber?

Regards,

Jon

[John H.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

If I find one that matched the above except has logos on the 3/4" hose, do you think that the lacquer thinner will harm the rubber?

Regards,

Jon

Jon -

Nope, it won't harm the rubber; just dip a rag in thinner and rub the logos off the hose - they come right off.

[Jon R.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

As a followup and an answer to my original question, after much more research, on Monday afternoon I purchased a set of heater hoses online from Long Island Corvette. The hoses arrived today (Wednesday - just two days later - pretty good service!) Their 5/8" hose (without ribs) has 5/16", white "GM" logos and square box symbols at 1-1/2" intervals. Their 3/4" hose is ribbed with no "GM" ID. This matches the judging manual almost exactly. The spacing of the GM logo and square box symbols is 1-1/2" versus 1-3/4" in the manual. That is just going to have to be close enough!

[Michael F.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

As a followup and an answer to my original question, after much more research, on Monday afternoon I purchased a set of heater hoses online from Long Island Corvette. The hoses arrived today (Wednesday - just two days later - pretty good service!) Their 5/8" hose (without ribs) has 5/16", white "GM" logos and square box symbols at 1-1/2" intervals. Their 3/4" hose is ribbed with no "GM" ID. This matches the judging manual almost exactly. The spacing of the GM logo and square box symbols is 1-1/2" versus 1-3/4" in the manual. That is just going to have to be close enough!

[Scott K.]

Re: correct '63 heater hoses

Well, let's just say that the 7000 mile ZO6 convertible that had been stored _____ years had ribbed hoses with not a "GM" in sight.

To your point, we would love to see a set of original or NOS hoses for comparison. Anybody have a set?