A/C hose markings

[D S.]

On 1968-1972 Corvettes equipped with C60 what markings or manufacturers logo(s) were on the A/C hoses? I'm told a white stripe was on the liquid line but was that true on all of them? Would someone please post photos of original A/C hoses showing the details?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Terry M.]

Re: A/C hose markings

On 1968-1972 Corvettes equipped with C60 what markings or manufacturers logo(s) were on the A/C hoses? I'm told a white stripe was on the liquid line but was that true on all of them? Would someone please post photos of original A/C hoses showing the details?

Thanks,
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

I don't have photos, but we look at the hose crimps on later 1969 > to be sure they are the original style and the original hose crimp at the fitting connecting to the condensor has a Julian date code DDDY stamped into it. It is usually easy to see that date code near the hood hinge.

[D S.]

Re: A/C hose markings

I don't have photos, but we look at the hose crimps on later 1969 > to be sure they are the original style and the original hose crimp at the fitting connecting to the condensor has a Julian date code DDDY stamped into it. It is usually easy to see that date code near the hood hinge.

Thanks, Terry. Unfortunately the compressor muffler hoses and expansion valve to condenser hose has been replaced. Worse, the latter hose was replaced with a generic rubber hose on the aluminum connectors and clamped on. I am getting a complete used set from a 1972 LS-5. I am going to have the hoses replaced and the ends crimped on. It won't be as original but I would like to make the effort to duplicate it as best I can sans the date code. Any suggestions/recommendations?

[Terry M.]

Re: A/C hose markings

1) Newer hoses, with barrier technology are superior to the originals by far. How much they look like originals -- if you remove the markings on them -- I don't know. There might be subtle differences in overall diameter, but that may/may not be a factor. If it were me I would go for the new barrier hoses.

2) The crimp will be different if you use a commercial shop. I think some authoritative organization dictates the style of crimp on AC lines -- just like the same thing on brake lines. I have seen old crimping tool sets available, but I am not sure if they have exactly what would be needed to duplicate the single crimp that was used back when. And even at that one then runs the risk of dumping the AC charge in the engine compartment. There are a lot of reasons why that is undesirable.

I hope someone can post a picture of the original style crimp so everyone can see what I am talking about. The available point loss is not too much -- certainly in the single digits and probably two or three at most.

[Tory S.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Terry,

Here's a picture of a 9k mile '75 I shot at Nationals. Does this help?

Tory

[Randall K.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Scott - I feel your pain... I've had the same search going for my '72 454 without much luck.

Here's a picture of the manifold and a hose crimp. You may want to check around with the local hose/fitting guys. I heard of one in Missouri that might be able to replicate the crimp, but haven't contacted him yet.

I have photos of the other ends if you want to see them, but they all have the same crimp.

Randy

[Terry M.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Terry,

Here's a picture of a 9k mile '75 I shot at Nationals. Does this help?

Tory

Tony, that 1975 is what I have been calling the "newer" style with multiple rows of crimps. The original 1968 to 1972 had a single row of wider crimps. 1968 and early 1969 didn't have as many crimped assemblies and used the "special" AC worm clamps in some positions. Later 1969 through 1972 had the narrow row(s) of crimps I referred to. I am pretty sure one can get the style of crimp shown now days from any number of suppliers.

Randy, That's it. Thanks.

[Randall K.]

Re: A/C hose markings

This got me thinking... I'll e-mail a pic tomorrow of my AC hose to the guy I heard of. If he says he can do it, I have the feeling he can get a lot of business from NCRS members! I'd even be willing to be the guinea pig if the price is reasonable.

I've been told by several sources that it is possible to weld new fittings onto the manifold tubes, so if you can find the right crimp tools and hose, then in theory you should be able to reproduce a pretty good looking copy of the original.

Best I can tell from my pics is that there was a white strip on the larger hose between the manifold and the POA valve. Can't see one on the other hose - doesn't mean it wasn't there originally...

One question... does anyone know of a source of "modern" barrier hose that looks "original"??

Randy

[D S.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Terry,

Here's a picture of a 9k mile '75 I shot at Nationals. Does this help?

Tory

Dallas? Are you going to be at Frisco? I'll be there, too, but as a spectator with my cell phone camera.

Yes, that does help. Thanks.

[D S.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Scott - I feel your pain... I've had the same search going for my '72 454 without much luck.

Here's a picture of the manifold and a hose crimp. You may want to check around with the local hose/fitting guys. I heard of one in Missouri that might be able to replicate the crimp, but haven't contacted him yet.

I have photos of the other ends if you want to see them, but they all have the same crimp.

Randy

It all started when someone wanted a photo of a inner fender hose clamp. In the photo I noticed a hose clamp on the condenser hose line near the hood hinge. So I bought a reproduction not trusting a used hose. It didn't look correct as far as markings go. I knew my AC compressor muffler hoses weren't correct nor the crimpings as I had them redone in 2007. I recently purchased a used set of AC hoses from a 1972 LS-5. I'm hoping to replicate the markings on the new hoses when I get them.
I hope the photo displays.

[Tory S.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Scott,

Yep,I'll be at Texas Regionals. I'll be showing my '75 for first time. Look me up.

Tory

[Terry M.]

Re: A/C hose markings

We could have an early C3 AC hose tech session there if you guys want. I will be there. Now all we need is some early C3s with AC that we can critique.

[D S.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Terry, are you goig to be there in Frisco? If so I am looking forward to seeing you again. And yes, I would like to get in on the early C-3 tech session. Hopefully there will be some early C-3s with C60 there. Should I bring those hoses in the photo? I plan on being there Friday and/or Saturday. Thanks!

[Terry M.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Terry, are you goig to be there in Frisco? If so I am looking forward to seeing you again. And yes, I would like to get in on the early C-3 tech session. Hopefully there will be some early C-3s with C60 there. Should I bring those hoses in the photo? I plan on being there Friday and/or Saturday. Thanks!

Yes I will be at Frisco. I thought we could do the hose thing as part of the advanced judging seminar. It would work better if some of the C3s had AC -- even if we have to go to the parking lot.

[D S.]

Re: A/C hose markings

Yes I will be at Frisco. I thought we could do the hose thing as part of the advanced judging seminar. It would work better if some of the C3s had AC -- even if we have to go to the parking lot.

Terry, I can bring my '70 with AC. It's a nice driver. Is there a specific day?