Hose clamps?
 

What type of radiator and heater hose clamps did the factory use on our trucks? And what type do you like to use?

I have some new Gates hoses for my 69 and want to replace the old worm gear clamps.

If I do end up using worm gear clamps, I want some that are wider than what we normally see.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I'm not sure what the factory used, but I like to buy stainless steel clamps from Lowes. I've never had one fail in many, many years of use. And they cost less than at the auto parts stores.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

Here's a thread on the subject of original clamps. Looks like most people feel that tower clamps were used in 1969. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=627474

Here's another thread talking about the use of tower style clamps. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=717162

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I use regular Adjustable Worm Gear Hose Clamps.


The factory used these type (Tower clamps)

Attachment 2282682

Some vendors sell them here's a link below.
Link: https://www.classicparts.com/1969-72...info/RC-5114/#

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I went with Spring Clamps (Constant-Tension Clamps).

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I used the tower clamps on a '70,

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I have the original style tower clamps on mine

Re: Hose clamps?
 

When I worked as a piece-work mechanic I cut tower clamps off and replaced them with worm gear clamps. Bring on the hate! :lol: It was all about making the repair in as little time as possible. FWIW, worm gear clamps were a factory option in some years. Spring (Corbin) clamps are a pain in the neck, but I'd reuse them if they were OK, as they were manageable with the correct pliers.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I believe the only surviving tower clamp on my 70 was on the PCV ;-)
I've come around to spring clamps, since they work on all my 21st Century cars

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As I replace spiral clamps I’ve been replacing them with t band clamps . Never liked tower clamps you have to be super careful removing them or they won’t seal again.

Seen many a spiral clamp have rubber coming out the slots looks horrible

Re: Hose clamps?
 

Back in my swap meet days I picked up a big box of assorted sized Tower Clamps for about $5 I believe at a garage sale, over the years I made damn good beer money with those things selling them to the factory look guy's.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

[QUOTE=MikeB;9225435]What type of radiator and heater hose clamps did the factory use on our trucks?

Wittek Tower Clamp style were common as were the hoop spring type that you squeezed to slide over hose and then released which tightened them.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

Caveat on the reproduction Wittek tower clamps. They are not made from the same steel as what originally came on the trucks. The metal bends much easier, and it's hard to get them to seal the hoses. I have to use a box end wrench to support the clamp tower part when tightening to prevent distortion.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I'm now leaning towards these. Thanks for the advice.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...1&d=1690931746

Re: Hose clamps?
 

If you are going for a super clean look and not worried about original style I suggest these

https://www.gates.com/us/en/fluid-po...00-000000.html

The main downside is they are not reusable.

If you want IMO, the best clamps that are reusable, I would suggest these.

https://www.murraycorp.com/turbo-sea...tension-clamps

Re: Hose clamps?
 

My experience too. Keep an eye on them.

I actually thought they were still being made by Wittek. Makes sense now that they are repos. Typical quality...

Re: Hose clamps?
 

JMHO, but as the rubber breaks down ( heat, chemicals), I like to have control

Of pressure with a spring clamp

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...8d3deea2_c.jpg16911543789437580174930107276382 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/97391199@N06

Re: Hose clamps?
 

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...362a5738_c.jpg16911542912439180726846323088610 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/97391199@N06

Re: Hose clamps?
 

Interesting thought.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I installed era correct #6 & #7.5 Wittek band clamps for the heater hoses. They're like those found for the bypass hose. And Wittek Sure Tite #28 & #32 band clamps for the radiator hoses.

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I like these! May go that way next time.

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Ended up ordering this style clamp for my new Gates radiator hoses.

As for the heater hoses, I expect problems removing them from the Vintage Air heater core, where they have been connected for literally 25 years.:o I'll probably put that job off for several weeks, because it's been insanely hot and humid here in North Texas. And I don't have A/C in my garage or shop -- yet. But shop A/C is for another thread.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...1&d=1690931746

Re: Hose clamps?
 

Your best bet is to cut the hose . Slice it along where it slips over the fitting then peel it off .

Re: Hose clamps?
 

Thanks. Also, some idiot (me) glued foam insulation onto the inside of the firewall and the toe board in that area. I'll need to flush out all the coolant from the heater core, so it doesn't soak anything inside the cab.

I have a cooling system vacuum purge kit. Maybe I can use it to evacuate the heater core and hoses. Or make some kind of adapter to connect it directly to a heater hose. I also have a Mityvac hand pump kit.

https://www.amazon.com/WIN-MAX-Engin...df_B0787JQSFH/

Re: Hose clamps?
 

I was thinking of using the wire hose clamps like the one shown below. I have found they seal well and give that vintage look.