Rad Hoses Won't Fit Rad!

[Legolas894]

OK-I admit it, I'm trying to save money.

I've got a '67 with a 283. Needs a new rad. Water pump looks almost original.

I picked up a rad for a 1990 Suburban with a SBC 350 (only $20). Had to block off the trans cooler fittings (don't have auto), and plug the heater return line on the rad (no big deal). Drained the coolant, Got everything in, everything lines up with the rad brackets and

.... my hoses are wayyyy tooooo big. The lower rad hose on my 283 is almost 2" and the upper is like 1 3/4. The Suburban rad has 1 1/4" upper and 1 5/8" for the lower.

My question is, should I get a new water pump and if I do, will it fit the newer rad hoses or should I just shell out the $200 for a new rad that fits the truck! I don't like the idea of buying adapters for the rad hoses unless that's an ok option.

Thanks

[Legolas894]

Bump

[cdowns]

you could look into seeing how much a radiator shop would charge to install bigger outlets

[Legolas894]

Originally Posted by cdowns

you could look into seeing how much a radiator shop would charge to install bigger outlets

That's an idea. Thanks

[Leviticus]

I ran into this problem when installing my serpentine setup as far as different hose bends and different diameter outlets. Go to your local parts store and take your hose with you, and match up one that works.

I know when I switched to a long pump water pump the hose I found that worked had a larger diameter end for the water pump, and a smaller end for the lower radiator outlet. So there are hoses out there that have diff diameters on diff ends, it just takes some trial and error.

Good luck.

[Legolas894]

Thanks-I didn't know they had hoses with different diameter ends on each end. That might be the solution.