New metal 4x4 upper radiator pipe pics

[BLT gmc]

This is a project I have been working on for my 69 GMC K10. Several people have asked for pictures. These pictures are of a modified pipe, based on the OEM pipe. I modified it to fit better. Its made out of 304 Stainless steel with mandrel bends and hose beads. I am not a vendor, but I have had requests to make these pipes. Is there any interest? I can make them out of aluminized steel.

[74baggedbug]

I'll take 1!

[BKSS67]

I'd be interested

Any idea on the cost for the SS version and the alumni used steel version?

What is modified on your version? Can you make one that exactly matches the original one instead of a modified version?

[jmader]

Are these used on all years of out trucks 4x4?

[sboris]

Those look great. I'm still interested depending what they will cost.

[530FF]

Interested pending cost

[BLT gmc]

74baggedbug- Keep me in mind, I actually have not built any other than the one I needed. After I had a lot of people asking to see the mandrel bends and the hose beads, I thought about helping others out if there is enough interest.

BKSS67- The SS is about 60-70 % more expensive. The pipe costs more, it is harder to bend-bead-weld, harder on the equipment. The modifications I made are- I increased the distance between the two bends closest to the engine by 1.5 inches, I shortened the longest straight part by ~1 inch, and finally the end connected to the thermostat housing is more parallel to the pipe itself, less rotated I guess. Yes, I can make one identical to the original- I am in the process of securing a know original pipe to copy.

jmader- I think these are 69-72 p/u and blazer, but I am not an expert.

sboris/ 530FF- Aluminized pipe if I decide to make them may be $100-125 shipped. ? too much ? I have to start with two pipes because the mandrel bender clamps will only work on one pipe if the bends are >4 inches apart. 3 mandrel bends. 2 hose beads. Pipes have to be trimmed a the ends- resulting in some waste- again because the clamps have to have a minimum length of pipe to grab. And finally jigged up and TIG welded. Feed back is appreciated Thank you, Bruce

[sboris]

Originally Posted by BLT gmc

74baggedbug- Keep me in mind, I actually have not built any other than the one I needed. After I had a lot of people asking to see the mandrel bends and the hose beads, I thought about helping others out if there is enough interest.

BKSS67- The SS is about 60-70 % more expensive. The pipe costs more, it is harder to bend-bead-weld, harder on the equipment. The modifications I made are- I increased the distance between the two bends closest to the engine by 1.5 inches, I shortened the longest straight part by ~1 inch, and finally the end connected to the thermostat housing is more parallel to the pipe itself, less rotated I guess. Yes, I can make one identical to the original- I am in the process of securing a know original pipe to copy.

jmader- I think these are 69-72 p/u and blazer, but I am not an expert.

sboris/ 530FF- Aluminized pipe if I decide to make them may be $100-125 shipped. ? too much ? I have to start with two pipes because the mandrel bender clamps will only work on one pipe if the bends are >4 inches apart. 3 mandrel bends. 2 hose beads. Pipes have to be trimmed a the ends- resulting in some waste- again because the clamps have to have a minimum length of pipe to grab. And finally jigged up and TIG welded. Feed back is appreciated Thank you, Bruce

I completely understand what all goes into these. They look top notch. I had in my head I was willing to go around $75. So, I'm out for now. Probably worth that for what goes in them, but just where I'm at.. Thanks for posting and offering these up though.

[74baggedbug]

Still Intrested but I'll take some measurements again on my motor being I have a serpatine setup and make sure it will clear the alternator ..

[gmc 2500 4x4]

might need one

[BLT gmc]

PM sent. Bruce

[BKSS67]

Bruce

I was one of the guys originally interested in one of these. I have since purchased an original one. However, I am still interested in one of yours. What are your prices for an aluminized and SS one? I would prefer an exact copy of the original tube.

Thanks
Brian

[BLT gmc]

PM to BKSS67.

[dirish]

Any chance you have one of these for sale?
Thanks Dan

[botmfedr1]

Do you still have any of these for sale?

[jeffahart]

I'll take one if you feel like doing a batch! I have making one on my to do list for a couple years now!


j

[72swbcamo]

BLT nice job. Am I to assume that this is a two piece tube welded on the long straight?
Can hardly see the weld. I work for a company that manufacture similar tube for the aerospace industry. I was thinking about asking someone in work to try to bend one. I don't think that going to happen. Good luck on a tube that will dress up any engine bay. I'll be watching to see you pricing.

[McDeezl]

Interested if these are available for sale.

[duallyjams]

That's the nicest one I've seen made.

[BigBird05]

Does anyone know why GM use a pipe on the 4x4's and used just a hose on 2x4's

[Accelo]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

Does anyone know why GM use a pipe on the 4x4's and used just a hose on 2x4's

The motor was set back further in the chassis. This made for more distance between the motor and the radiator. Now days manufactures seem to have no issues using longer rubber hoses without the metal piping.

[kilokoa]

If you are still making these, I would be interested in one.

[D.PASSMORE]

I purcahased two of these a few years ago from Bruce. Run them on my 4x4's. Quality work, nice material and fit was spot on. You want be disappointed in the product.

[jimijam00]

Did you polish them up?

[Ol Blue K20]

It's too bad, I have one of his first ones. It's very nice.