Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72BlckButy · 01-07-2013, 09:43 PM

Curious who has built their own radiator hose out of metal tubing and what you used to make it.

What type of tube did you use?
What type of end clamps did you use?
Hose ends?

Exhaust tubing?

LSUMurse · 01-07-2013, 10:00 PM

I am new to this and apologize for asking a question instead of giving an answer but....

What's the benefit/purpose to metal radiator hoses? Aesthetic?

I'm just trying to wrap my head around it, I've never seen something like that.

PanelDeland · 01-07-2013, 10:03 PM

I don't have one but IIRC some if not all 4X4's had a metal upper rad hose.They were used on them to keep a flopping hose out of the fan I guess.Not many left.

72BlckButy · 01-07-2013, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSUMurse

I am new to this and apologize for asking a question instead of giving an answer but....

What's the benefit/purpose to metal radiator hoses? Aesthetic?

I'm just trying to wrap my head around it, I've never seen something like that.

Mainly for aesthetics and to clean things up. A great addition when you have added unique touches under the hood.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

I don't have one but IIRC some if not all 4X4's had a metal upper rad hose.They were used on them to keep a flopping hose out of the fan I guess.Not many left.

Not sure on that one PD.

I know safety comes first. Either placing a weld bead line around the ends to create a radius around the tubing, or whatever, make sure the hose doesn't have a blow out when under pressure.

dialric · 01-07-2013, 10:28 PM

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shawno72 · 01-07-2013, 10:34 PM

I was thinking of making one for my truck at work. Bend some correct size exhaust pipe and flare the ends. The pipe is aluminized steel so it won't rust very easy plus you can paint it or powder coat it.
Posted via Mobile Device

hot trux · 01-07-2013, 10:36 PM

it's a aluminum spreader bar from a cargo box.(tractor trailer) As long as it is 1 1/2'' is the main thing ,you can use exhaust tubing and weld a bead around each end to prevent slippage.
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72BlckButy · 01-07-2013, 10:43 PM

I never get tired of looking under that hood hot trux...

That is exactly what I'm looking for.

Andy4639 · 01-07-2013, 10:47 PM

Here is mine. Aluminum Conduit I cut. The only problem is it's heavy and it keeps cracking the solder joint on the upper radiator neck. I have it tore a part and plan to have it rebrassed and see what I can come up with to releive the stress on it. I haven't had any problem with it sliding out of the rubber hose ends. I scuffed them up real good before inserting them.

72BlckButy · 01-07-2013, 10:49 PM

What rubber tubing are you guys using? Cutting up another hose? Using straight pieces and bending the tube?

Andy4639 · 01-07-2013, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hot trux

it's a aluminum spreader bar from a cargo box.(tractor trailer) As long as it is 1 1/2'' is the main thing ,you can use exhaust tubing and weld a bead around each end to prevent slippage.
Attachment 1037741

That 2nd picture doesn't have any kind of clamps on the hose. Was that picture took test fitting it. Just wondering. loy nicer engine than mine to!

Andy4639 · 01-07-2013, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

What rubber tubing are you guys using? Cutting up another hose? Using straight pieces and bending the tube?

I used the old hose for the ends when I replaced it with the pipe. I bent my pipe but the hose ends can be used for that also.

sdailey · 01-07-2013, 10:52 PM

Here you go Nate. This is on a local truck. He used exhaust pipe. One short straight section and one 90.

72BlckButy · 01-07-2013, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

That 2nd picture doesn't have any kind of clamps on the hose. Was that picture took test fitting it. Just wondering. loy nicer engine than mine to!

Yep... that's in his garage.

72BlckButy · 01-07-2013, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdailey

Here you go Nate. This is on a local truck. He used exhaust pipe. One short straight section and one 90.

That is nice and clean; thanks for posting that buddy!

68Stepbed · 01-08-2013, 08:34 AM

Thanks for bringing this subject up, Nate. I need to do something like this on mine. Since the LS1 swap, the only negative I get is about my upper hose.

rsavage · 01-08-2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

I don't have one but IIRC some if not all 4X4's had a metal upper rad hose.They were used on them to keep a flopping hose out of the fan I guess.Not many left.

You are correct. 4 X 4's came with them.

**jaros44sr** · 01-08-2013, 09:37 AM

Bought these mandrel bent pieces from griffiths radiator on line. They are 45s and 1 3/4" , for my lower pipe, then just connected with strait hose. Pipes about 20 bucks apiece

20130108_082930 by jarosaj, on Flickr

mgkgmc · 01-08-2013, 10:39 AM

Anyone running stainless tubing?

BMERDOC · 01-08-2013, 10:46 AM

FWIW, Matco has a bead roller for tubing. I saw it on Horsepower Tv...Haven't found it again since then.

crawdadfox · 01-08-2013, 11:10 AM

Heres one from Hazel...

**67cheby** · 01-08-2013, 11:25 AM

tuned in i want to do the same thing to Cloud 9

~Whitey~ · 01-08-2013, 11:46 AM

another sweet mod for cleaning things up a bit. Thanks for posting about this... I will do this to mine when I get to that stage.

Sammy · 01-08-2013, 11:52 AM

This IMHO much better than the aftermarket over priced custom stuff out there. A powder coated custom for your application makes sense.

72BlckButy · 01-08-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68Stepbed

Thanks for bringing this subject up, Nate. I need to do something like this on mine. Since the LS1 swap, the only negative I get is about my upper hose.

Well get on it Matt and let me know how to do it. Haha!

That is quite a radiator hose you have under the hood.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsavage

You are correct. 4 X 4's came with them.

I never would have guess that this was stock from the picture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crawdadfox

Heres one from Hazel...

I knew "the man" had done this on his trucks in the past just couldn't locate a picture on my computer last night. Thanks for posting crawdad!

01-07-2013, 09:43 PM	#1
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Curious who has built their own radiator hose out of metal tubing and what you used to make it. What type of tube did you use? What type of end clamps did you use? Hose ends? Exhaust tubing? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-07-2013, 10:00 PM	#2
LSUMurse Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New Orleans, La Posts: 406	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose I am new to this and apologize for asking a question instead of giving an answer but.... What's the benefit/purpose to metal radiator hoses? Aesthetic? I'm just trying to wrap my head around it, I've never seen something like that. __________________ It's not that I am apathetic, I just don't care. If your life is a joke, it appears death will be your punchline.

01-07-2013, 10:03 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose I don't have one but IIRC some if not all 4X4's had a metal upper rad hose.They were used on them to keep a flopping hose out of the fan I guess.Not many left. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

01-07-2013, 10:28 PM	#5
dialric Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: grand rapids michigan Posts: 324	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Please note that you must be a supporting member to post classified items. This includes but is not limited to What Its Worth, Want To Buy, Want To Trade, and For Sale. Please consider supporting the forum by subscribing. Further information on the subscription levels available are located here If you need any further assistance with that please contact any Admin for help. Last edited by 72BlckButy; 01-07-2013 at 10:51 PM.

01-07-2013, 10:34 PM	#6
shawno72 C/10 junkie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Stockton Ca Posts: 9,093	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose I was thinking of making one for my truck at work. Bend some correct size exhaust pipe and flare the ends. The pipe is aluminized steel so it won't rust very easy plus you can paint it or powder coat it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Shawn 70 LWB C10 current driver/project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=663051 68 SWB C10 Work in progress.....SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=559520 72 LWB C10 Sold 71 LWB C10 Sold 68 LWB C10 CST Sold http://youtu.be/kbB0QrBIs9k My mom always had the best advice. It was just a tad late. After a fall that involved blood, she'd say....."Careful!"

01-07-2013, 10:36 PM	#7
hot trux '85 Stepside Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: montgomery city mo. Posts: 360	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose it's a aluminum spreader bar from a cargo box.(tractor trailer) As long as it is 1 1/2'' is the main thing ,you can use exhaust tubing and weld a bead around each end to prevent slippage. Attached Images

01-07-2013, 10:43 PM	#8
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose I never get tired of looking under that hood hot trux... That is exactly what I'm looking for. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-07-2013, 10:47 PM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Here is mine. Aluminum Conduit I cut. The only problem is it's heavy and it keeps cracking the solder joint on the upper radiator neck. I have it tore a part and plan to have it rebrassed and see what I can come up with to releive the stress on it. I haven't had any problem with it sliding out of the rubber hose ends. I scuffed them up real good before inserting them. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-07-2013, 10:49 PM	#10
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose What rubber tubing are you guys using? Cutting up another hose? Using straight pieces and bending the tube? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-07-2013, 10:52 PM	#13
sdailey The Few, The Proud Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ball Ground, Georgia Posts: 1,830	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Here you go Nate. This is on a local truck. He used exhaust pipe. One short straight section and one 90. Attached Images __________________ Shannon

01-08-2013, 08:34 AM	#16
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Thanks for bringing this subject up, Nate. I need to do something like this on mine. Since the LS1 swap, the only negative I get is about my upper hose. __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

01-08-2013, 09:37 AM	#18
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,766	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Bought these mandrel bent pieces from griffiths radiator on line. They are 45s and 1 3/4" , for my lower pipe, then just connected with strait hose. Pipes about 20 bucks apiece 20130108_082930 by jarosaj, on Flickr __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

01-08-2013, 10:39 AM	#19
mgkgmc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 1,354	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Anyone running stainless tubing? __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 stepside 1972 GMC Jimmy Custom 2004 Chevy Colorado 1989 Swb Silverado 1972 Aj's Stormer

01-08-2013, 10:46 AM	#20
BMERDOC Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Richmond,Va Posts: 2,934	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose FWIW, Matco has a bead roller for tubing. I saw it on Horsepower Tv...Haven't found it again since then. __________________ Nick Carter 1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside Project Cheap Thrills! 2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments Easiest Alignment Ever!

01-08-2013, 11:10 AM	#21
crawdadfox Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Orleans Louisiana.....a great place to visit but you wouldn't want to live here!!! Posts: 883	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose Heres one from Hazel... Attached Images __________________ Down......with the sickness!!



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01-08-2013, 11:25 AM	#22
67cheby 67cheby Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: siloam springs ar 72761 Posts: 17,890	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose tuned in i want to do the same thing to Cloud 9 __________________ Check out Slosh Tubz, bolt-in inner fenders for frame laying C-10's Slosh Tubz Introductory Price $559 67 Cheby's Dropmember Build Thread Slosh Tubz on Facebook http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554172

01-08-2013, 11:46 AM	#23
~Whitey~ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 677	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose another sweet mod for cleaning things up a bit. Thanks for posting about this... I will do this to mine when I get to that stage. __________________ Jimmy .69SWB Build.

01-08-2013, 11:52 AM	#24
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Let's see your - Metal Tube Radiator Hose This IMHO much better than the aftermarket over priced custom stuff out there. A powder coated custom for your application makes sense. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

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