4x4 upper radiator pipe

[BLT gmc]

I recently bought a rusted out upper pipe for a pattern. Before making new pipes I "dry fitted" on my '69 GMC. It did not match up as well as i had hoped. The pipe end closest to the thermostat housing should rotate up approximately 1.25 inches and the radiator end is about 3.5 inches from the radiator. First question is do your factory pipes line up well, and am I the exception? It is possible I have an aftermarket housing, but I am not convinced as it does have the same tab for the throttle return spring. Finally, how many are interested in new pipes either aluminum-nized or stainless with house beads? Newbie here as well, thank you for welcoming me to the best truck site known. Bruce

[seattle gmc]

The hard pipe on my 70 k2500 seems to line up prety well, but the short pieces of radiator hose on each side of the pipe, would easily make up the difference. You need to have these short radiator hoses for a flex joint. My radiator pipe dose not have the tab for a throttle return spring that you spoke of.

[magicoolbus]

I removed my pipe and got a replacement one piece radiator hose from rock auto. Looks better and less prone to leaking. I will run out and snap a few pics.

[magicoolbus]

Here's a pic of the one piece rad hose and another with the steel pipe sitting on top for reference.

[undertaker72]

I think your thermostat housing might be off , , the hard pipe usally is on 4x4 and has about 3-4 inch rubber hose couplers , but your steel pipe looks right

[BLT gmc]

Seattle GMC- the throttle return tab i was referring to is actual on the thermostat housing. i brought this up because I thought the angle of housings may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.

magicoolbus- your picture is excellent. See how the bend closest to the thermostat housing is lower. Like it needs to be turned up. If i make a pipe I want that angle to be perfect. Hose beads on the ends will help alot with leaks. Also i can lengthen the ends and get nice and close.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by BLT gmc

Hose beads on the ends will help alot with leaks.

Good point. I agree in theory with what magicoolbus is saying, but I've never had leaks in my upper hose (pipe w/short hoses) and I've owned the truck for a very long time. I doubt you'll have leak problems.

[BLT gmc]

I agree the fewer the spices the less risk of leaks. But, it is a 4x4 and I would like it to look near stock. But just enough mods to make people look at it twice and ask if it is original or modified. You know like a brain worm.

[magicoolbus]

BLT, if you need any more pics of the steel tube, let me know and I will shoot a bunch for you.

[seattle gmc]

People have asked if i like having the upper steel pipe, or why i don't get rid of it.

Maybe its just the novelty of having it. Or me just trying to keep everything stock. But i like having the steel upper pipe, and i have never had any leaks with it.

[SS Tim]

Here is a low mileage fire truck, 71 K20 350 V8.

[Daman]

I'll post a couple more angles from mine too

[BLT gmc]

Magicoolbus, SS Tim, and Daman Thank you for the great pictures. Ihave learned quite a bit. Bruce

[burnin oil]

For anyone that wants a plain old 1 piece hose Napa carries them. I picked one up yesterday to replace the flex hose that was on the truck. The computer doesn't show it for a 71-72 but the prior years shows up. Ironically the same hose is called for on a 73-74 also. Thing fit like a glove.

[72junky]

Sorry for jumping in. Burnin Oil, do you know the NAPA part number for that hose? I would like to know if it is the same as the one I got. Reason, no matter how I aligned it, I could not keep it off the fan shroud. Thinking I have the wrong one. Thanks!

[swamp rat]

Originally Posted by 72junky

Sorry for jumping in. Burnin Oil, do you know the NAPA part number for that hose? I would like to know if it is the same as the one I got. Reason, no matter how I aligned it, I could not keep it off the fan shroud. Thinking I have the wrong one. Thanks!

I have been running a full length NAPA hose for years, i took my pipe off back about 95 when i rebuilt the engine because it was looking kinda rusty inside, if i can remember i'll see if i can locate the part number.

[DeadheadNM]

Just an FYI, if you run a 700R4 tranny the pipe fit is a little bit off if you go the move-the-engine-forward manner of tranny swap.

[1968k1500]

Originally Posted by magicoolbus

Here's a pic of the one piece rad hose and another with the steel pipe sitting on top for reference.

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[1968k1500]

For those who have the original metal upper radiator tubes for 67-72 v-8 4x4's, does anyone have a GM part number for that? Anyone want to part ways with one in decent condition they no longer want?
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