Hose clamps? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**MikeB** · 08-01-2023, 03:41 PM

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.

truckster · 08-01-2023, 04:24 PM

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.

**cericd** · 08-01-2023, 05:06 PM

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

**Getter-Done** · 08-01-2023, 05:10 PM

I use regular Adjustable Worm Gear Hose Clamps.

The factory used these type (Tower clamps)

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

Lee H · 08-01-2023, 05:26 PM

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

schovil69 · 08-01-2023, 05:31 PM

I used the tower clamps on a '70,

**michael bustamante** · 08-01-2023, 05:31 PM

I have the original style tower clamps on mine

**Steeveedee** · 08-01-2023, 06:07 PM

When I worked as a piece-work mechanic I cut tower clamps off and replaced them with worm gear clamps. Bring on the hate!

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.

**Rust_never_sleeps** · 08-01-2023, 06:59 PM

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

72c20customcamper · 08-01-2023, 07:15 PM

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

**Sheepdip** · 08-01-2023, 07:22 PM

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.

ghackett1 · 08-01-2023, 09:03 PM

[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.

**1970cstblazer** · 08-02-2023, 07:58 AM

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.

**MikeB** · 08-02-2023, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

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

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

indymachinist · 08-02-2023, 01:41 PM

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

**damnyankee36** · 08-02-2023, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

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.

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...

**jaros44sr** · 08-05-2023, 07:12 AM

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

Of pressure with a spring clamp

16911543789437580174930107276382 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/97391199@N06

**jaros44sr** · 08-05-2023, 07:15 AM

16911542912439180726846323088610 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/97391199@N06

**MikeB** · 08-05-2023, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

JMHO, but as the rubber breaks down ( heat, chemicals), I like to have control of pressure with a spring clamp.

Interesting thought.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 08-05-2023, 12:21 PM

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.

**Steeveedee** · 08-05-2023, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

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

I like these! May go that way next time.

**MikeB** · 08-08-2023, 10:44 AM

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.

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.

72c20customcamper · 08-08-2023, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

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.

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.

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

**MikeB** · 08-08-2023, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

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

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/

**68 C10 Driver** · 08-10-2023, 12:05 PM

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.

08-01-2023, 03:41 PM	#1
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	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. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-01-2023, 05:10 PM	#4
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 8,429	Re: Hose clamps? I use regular Adjustable Worm Gear Hose Clamps. The factory used these type (Tower clamps) Some vendors sell them here's a link below. Link: https://www.classicparts.com/1969-72...info/RC-5114/# __________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 84 Chevy K-20 63 Impala (my high school car) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...Crew Cab Build

08-01-2023, 05:26 PM	#5
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Hose clamps? I went with Spring Clamps (Constant-Tension Clamps). __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

08-01-2023, 06:07 PM	#8
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,708	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! 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. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

08-01-2023, 06:59 PM	#9
Rust_never_sleeps Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: San Ramon,CA Posts: 599	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

08-01-2023, 04:24 PM	#2
truckster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,978	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. __________________ I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. - Thomas Jefferson

08-01-2023, 05:06 PM	#3
cericd Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Texan, back in TX Posts: 2,155	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 __________________ Chris My 1970 SWB C/10 - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=534872

08-01-2023, 05:31 PM	#6
schovil69 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 117	Re: Hose clamps? I used the tower clamps on a '70, Attached Images

08-01-2023, 05:31 PM	#7
michael bustamante Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 7,862	Re: Hose clamps? I have the original style tower clamps on mine __________________ 1967custom

08-01-2023, 07:15 PM	#10
72c20customcamper Registered User Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Catskill Mountains,NY Posts: 8,728	Re: Hose clamps? 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 Attached Images __________________ Mark 72 c20 custom camper Husky edition, 66 SS396 Chevelle 1964 Hawk, 63 Avanti,62 lark 1969 AMX , 1968 c20 stepside ,85 K20 1977 Suburban sold 68 anniversary.

08-01-2023, 07:22 PM	#11
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,630	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.

08-01-2023, 09:03 PM	#12
ghackett1 68 C10 Longbed Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Naples, Florida Posts: 519	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.

08-02-2023, 07:58 AM	#13
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,845	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. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

08-02-2023, 01:41 PM	#15
indymachinist Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Indanapolis, IN Posts: 603	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 __________________ -Curt My 1968 Chevy shortbed stepside build

08-05-2023, 07:12 AM	#17
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,766	Re: Hose clamps? JMHO, but as the rubber breaks down ( heat, chemicals), I like to have control Of pressure with a spring clamp 16911543789437580174930107276382 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/97391199@N06 __________________ 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



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08-05-2023, 07:15 AM	#18
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,766	Re: Hose clamps? 16911542912439180726846323088610 by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/97391199@N06 __________________ 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

08-05-2023, 12:21 PM	#20
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,325	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. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

08-08-2023, 10:44 AM	#22
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: Hose clamps? 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. 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. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

08-10-2023, 12:05 PM	#25
68 C10 Driver Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Kathleen, GA Posts: 651	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. Attached Images

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