Refreshing the original radiator hose clamps

[KTEDSEL]

The 33 year old original upper radiator hose on my '90 sprang a pinhole leak, time to change both radiator hoses. The original double-wire hose clamps weren't pretty, but they are now. I like to maintain authentic original appearance on my cars, so I cleaned up the surface rust on the clamps with a wire wheel and fine steel wool, then re-zinc plated them with a kit from Eastwood. They look like new.

 

About the heater hoses...I guess they are nearly impossible to replace? Molded hoses that attach to the heater core way up under the cowl, seemingly impossible to access. My heater hoses aren't leaking, so I'll say a prayer.

[Bloo]

Nice job, they look great! 👍

 

You don't even need a kit. I've been zinc plating in a 5 gallon bucket for quite a while now. Like this: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14392-DIY-Zinc-Plating-for-Donor-Nuts-and-Bolts

 

[EmTee]

5 hours ago, KTEDSEL said:

About the heater hoses...I guess they are nearly impossible to replace?

I found this in the Gates catalog online (https://www.gates.com/content/dam/gates/home/knowledge-center/resource-library/catalogs/gates_passcarlighttruck_vintage_4312050_2016.pdf😞

 

 

You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Gates-19611-Molded-Htr-Hose/dp/B000C2WAZE

 

[KTEDSEL]

16 hours ago, EmTee said:

I found this in the Gates catalog online (https://www.gates.com/content/dam/gates/home/knowledge-center/resource-library/catalogs/gates_passcarlighttruck_vintage_4312050_2016.pdf😞

 

 

You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Gates-19611-Molded-Htr-Hose/dp/B000C2WAZE

 

That's a relief the molded heater hoses are available, thanks for sharing. Ordered a pair and the bypass hose as well.