I thought I was doing the smart thing and bought an aluminum radiator for my 69 small block. It was purchased from a radiator shop that specialized in IMCA
chevy chassis modified racing cars. These radiators are 16"high x 31" long, and feature two 1" rows. This fits the car (with a little height shimming) and should be the equivilent of a 5 row copper and brass unit,more than enough cooling for any traffic situation. They are also a LOT cheaper than the other aluminum units out there. The problem is the lower radiator hose. The radiator has a 1.75in. connection VS. the original 1.5 dia. and the local parts man says that he cannot find a hose (even a flex hose) that has 1.75 dia. on both ends with a 32" length. Can anybody give me some direction here? (besides firing my parts guy!) I have been to the Gates Rubber website and cannot find enough info to help.
All you guys that run an aluminum radiator or a big block-can you help?
Thanks,
c3

Hi Charlie, was trying to think what you could do, not sure if this is your top radiator hose, or bottom... or both. Anyhow, you may have to do a little "engineering" on this if a hose cannot be obtained. You might consider using a few "plumbing" parts, such as a bell reducer. Using both 1.75 inch and 1.5 inch hose, by running the 1.75 inch hose out of the radiator for a certain distance(convenient location) into the reducer, and finishing the hose out with the 1.5 inch into the intake/waterpump. Is just a thought, who knows, i might be onto something..

This is an easy fix and you can calm down! Just contact Earl's Performance and get their Form-A-Flex hose kit. You can get it in bulk so you can cut it to length, but it comes with a 1.75" hose sizing clamp on both ends, and if you prefer, the offer a reducer that fits inside to reduce it down to 1.5"

www.earlsplumbing.com or call their tech at 310-609-1602.

Earl's is one of our companies and these are really nice. All stainless and come with anodized colors. Their not cheap, and I had to wait some time to get mine because they were on back order.

You could also about using their -32 Auto Flex hose and some of their econo-fit hose clamps. This may be a cheaper alternative, but it may not make the bends that you need as certain hoses have a min bend radius.

Hope that helps.

Great reply even helped me ,I have a griffin alum.radiator stock hoses are a little big on the rad.

Thanks to all members who responded. I finally found what I was looking for at (of all places)an RV repair shop. The parts guy explained that they keep a stock of generic hoses on hand because they don't know what is going to be hauled in off the interstate. I guess it's time to fire my parts guy!! Now my 69 has a new HD aluminum rad in place. Check it out at Effingham in the fall. Mine will be the red one. HA!!

c3