Topic: Re: Lower radiator hose replacement
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
Fingers crossed on that heater core. I'm aggravated with myself for missing that step. I'm usually spot on with directions, too. Live and learn I guess...
I checked a number of shops in my area, including a straight Corvette shop, and no one carried the OEM setup. The corvette shop actually said they hardly ever use the spring when replacing lower rad for customers. His words were "Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't...no rule of thumb." No help whatsoever.
Another parts store said the spring is no longer needed because the material the hose is made of is much more durable than in the past.
However, I decided to go with C3VR forum recommendations and get the hose/spring combo. Sarge sent me a link for Paragon in Michigan and I ordered it from there. I should be able to get back to working on the vette Friday or Saturday. Praying for decent weather in the meantime!
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Hi Guys!
I did as Sarge suggested and tried to remove block drain plugs. Unfortunately, I am not finding them. The pics I've researched do not match what I'm seeing. I tried to take pics under there by the oil pan area but not sure they will help. Any help is appreciated!
Driver Side below...
Passenger Side below...the one I'm questioning has the red ground(?) wire coming from it.
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
In my for what its worth department personally if your worried about block freezing up in the short time it will be sitting, as long as its drained you should be fine. In order for water to freeze to the point of damage to the block it has to be completely filled with water and no room for expansion. I would make sure your Rad, and heater core are not filled with plain water. I would be more concerned about those having just water in it. If you want to be safe just pour some anitfreeze in the inlet heater hose both directions until it runs out the lower rad connection. The reason I say this is wrenching drain plugs on the block that have been in for 42 years may be a beetch. Plus they are wrenched in there pretty tight when it was born. I feel pouring some anti freeze in the orifices will be easier that pulling the plugs out. Correct me if I'm wrong oh Mr. Guru
. T
. T
You're not the first person I'm hearing that advice from. For now, I put a space heater in the garage to bump the temp up a bit. It's a modern one so hopefully won't burn the garage down!
Leaving town this am and hopefully rad hose will be here when I get back Friday or Saturday. Then I can put her back together, finish winterizing and put her to bed.
Thanks again for all the excellent feedback guys!
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
Sarge! How you doing up there? 70" of snow wtf?!? Hope you and yours are well!
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
Limited Member
Send PM
Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day.
2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray
Probably waiting for global warming to kick in. ;)
1973 L-82 4 spd
Hello all!
I received so much great feedback, I wanted to give an update:
Red Velvet is safely sleeping the winter away! I ordered the lower rad hose from Paragon with the inner coil. Took a whole day to replace, but I did get the sucker on! Tore the hell out of my hands, and after slicing almost an inch off the hose and a whole lot of cussing, it's firmly in place. Refilled radiator, ran it properly (with the heat on this time), drove around quite a bit and a little extra tightening...no leaks!
Filled the tank and added 5 oz Stabil. Replaced air in tires with nitrogen. Fogged the carb with Sea Foam. Topped off fluids (trans was low). Pulled battery. Dusted her off and covered her up. Oh, and added lots of Irish Spring soap chips inside and out to keep mice away. I'm feeling confident she'll start right up come spring. I can't wait!
Thanks again, guys, for the excellent feedback. Merry Christmas!
"You know, we always called each other goodfellas. Like you'd say to somebody: You're gonna like this guy, he's all right. He's a goodfella. He's one of us. You understand?"
Awesome! Glad everything worked out.
The "glacier" here finally melted. 
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
hi use hose with spring,put new clamps on where the are easy to get to,use silicone spray to install hose,is the car level or jacked up,put on floor then fill and run ,you will be ok. dwa
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)