Radiator hoses

[rsk289]

Is there a source for top and bottom radiator hoses for cars with 289 (correct side water pump) and correct (design and position) radiator?

Thanks,
Roger

[Dan Case]

I have not found anybody that makes hoses exactly like what most Cobras used. The last time I installed new hoses (several years ago) Gates® was still making the same types but the details in the molding was not like the 1960s versions. I just went to a local auto parts store and went through the universal Gates products to get the lengths needed. The top hose on early cars is all universal flex. The top hose on late cars has a smooth molded elbow on the engine end. The lower hose is just all flex. A few on the new car road test articles show these top hose details pretty well throughout production.

The hose that gets original car owners into trouble is the hose from thermal switch casting to water pump inlet. The universal hoses come in various lengths. Most people figure out that too short won't work but some get one too long. If too long the hose kinks and or rubs on the steel brake line on the right side. Kinking that hose badly makes engine coolant temperature too high. Rubbing the brake line is not good for the hose (wear).


Most cars with mechanical water temperature sensor had two piece upper hoses because the 'upper bleeder' tube assemblies were inculded just before the radiator to give a place of the sensor and an air bleed.