Heater water connections

Michael C Henry · #1 (**permalink**) 05-04-2002, 05:13 PM

I was all set to purchase the tall elbow for the FE intake from Cobra Restorers.They are out and have no idea when or if they will ever have them back instock. It was supposed to be SS,great.
Does anyone know of a source for the tall elbow for a FE and the pump fitting? the screw in connections for thermostat bypass ,manifold to pump? Did anybody go with something other than the usual black heater hose?

Mr.Fixit · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2002, 03:38 PM

For heater hose fittings, just know the pipe thread size, hose barb size, and relative height you need and go down to your local NAPA store. Make the best clerk there get out the book with the pictures and find the one you need. If the clerk asks "what year and model?" go to another store. I have still had to do some minor trimming on some of the 90 degree units to clear the runners on aftermarket intakes however. The coolest way is to use braided stainless lines -10 size. Just get the straight pipe thread adapter for the intake side, use a 90 degree hose end. At the heater core, you can heli-arc fittings onto the core, or just user adapter fitting to go back to a hose barb and still keep 3" of rubber heater hose.

bigmike · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2002, 05:02 PM

I used Earl's fittings and hose from www.amstreetrod.com. I used -10 perform-o-flex ss hose, with 45 degree and 90 degree swivel seal hose ends. At the water pump end, I used -10 to 3/4 pipe adapters, and I used 1/2" (AN 5, I think) tubing adapters silver soldered to the heater core at the core end. Worked pretty slick.
BigMike

Jack21 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2002, 05:30 PM

Have the pipe thread sizes you need, then go to the parts store, have the clerk open the book with pictures. For $6 - $12, you'll have your part in a few days. My favorite answer to the "What year, make, model" question is , "I'm building an engine for a street rod." Don't mention Cobra, unless the clerk is a real car guy, and is over 50.

A lot of these little odds & ends can be found at your local plumbing supply or plumbing department. Pipe nipples & elbows in brass or steel. Water inlets/outlets, oil pressure sender adapters, rubber grommets for overriders and bumpers.

Mr.Fixit · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2002, 09:34 PM

I've never seen AN-5 (or -5) ,But -6 is 3/8" id fuel line size, -8 is bigger, -10 is 1/2" id line. Your cooling system will need -8 or more likely -10 (what I use for oil and water cooler plumbing).Figure out the pipe thread NPT sizes, get the adapter-to-10 flare fittings in straight if possible and the hose ends in the angles you need. Nothing beets stainless lines, braided and hard-polished at the carbs,with aluminum 45 degree flare fittings everywhere..

Mr.Fixit · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2002, 09:37 PM

I've never seen AN-5 (or -5) ,

But -6 is 3/8" id fuel line size, -8 is bigger, -10 is 1/2" id line. Your heater core plumbing system will need -8 or more likely -10 (what I use for oil and water cooler plumbing).Figure out the pipe thread NPT sizes, get the adapter-to-10 flare fittings in straight if possible and the hose ends in the angles you need. Nothing beets stainless lines, braided and, hard-polished at the carbs,with aluminum 45 degree flare fittings everywhere..