My car is in for inspection and I want to change all the radiator hoses. This was done over 10 years ago, So the mechanic orders all new hoses for the car and pulls off all the hoses. The main hose from the inlet to the radiator was attached with tons of silicone to make it fit the radiator tank,????? I'm not sure how it did not leak from all those years.  So my question to you all is since you own from 1967 to 1982 year models, I'm guessing I do not have the correct year radiator in my car, or even a corvette radiator if they had to use 1/4 inch of silicon to make it seal.  The mechanic is on his 4th order to get a hose that will fit.  Could anyone help me out and maybe give me dimensions of the main radiator hose.  The 1978 hose he has ordered is too large as like the previous  shop who loaded silicone to make it fit versus getting the correct hose whether it was a 1978 or not. I'm guessing some of the 1967-1982 models had different openings in them. The mechanic measured the openings at the intake and it was 1 1/2 inches and at the main radiator it is 1 1/4 opening.  If anyone know of their openings or where that could be found that matches my openings then maybe I can find hoses which fit the radiator I have installed even if its the wrong year.  It seems like no dimensions are listed in ordering the hoses.  I checked the blue 1978 assembly book and see no listing of dimensions for a 1978.  Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.  My mechanic is not really a corvette guy but does a good and honest job unlike the silicone mechanic??????

Thanks in advance for any info on figuring out what year radiator  I have and or how to get the proper hose size.  All the other hoses fit but not the one fron the intake to the radiator.

Thanks

Babyblue 78

Short of finding another '78 that's configured with the same engine as yours then the only other place I think you could check would be an NCRS judging manual. You might be able to check and see if there is a NCRS judge locally who could perhaps help.

I suspect someone here will be able to find the information you need though.

1973 L-82 4 spd

The inlet connection will be either 1 1/4 or 1 1/2. Sounds like your putting the right size hose on the wrong size connection. You can do 1 of 2 things. I was in the radiator business and I changed a number of connections. A good shop could do that. The other easier option is get an adapter that would fit over the connection so the  larger hose will fit. Radiator shops should have those.  

Click on images for Before and After pics!

look up part number 14016075 for 79 to 82 it is 11/4 at rad 11/2 at eng 

I thought I had the inlet 1 1/2 and radiator 1 1/4 so the hose is going the right way but not fitting with the shape of the hose  I'm assuming.  Ok the 1979 to 1982 sounds like a winner I will let the mechanic know and see if that works. That is the only thing I can figure out.  Now the part number is this corvette number or stock part number for this section of hose.  Maybe I will just order it from one of the many parts magazines I have.

Thanks again for the info will let you know.  Yes a final option would be get an adapter at the  radiator store but then that is not the correct way.

Thanks

Babyblue 78

Corvette Central has that part # in stock...

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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(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"

So does Rock Auto.

In Late 1979 the upper radiator neck size was changed from 1 1/2" to 1 1/4".   ( Prior to that the upper hose was 1 1/2" both ends.).  

Engine Coolant Curved Radiator Hose by Dayco®.  Position: Upper.  Hose Type: Dual I.D. Hose.  #71029.   (You could also order this as a '1980 C3 Corvette' upper hose.)

This is another option:  Dayco Special Reducers will decrease the inner diameter of your existing hose to meet your application needs. They are manufactured from molded rubber and will easily slip into the end of straight, molded, and flex radiator hose, while providing a tight, leakproof connection.     Dayco Part #76925.  About $6 at Summit Racing.

All great information and thanks to alL!  a NEW HOSE WAS ORDERED FOR THE 1980 SIZE AND IT FITS PERFECTLY ALSO THE ROUTING OF THE HOSE IS MUCH BETTER THEN THE PREVIOUS ONE.  SO NOW i KNOW i DONT HAVE THE ORIGIANAL RADIATOR IN MY CAR  BUT IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER ITS A DRIVER AND A GREAT DRIVER.  oPPS SORRY FOR THE CAPS. So now change the transmission gasket and filter and I'm good to go for another year!

Thanks for all the info we got the mystery solved thanks to your help.

Babyblue 78