70 Chally w/vintage a/c - radiator hose clearance tight fit issue - maybe

[marc70challenger]

See pics below.  Just noticed 3 things about lower radiator hose:

#1 It lays a bit on cross-member. Actually it has to because the radiator (stock rad I am pretty sure) inlet is slightly below cross-member and the clearance between that and belts from a/c is tight.  I can barely get pinky in between which is point #2.  Such tight clearance I wouldn't have such concern if it were near something hardened - like casing to pump, or mounting bracket.  But flexing hose and stretching belt .. hmmm.  And it appears its has very, very slightly nicked it ... maybe when they initially put it together and hadn't tighten everything.  If it hit all the time, with what I have run and driven it - it would have a cut for sure by now.

#3 - the hose bend barely touches the a/c unit.


#1 I am not so worries about.  The cross member is smooth and rigid - and engine pull is away and up from it ... I actually had that before with a firebird I put a caddy radiator in and was never an issue.

But #2 and #3 I don't like.  I really can't see any other way to route a hose without some custom make (do they even do that .. lol) and it would probably be trading same type problem for different location or bends required would inhibit proper flow.

My thought was to "sleeve" that portion of the hose with some very light and thin metal (aluminum or tin) .. just to guard against belt possible rubbing when it loosens and before I catch it .. and from it rubbing edge of compressor.

What do you think of that idea ... or any others?

Thanks!!!!

[FY1Cuda]

Have you asked the tech support guy at Vintage Air if he's aware of the problem.  We're currently putting a system into a big block '70 Challenger and had a couple of fitment issues that he was on top of.  Good luck.

[Chryco Psycho]

If you shorten the lower hose where it goes onto the water pump it should lift it off the K frame , even twisting it on the rad may move it away .
same with the other hose , twisting it may help , or you can use a hose clamp where it rubs or the belt rubs the hose , a stainless hose clamp will stand up just fine

[marc70challenger]

I've got trip this weekend from hockey tourney .. but will definitely look into call vintage air people ... and in interim try CP's fix!!!

Thanks guys!   Experience beats all ... I've just lot of catching up to do with Mopars ... but well worth it ... should've never waited so long  .... 

[cudabob496]

its pretty easy to modify hose routes, by combining two different hoses, or sections of hoses, with 3 aluminum
tube of same diameter, and some hose clamps.

bend some wire in shape you need, then go to auto parts store and check out
all the hoses they have on the wall.

[marc70challenger]

its pretty easy to modify hose routes, by combining two different hoses, or sections of hoses, with 3 aluminum
tube of same diameter, and some hose clamps.

bend some wire in shape you need, then go to auto parts store and check out
all the hoses they have on the wall.

   I like having plan A, B & C .... may be old military guy in me .... sounds like should do this to at least have backup if one of others work ... then just makes it easier thereafter 

Thanks!!!!

[marc70challenger]

Just thought I'd add update - in case any future "searches" are done on something similar.

I found some stainless steel hosing that is formable (pic below).  It comes with 4 stainless connectors with inserts.  It appears the stainless hose is probably exact same size of the male outlets on radiator and pump.  So connectors utilize rubber hosing inside (with different sizes as well 1 3/4 and down) with clamps - but stainless sleeve to keep look (if you want).

Since stainless hose and outlets on rad and pump are same, I will probably put coating on outside of male connectors just to get seal on them as slide over rubber connectors .. then just tighten down first.

Will post pic when get it done .. have surgery next week .. so be few weeks .... hope this helps anyone ... so many here with so much knowledge - hard to contribute but want to give something back ... 

Oh .. got this from www.classicindustries.com .... part #  S7310 ... 48"

[marc70challenger]

Well ... been a while ... surgery and rad treatments getting in the way ... 

But finally tried to remedy the situation.

I tried "flexible" rubber and braided hoses .... no go.  Coming out of the lower radiator inlet the hose needs to bend right pretty sharply then up a bit to get over K member.  Rubber "flexible" and "bendable" hoses wouldn't keep proper form ... they wound up bending back like original in first pics posted.

I found some a black-coloured stainless formable/flexible hose (summit racing's) .. like ones in pic above but black and shorter (only needed about 13 inches) ... I ditched the covers for the rubber connectors and used better radiator hose clamps (one's that have smooth pieces between worm-gear ring and hose) ...

Took some time to measure, cut .... test ... cut some more .... and getting the rubber fitment piece over the water pump nipple was a royal PIA .... but in the end was able to route it way we wanted:  further right of vintage a/c belts for more clearance and little bend up and away from compressor.

Took most of day ... so cleaned up .... will re-fill fluid and test her out tomorrow.

Needing two hose clamps for each inlet/outlet is kinda messy ... but black hose is subtle ... and piece of mind worth it.   Guess could fabricate a "cover" for top end (at water pump) with black anodized stainless to cover them and blend into hose ... future project .... 

[tommyg29]

I see you have the "hidden" compressor install. Wish my car had it, but thinking about it for my next car, a B body. That flex tube is the way to go. Vintage air sells it with their custom packages.

[marc70challenger]

I see you have the "hidden" compressor install. Wish my car had it, but thinking about it for my next car, a B body. That flex tube is the way to go. Vintage air sells it with their custom packages.

Ya .. hidden is "neater" I guess .... but clearances .. as you see ... can be issue ....

Car came like this .... perturbed me as it wasn't truly done "right" .... yet other parts of car they did extremely well ... go figure ... guy who installed gas tank probably did this ..... 

Would a B body have bit more room/clearance?  Regardless though .. you are right ... flex tube is way to go!