I been seeing some preformed rubber coolant hoses are not available. So I am looking to have some made. Looking for advice on what is not available. Radiator and heater core rubber tubes. A/C and non A/C. Year etc. If you need any preformed rubber coolant hoses and can not find them anywhere let me know.
Maybe it's just me, but I've had two front lower radiator hoses from the Fiero Store that are too large to seal properly at the pipe end. When you try to look up this part at any auto parts store, they'll tell you to use a flex hose. I've also heard of many people not being able to get the AC-equipped car heater core hoses.
A source for direct fit radiator hoses would be desirable. If those are not available Summit Racing Equipment sells some very nice SS hoses that have end fittings to fit any application. If Rodney makes the hoses great and if not this is what you will probably need to use: http://static.summitracing....large/SUM-390124.jpg
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 04-26-2012).]
I would buy replacement preformed hoses for my 88 V6. Are these going to be stamped GM reproductions, like those offered for muscle car restorers?
+1 to this! I've got one of my 88 GT engines on a stand right now, and would love to have access to new radiator hoses to fit it with upon installation.
It was a few months ago, and didn't think about keeping the numbers for the one I used... Dumb I know...
Anyhow, I went to the local Auto Zone with my old hose in hand. He let me come back behind the counter, and we spent about 5 minutes eying up hoses, and comparing them. One was almost a perfect match, bend for bend. The only problem was the end of it was too long. I cut it to match the stock one, installed it, and it was a perfect match.
When I changed all the hoses on my 87 GT my biggest problem was finding a inlet intermediate hose that was actually right. Nothing matched the factory hose I pulled off. I ended up having to take a upper radiator hose and cutting it to fit.
Last summer I replace all 5 coolant hoses on my Formula, I was able to track them all down eventually between the local stores and Amazon.com. The only issue I had was the hose coming off the pass side coolant tube to the motor, it wasn’t formed quite right and is very close to rubbing on the AC compressor. I had to use a chunk of heavy wire to form a “S” and pull it back. It should be ok but I’d prefer one that was bent properly so I don’t have to worry about it rubbing and failing. Replacement heater hoses would be nice.
AND may I strongly suggest replacement V-6 fuel lines!! The half metal and half rubber lines. TFS has them but, in my opinion they are ridiculously priced @ 190 for the set.
[This message has been edited by DLCLK87GT (edited 04-27-2012).]
88 4 cyl hoses to the radiator and engine no longer available! I had an extra one and sold to a member who was in dire need and looked all over for one. I have heard heater core hoses are no longer available. Please make these! They are important! Steve W NE Grand Rapids, MI 88 Coupe
[This message has been edited by solotwo (edited 05-05-2012).]
I just replaced all 50 heater/radiator hoses on my fiero (ok not 50, but 10!)
Go to NAPA! They had, or can get all the hoses you need! I love that place! Carquest, autozone, or advanced auto didnt have anything other then the flex hoses, screw that.
I'm still wondering what hoses are not available. Napa has them all?
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
I believe the hose from the thermostat housing down to the drivers side coolant tube for an 88 duke is no longer available. At least I could not find one when I did my 88 and had to use a corrugated flex hose.
I also have had a fit trying to get the return coolant to water pump hose, clear the AC compressor and the belt. It needs to be around an inch longer at the water pump end .I used the NAPA one and don't like it.
The usual hose makers no longer making these?? I replaced all my 1984 Indy's coolant hoses including heater core with A/C with molded hoses (that do FIT) from the Fiero Store (a couple years back). They no longer have them either?
I have made good progress on having some of the rubber radiator hoses reproduced. My first batch will be all the radiator and heater core hoses used on the 88 V-6 with A/C. 7 hoses total. This is not all the hoses. There are one or two short straight pieces I am not making at this time. Everyone so far has been using standard black radiator hose for these. Possibly I will have some pieces made if enough want them. These hoses will be preformed and be the same size/shape as the GM OEM hoses but with no printing on them. I should have them in stock by fall.
Someone sent me some samples of the 84 with A/C heater core hoses so I will make those also. Two hoses. These are the small hoses that go to the heater core in the front compartment.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
I just replaced all 50 heater/radiator hoses on my fiero (ok not 50, but 10!)
Go to NAPA! They had, or can get all the hoses you need! I love that place! Carquest, autozone, or advanced auto didnt have anything other then the flex hoses, screw that.
I have made good progress on having some of the rubber radiator hoses reproduced. My first batch will be all the radiator and heater core hoses used on the 88 V-6 with A/C. 7 hoses total. This is not all the hoses. There are one or two short straight pieces I am not making at this time. Everyone so far has been using standard black radiator hose for these. Possibly I will have some pieces made if enough want them. These hoses will be preformed and be the same size/shape as the GM OEM hoses but with no printing on them. I should have them in stock by fall.
Someone sent me some samples of the 84 with A/C heater core hoses so I will make those also. Two hoses. These are the small hoses that go to the heater core in the front compartment.
Thanks, Rodney! I'll be looking for them!
------------------ Rod Schneider, Ball Ground, Ga. "You can't have too many toys!" 1988 Fiero GT 1987 Porsche 944S 1987 Corvette 1966 Porsche 911 2001 Chrysler 300M Van's RV-6 airplane-at the airport, nearly ready to fly
I'm surprised no one has mentioned re-creating the coolant tubes out of rubber. They seem to be the weakest link in the whole system. One misplaced jack or stand, one slip from a lift, one uninformed mechanic and the tube is ruined!
You'd need something to stiffen them up so they don't sag. Maybe a corrugated plastic sheath or additional supporting brackets.
Then you could make the appropriate Y-connectors, etc out of aluminum or stainless. I think more people would step up to a whole new system than a piece here and there. I understand you have to start somewhere, though.
If your a stickler for OEM look....one of my friends had rubber stamps made with all the correct lettering made. When someone did a restoration, he could stamp all the hoses and lines with correct stuff with white/yellow rubber paint.
I found a manufacturer that makes the same wire style hose clamps also. I'm waiting on a sample. It may not be 100% exact but should be very close.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
I have made some good progress on radiator/heater core hoses. I have the two 88 V-6 with A/C heater core hoses coming in maybe 6 weeks. Also the 88 V-6 radiator hose from the water pump to the passenger side coolant tube. The aftermarket hose was too short I have always heard. By late this year or early next year I will have all the 88 V-6 with A/C radiator/heater core hoses in stock. Also I will have the 84 with A/C heater core hoses.
Let me know if there are other radiator/heat core hoses that are not available and I'll look to have them made also. I may do the 88 L4 with A/C hoses.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
I was able to source the following hoses on Amazon using Gate's fitment guide for the 88 V6 Fiero...
Thermostat to crossover pipe - Gates 20661 Upper radiator hose - Gates 21764 Lower radiator hose - Gates 21758 <- this is a universal flexible hose, all others are formed Crossover pipe to driver side pipe - Gates 25251 Passenger side pipe to waterpump - Gates 21763
I have not been able to get around to installing them yet, so I don't know about fitment for 21763... The lower radiator hose to the passenger side pipe would be a good one to get remade.
Rodney; I am glad to see you doing this. I am in desparate need of the lower passenger side pipe to water pump hose for my 88. I had to cobble together something from bits of spare stainless pipe and elbows to get the car running when the original failed. As you pointed out, all of the ones I found from parts stores were about 4 inches too short at the pipe end.
I just replace all the primary hoses on my 86 - Between Rock Auto and Napa and a local independent parts store I was able to get them all. A couple did require cutting off a couple of inches and the pre-formed hose from the heater core to the pipe were found by walking the Inventory of Molded heater and by-pass selection. PITA to say the least. It would be nice to have a single source for quality items at a fair price. So a yes for Rodney.
Did you check Gates catalog? Heater hose is problem but most radiator hose are available in preform type. Likely, You have to order thru Parts Plus or independent stores.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
I want to look at 2 more 88 V-6 hoses. They are straight and some say you can use standard straight radiator hose. But: If one wants all their hoses to look the same I would need to supply these 2 hoses. So I need to know the length and inner diameter of these 2 hoses. Anyone?
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
They look to be the 2 smaller heater core hoses from the engine to the metal tubes mounted on the firewall. P-22 shows them to be curved. I can have them made with the correct curve.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
Originally posted by Rodney: Also I will have the 84 with A/C heater core hoses.
The 84 with A/C heater core hoses will be here by the end of next week. These are not available anywhere.
I'll also have most of the 88 hoses in stock. I'll get them on my web pages soon.
------------------ Rodney Dickman
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
Fiero Parts And Acc's Web Page: All new web page!:www.rodneydickman.com Rodney Dickman's Fiero accessories 7604 Treeview Drive Caledonia, WI 53108 Phone/Fax (262) 835-9575
I got a set of the 84 wA/C hoses from Rodney yesterday and they fit perfectly too! Although I am building a Countach, the area around the heater core and hoses has not been altered. I will get some good pictures soon (couple days) and start a new thread to show just how well they fit.