Custom radiator hose connections

[Highveelocity]

I am ordering a PRC aluminum crossflow radiator tomorrow for the 5.3. My question: Is there a better way to connect the rad hose to the radiator, instead of the hose clamp method? Are there AN fittings that large, for example?

[Steve Allen]

I have a PRC radiator in my 55..they do great work...Billet Specilities have billet alu hose ends that have tha hose clamp inside. You don't see the clamp and the billet end looks real good. They have a number of styles to pick from.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/55210chevy/IMG_2590.jpg

[Highveelocity]

Steve, that is one of the cleanest and best looking engine compartments I have ever seen! Thanks for the info about Billet specialties, that's a nice piece.:)

[Rick_L]

You can get some very large AN fittings and hose if that's what you want.

For mine, I had PRC put the same size fittings (for regular hose) as the ones on the engine. If you want to clean up the clamps, Gates makes a heat shrink clamp. Available from Sachse Rod Shop in Texas.

One more thing, Dick Z at streetrodstuff.com (former owner), suggested I put a 90º elbow on the tank outlet/water pump inlet. This let me use a hose from the auto supply that had a single 90º bend. For the other hose, I made a template from welding rod and carried it to the auto supply - looked through their stock and found a good match.

And there are a lot more ways to do this.

[Randy 57]

I have a PRC radiator in my 55..they do great work...Billet Specilities have billet alu hose ends that have tha hose clamp inside. You don't see the clamp and the billet end looks real good. They have a number of styles to pick from.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/55210chevy/IMG_2590.jpg



Damn you could eat off that engine compartment:D Beeeeeuuuuutiful

[55fazzi]

Steve,
Your engine bay is beautiful. Could you tell me please what kind (manufacturer) of alt/air/power steering bracket's you are using. Do you have a 2-pulley or 3-pulley set up? On my small block swp there doesn't look like enough room for a 3-pulley system.

And......the Billet Specialties product line is second to none IMHO.

Tom

[Late 55]

Wow! You need sunglasses to look at that motor:D

[Steve Allen]

Tom,

Sent you an answer to your questions..

[Steve Allen]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the compliments. Tried to keep it as uncluttered as possible. As the car is a driver, I wanted as much access to the engine as possible. And to all the chrome and aluminum, I just wanted to stone cold blind you when I opened the hood.:D