Good day all,

The return hose from the heater core in my '66 Toronado is just about to burst, I think. It looks pretty bulgy. I'd like to replace it but I can see there's some odd clamps securing the hose to the fittings on either end. They're like a crimp style like you would see on a CV axle seal or even a plumbing fitting.

Are these things necessary or would I be just fine using a gear clamp? Why would they use a different style clamp in this position as opposed to the regular clamps they used everywhere else?




Thanks

 

I think they used this style because they could be installed quickly on the assembly line. Just crimp them and they're done. No needing a screwdriver or something similar to tighten down each clamp on every car that went by on the line.

I think the only way to get them off is to cut them off, and, of course, they 're not reusable. I don't know if new ones are available. I'd just use a conventional screw-tighten clamp.

 

x2, cut them off with dykes or end cutters.

 

Ahh yes, that totally makes sense. I bet you're right.

Ok, sounds good folks I'll go with the regular style clamps, thx again!

 

Restoration purists replace those with original style, if you have the clamping pliers and can still get the clamps themselves.

 

Those type of clamps are still available at most plumbing shops. Oetiker makes a grunch of sizes and types. Not exactly the same brand, but the same type. Those are single ear crimp clamps. OEM could have been Dixon brand most likely. There's pinch pliers specially made for crimping those bad boys.

But yes, if you're not worried about correctness, a gear type screw clamp will work just fine in its place. In fact, GM service information recommends it for the service bay.

 

Thanks again everyone. My car isn't going to be going in any competitions any time soon so I'll just use a quality clamp. Who knows, maybe someday she'll be at that level.