What options have you all found for the flexible defrost hoses under the dash? The ones that connect from the splitter to the dash vents? These are 2.5" inner diameter, originall with wire coil and cloth construction.

Apparently the Gates 23840 is now obsolete and the Dorman 96004 seems to be about the only thing I've found. Hoping to source something locally in Canada rather than paying an outrageous amount for 18" of hose. (What should be a $10 part turning into $75 in the blink of an eye...crazy!)

 

As best as I can remember, I bought a hose on eBay. Also try the aftermarket Oldsmobile suppliers. I hope this helps.

 

Just today I saw them listed on EBay !!

 

Not intending to hijack your thread. Moderators are feel free to relocate as necessary. How do you get the wire on the female hose outlet over the male plastic outlet? Thank you.

 

So i did a quick search and the following O'reilly auto parts stores have the gates hose in stock (about 3 feet worth in each store).
Not sure where on Vancouver island you are located but if you were close to these locations maybe it would be worth going there.
That is if you can do border crossings.
maybe you know someone in one of those locations that can buy it for you and then ship it to you.

Gates 2-1/2 Inch I.D. Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) Air Intake Hose
Part # 23840 Line #: GAT
$11.99 per foot

7815 204th St Ne
Arlington, WA 98223
In Stock
Ready in 1 hour
Open until 9 PM
16816 Smokey Point Blvd
Arlington, WA 98223
In Stock
Ready in 1 hour
Open until 9 PM
1273 State Avenue
Marysville, WA 98270
In Stock
Ready in 1 hour
Open until 9 PM
11014 19th Ave Se Ste 14
Everett, WA 98208
In Stock
Ready in 1 hour

 

X2 on the Gates# 23840!

 

I appreciate the effort, thanks! Border crossings involve multiple hour/many dollar ferry crossings so not really an option for this sort of thing. I called the major chains on the island that are within reasonable distance and none had the Gates...one has the Dorman but it's over 2 hours round trip and the cost of gas will wipe out any savings over buying from Rock Auto.

Here's some ridiculous nonsense to digest...and reinforce the need to shop around (all prices Cdn)

Tubing at local store - $10 plus 12% tax. Add 2 hours driving and $30-40 gas = $50 and a headache.
Rock Auto - $20 plus $2.24 tax plus $19.47 shipping = $47.21 to my doorstep and no headache
Amazon.ca with Prime account - $61.64 plus $7.40 tax = $69. FREE SHIPPING...right, my patootie.

The bright side is that I don't need it immediately, I can wait a bit. Now I just need more reasons to head to town and make the trip worthwhile!

 

On an original hose or the replacement? My original hose is deteriorating with the wire breaking free from the cloth and slightly out of round. One end fits over easily but the other end just keeps breaking apart trying to fit it over.