Hello, I have a 1954 Olds Holiday 98. I need to replace a hydraulic hose to the drivers side front window. I can have one made up at my local NAPA store, but the type of hose they use is very thick and seems as though it might not fit in the small space behind the kick panel. Does anyone make these hoses? I have searched everywhere and haven't been able to find any resources. Surely I am not the only one that has ever needed to replace one of these hoses. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

How big is the hose? would a brake hose work? I have no idea...sorry

 

Just another thought, NAPA makes hydraulic hoses, or perhaps a farm implement company. Lots of companies around that make hydraulic hoses, check yellow pages in your area, or google it.

 

news to me. All Oldsmobile power windows are electric that I know of

 

These windows are hydraulic operated, and the system is original to the car. The car has an electric pump with hydraulic reservoir located inside the driver side fender, accessed through a plate which is screwed to the inner fender well. several years ago, I purchased all new hydraulic cylinders, one for each window, from Fusick. Now I've developed a leak in the hose that runs in conjunction with the door hinge. Fusick does not carry this hose, as don't the many other suppliers that I've tried. the rest of the plumbing between the hoses are all hard lines. I know NAPA can make a hose, but they use a heavy duty hose which is very thick, much thicker than the original hose. I think the NAPA made hose has too large an outer diameter –about 5/8" or 11/16" OD– to fit in the cramped space provided. The hose should be the size of a brake hose, but I don't think an actual brake hose is made of the proper material for such a high pressure that the electric pump provides. I think I will take the advice above from steverw, and check applications supplied through a farm supply company. Thanks

 

I work for an agriculture dealer. There are many hose companies I.E. Farmex, Dayco etc. You should go to a Parker dealer, they should have different I.d. to o.d. sizes!

Pat

 

Brake hose pressure is very high. Another possibility is a company that makes hyd lines for convertible tops. How much pressure is there?

 

Imagine SLAMMING on your brakes, I would think brake hoses are capable of more pressure than the old hydraulic window hoses. I don't know for sure. What size are the fittings on your old hoses, you may need them having some new hoses made. If there the same as brake hoses I say there your fix.

 

The only possible source would be Hydro-E-Lectric. They sell the window cylinders. They don't list the hoses on their website, but try contacting them.

 

If you are trying to cobble it together, I would agree that brake line hose may be the thing. You would need to scope out the available brake hoses, to get the cheapest one you could that was the right length, because you're going to be cutting off the ends anyway, then get NAPA to swage your old hose fittings onto the new hose.
Brake hose should work fine. Brakes work at over a thousand psi, those hydraulic window (and power top) pumps operate at much lower pressures.

- Eric

 

I don't know if they have the hoses either but that's exactly who I was going to recommend. If they don't have it, I'm not sure who would.
http://www.hydroe.com/

 

It's not just about how much pressure the hose can hold, it's also about material compatibility, ie. can the hose handle the hydraulic oil and not break down. Brake fluid is pretty corrosive though so I'd be surprised if it would react badly to hydraulic oil.

I agree to go to a place that sells hose. I bet many places have what you need and can just fab it up for you. Just bring in the old hose and tell them what you're using it for so it's done right.

 

Have you tried this source http://www.hydroe.com/