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EXPANSION TANK BRACKET '72 454 w/AC -- A STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES TO OEM
Greetings Fellow LS5ers,
While searching for reasonably-priced used/NOS/OEM replacements for the missing expansion tank brackets on my '72 LS5 coupe w/AC (see photo), I started thinking that there must be some decent-looking lower-cost alternative solutions already out there. I happened upon a promising lead -- specifically, the remote mounting brackets for add-on dashboard gauges. Turns out the diameter of an XP tank [3-9/16 in.] is pretty darn close to that of a standard 3-1/2 in. gauge, and there are many brackets commercially available to mount add-on gauges. I chose two candidates to try out on my tank: first is AutoMeter's #3209 Strap Shock Kit that I found used on Amazon (see photo below); the other is a JB Sporty #3000705 Harley Sportster Speedometer Side Mount Gauge Bracket, also from Amazon. Both look sturdy but simple with strap configuration similar to OEM; they differ from one another in the number and orientation of mounting screws. It remains to be seen how well (if at all) they conform to the existing holes in the car's wheelwell. My pre-test preference is the JB Sporty, but only time will tell.
The AutoMeter arrived today, so I clamped to the tank and took a couple of photos, attached further below. The fit is promising; mounting feasibility is yet TBD. Will update once the other bracket is delivered.
Any thoughts or ideas from readers will be much appreciated. Other possible solutions, too!
I need some help from you guys on how to proceed with what should be a pretty simple task on my '72 LS5 w/AC: installing lower hose pieces between stock 454 radiator and stock 454 water pump. I bought 3 parts from Corvette Central (front lower hose, rear lower hose and metal connector tube), but found inconsistencies when comparing the CC parts with those depicted in the Corvette Assembly Manual (CAM) drawing. I went back and forth a few times with the customer service contact at CC, but I think he got tired of hearing from me with all the rookie questions. I fiddled around unsuccessfully in the engine bay ... so, here I am, sheepishly seeking advice/assistance from more experienced experts. I hope the attached illustration helps to explain my confusion, specifically...
1. CC front hose is straight; CAM Item #1 is curved.
2. CC coupler is curved; CAM Item #3 is straight. Beyond that, it’s unclear which end connects to the rear hose.
3. CC rear hose has short and long segments, so which end connects to the water pump?
I look forward to hearing from someone on this. Thanks in advance for any replies!
I just walked out and looked at my 71 (originally an LS5 454 w/ac) and the lower 3 piece hose assembly looks like the parts you have received. I do need to mention that I no longer have a factory water pump or radiator, but the factory parts were installed at one time with these lower hose components. The short hose that attaches to the radiator is straight. The metal tube is curved and the curved end is oriented towards the radiator. I would say, the short side of the curved hose goes toward the water pump. You may or may not need to trim-to-fit the length to the metal pipe. The curved hose on mine is more of a shallow bend, not quite a full 90 degrees. HTH.
03-14-2021, 04:56 PM
EXPANSION TANK BRACKET '72 454 w/AC -- A STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES TO OEM
