Brettmc

Dude at NAPA said they don't put coils in lower rad hoses anymore so that's why the one I was going to buy didn't have one inside. I was thinking he doesn't know what he's talking about so I didn't buy it. So, it does need a coil, right?

Brett :thumbs:

A2Shark

Yes, it needs a coil. Only the cheap ones come without it. I would suggest getting the GM part for this - you know it will be right.

Brian

comp

the new formed hose's are a lot better stuff.. i kinda like knowing the wire
is in there to keep hose from collapsing.... i haven't had one do it that didn't
need replaced .. so it's back to time and mileage of hose's and belts and if
you don't know replace :thumbs:

myoriginal77

Hello, I agree you need the coil. those hoses get spongy when they flex alot and the coil keeps them from collapsing. I think Car Quest auto parts still has the ones with the coil. they are a parts house near Chicago. If you can't find one let me know and I'll check with them and send you one.

markdtn

NAPA, CarQuest, and O'Reilleys all carry Gates.

R. Bruno

I ran into the same problem, only chepa hoses without coils and was told the same thing by Kragen (which is pretty much the bottom of the barrel IMHO). So I ordered a Goodyear hose from them that was around $25 :eek: and still no coil! I ended up cutting the coil out of the old and putting it into the Goodyear. It was a little bent up from jamming it in, but it has worked without any problem.

Brettmc

Gonna check o'reilley after work today.

Brett :thumbs:

joe73vette

I had the NAPA owner call his Goodyear rep and they said the new hose material doesn't soften with age, and they only use a coil in the larger diameter hoses. Joe

killain

Get a GM part with the coil in it. :yesnod:

rob75383

If you're looking to keep it original, then by all means, go with the GM replacement as others have suggested.

If you're interested in aftermarket items, I'd like to suggest you get a SS hose kit from Summit or whomever. I bought the Summit SS corrugated black powdercoated hose, with the aluminum covers. It was a little over $100 bucks.
It is a little complicated to install at first, but I like the look, and reliability of the SS hose. I've had them on for more than 3yrs. without any problems.

RATT7

I looked all around for a lower rad hose with the spring coil in it and was unable to find it - If you buy a new hose you wont need it but over time the hose will get soft very fast and it could be a problem - I called GM and the replacement hose did not have the spring in it - I ordered the correct hose from ZIP - I would have went for a hose with out the spring, but changing that lower rad hose on the 1980 is a pain in the neck :)

Brettmc

So, the ZIP hose has the coil inside?

Brett :thumbs:

cardo0

Just for your info Brett, I had to trim my lower hose by almost 3" to fit without kinks or flat spots . I used a cheapo Pep Boys hose (no spring) - because I'm cheap. :D After a dozen trial fits I realized that triming was needed. :yesnod: Cut over 2&1/2" and could have cut 3".
Sprayed a little water on hose and radiator fitting each time and it really helped to slid things along. :yesnod:

motown 71

I went with one of those stainless steel flex hoses for both top and bottom rad. thery are a bit $$ but will last forever and sure look great !!

henderjl

I bought a lower hose from NAPA that had no spring for my big block '71. I have driven it in 100 degree weather and had no problem. I cruise at 3500 rpm and no cooling problems. I don't think the coil is needed.

Brettmc

I got upper and lower Gates hoses from O'Reilly last weekend....lower has no spring in it. I hope mine works as well as yours.

Brett :thumbs:

TLChydraulics

I just put a new lower hose on my 76.... it didn't come with a coil either, and my old coil was so corroded and nasty I didn't want to use it. I also trimmed my hose about 1 1/2" to make a nice fit. I guess I'll keep a watchful eye on it, but so far it seems fine, of course its only 3 weeks old.

:cheers:

Loren

Love My 72 and 77

I bought my lower bb hose from Ecklers No spring- if i can remember GM couldnt get it