Aftermarket radiator with larger upper outlet - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Budget63 · 03-29-2018, 02:33 AM

Hey guys,

I know my factory radiator had an 1 1/2" upper outlet, but my replacement has a 1 3/4" outlet. I've searched my local NAPA and O'Reilly's in search of a hose 25" in length with one end sized at 1 1/2" and one at 1 3/4". No luck so far. I would prefer to go with a rubber hose and not a "custom" chrome ribbed style hose. Has anyone else found their replacement radiator to have a larger upper hose outlet, and if so, what hose did you use? I searched the forum and didn't see this discussed.

Thanks for any input guys!

vin63 · 03-29-2018, 10:21 AM

I used a reducer for my radiator top hose similar to this one. I fabricate hard lines for my hot rod radiator hoses, but you can do a short splice at the reducer, and then run a regular rubber top hose to the thermostat housing.

andyh1956 · 03-29-2018, 01:17 PM

The parts house (NAPA) have Adapter sleeves that you can slip over the thermostat snout & then a larger hose over that.

**The Rocknrod** · 03-29-2018, 03:42 PM

Not to throw a wrench in the process, but you cant return the radiator?

grubsster · 03-29-2018, 08:28 PM

I went to the part store with my old hose and matched one up. I don't have the part number but it wasn't hard to find.

Budget63 · 03-30-2018, 12:48 PM

I will look into the reducer sleeves this weekend, thanks for the idea! I'm not able to return the radiator unfortunately.

03-29-2018, 02:33 AM	#1
Budget63 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Bremerton WA Posts: 125	Aftermarket radiator with larger upper outlet Hey guys, I know my factory radiator had an 1 1/2" upper outlet, but my replacement has a 1 3/4" outlet. I've searched my local NAPA and O'Reilly's in search of a hose 25" in length with one end sized at 1 1/2" and one at 1 3/4". No luck so far. I would prefer to go with a rubber hose and not a "custom" chrome ribbed style hose. Has anyone else found their replacement radiator to have a larger upper hose outlet, and if so, what hose did you use? I searched the forum and didn't see this discussed. Thanks for any input guys!

03-29-2018, 10:21 AM	#2
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,261	Re: Aftermarket radiator with larger upper outlet I used a reducer for my radiator top hose similar to this one. I fabricate hard lines for my hot rod radiator hoses, but you can do a short splice at the reducer, and then run a regular rubber top hose to the thermostat housing. Attached Images __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes Last edited by vin63; 03-29-2018 at 04:01 PM.

03-29-2018, 01:17 PM	#3
andyh1956 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: thomastown mississippi Posts: 1,261	Re: Aftermarket radiator with larger upper outlet The parts house (NAPA) have Adapter sleeves that you can slip over the thermostat snout & then a larger hose over that.

03-29-2018, 03:42 PM	#4
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Aftermarket radiator with larger upper outlet Not to throw a wrench in the process, but you cant return the radiator? __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

03-29-2018, 08:28 PM	#5
grubsster Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: N.C. Posts: 133	Re: Aftermarket radiator with larger upper outlet I went to the part store with my old hose and matched one up. I don't have the part number but it wasn't hard to find.

03-30-2018, 12:48 PM	#6
Budget63 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Bremerton WA Posts: 125	Re: Aftermarket radiator with larger upper outlet I will look into the reducer sleeves this weekend, thanks for the idea! I'm not able to return the radiator unfortunately.



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