Radiator Hoses

My 1978 Cj 258 had an aluminum radiator already installed when I bought it. I'm replacing the water pump and want to replace the hoses. I can't go by the factory hose spec's because of the updated radiator. Previous owner/owners custom cut a couple rubber hoses that need replacing now. My question is has anyone ever used stainless steel flex hose before. I found this online but I've never even seen it before never mind using it. Here's the link1971 - 1986 Jeep CJ 48 Stainless Steel SS Radiator Hoses Kit (Fits: 1978 Jeep CJ5 Renegade 4.2L)
Thanks

 

I used the SS hose on my 3A build. Seemed to work fine. No issues easy to install.

 

I had to go this route when i installed my aluminum radiator. I did some research and lots of measuring. I used 2 different hoses with the angles I needed and spliced them together with an internal hose sleeve. worked out well. It was for the lower hose (V6). So I keep the numbers for future reference. There was no way for the flexible type hose to clear the oil filter.

 

Possible the stainless hose will work fine. The appearance does not appeal to me, but it may be what you like.

For $80 plus I think I could spend some time looking for rubber hoses that will fit. Maybe your local FLAPS will let you browse through their collection of replacement hoses. If they still have paper books, there should be a pictorial listing of the stocking numbers. It is also possble to splice two molded hoses together with a piece of tubing to get the shape you need. Standard hot rod stuff.

 

Thanks, I wasn’t sure how it would look either. Do you have any pics Jackdog?

 

I'd get something bendable, like a coat hangar, mock up what you need the hose to look like then go to you local NAPA or whoever and ask to look though their hose collection like @timgr suggested. should be able to find something using your coat hangar mockup.

 

I've always shied away from those corrugated hoses because of the potential adverse flow restriction. For my 3B project I just went through the Gates catalog and found likely candidates followed by a trip to the FLAPS. I needed to do some trimming but found very suitable hoses for both the upper and lower. I then covered them with nylon hydraulic hose sleeves for protection. With the Gates numbers, it is easy to replace them. You can sort of see the upper in this photo-probably 15 years back while it was still carburetored.

 

Thanks, Wow! That is a work of art under your hood.