I am curious about the flathead radiator hose pipe kits I see advertised as well as homemade rad pipes in general. Are these just for aesthetics or is there a functional or technical reason why they are used?
To me a nice bit of stainless steel bling looks good. I run them on my T modified and they actually hold the radiator from tipping back.
I have used several of the stainless upper hose kits from Speedway over the years with no problems. Only thing I do to make sure they stay tight and don't leak is put a light coat of sealer around each pipe when I slip it into the hose for the last time.
As for function, if the pipe is close to the water neck on the head on pre-49 heads, it would help keep the thermostat from traveling up.
I got a set because my Offy head center-outlets are 2" and the 8BA rad inlets are 1.25". The tubes are 1.75". It's really easy to reduce 2 to 1.75 and 1.75 to 1.25.
I know those ribbed rubber "donkey dicks" are traditional but I prefer the look of the polished SS pipes. A little bling here and there is nice.
Do you have a photo of the other side? Like to see how that pipe is nestled between the blower and the generator. ...and about all that polished aluminum - DAMN!!!
I like the S/S look also, the problem is the Speedway kits are not meant for p/u’s…anyone know where these can be had for 1950 F1 with the flatty? I called Mid Fifty’s but they only carry the stock steel ones.
I don't use Speedway for much, I think mine came from Flathead Jack. You can purchase mandrel bent aluminum or SS on line in whatever lengths you want. I did that on my desoto hemi as radiator hoses are not exactly over the counter to fit my 40 ford radiator. I bought the pipes and made my own.
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