Hi All, So I have a SBF in my '32 Ford Roadster. I replaced the old radiator recently, which was 25" tall, and probably from a '28 or 29 Ford, with a '32 Radiator which is 26.5" tall and fills out the '32 grill much better. It has a center top inlet. The old upper and lower radiator hoses did not have any part number on them, and I'm having a hard time finding hoses that will fit. I've been to most of the auto part stores, and a few even let me go through their inventory to try and match something with no luck. I'm not looking for an exact match, but if anyone has a similar setup and can tell me the upper and lower radiator part number so I can use it as a starting point, I'd much appreciate it. I'd rather not get a universal hose. Thanks,
It has been mentioned on previous threads that air cooled Volkswagen beetles have a flexible foil type ducting tube that you can bend to mimic the radiator hose you need. It holds its shape well and and is roughly the same size as typical rad hose and is cheap. You just get the shape and angles you need and take it to a competent parts place for a match up. I have done the same thing with a flexible metal rod- like a coat hanger to get the general shape. Usually I find a hose that needs some of the ends trimmed off - but end up with the piece I need
I wish you luck. I had a 350 in a Model A that needed a lower hose that twisted right and down in a very short distance. The old hose clearly had been cut form something larger. I spent hours in multiple auto parts stores looking at hoses hanging from the ceilings. Never found a match. Ended up with a Cool-flex type hose that bent to shape and was installed in less than 15 minutes. Sometimes you have to make a compromise.
My father has a 302 in his 1932 Ford coupe. We used the following radiator hoses: Upper Radiator Hose: Gates 21794 Lower Radiator Hose: Gates 20608 We searched a long time for hoses that would work. I hope this will help you out.
The Jalopy Journal
