What Lower Radiator Hose do Forum Members Use for 1971 Imperial Lebarons?

[saforwardlook]

I have not been able to find a molded lower radiator hose that actually fits on my 1971 Imperials from any source - many are claimed to fit my cars but none actually works. The ones I have tried will either interfere with the power steering pump or block the oil filter installation. Any success among our members with this model?

Thanks

 

[ceebuddy]

I installed a Continental 60709 on my 1971 Imperial and it fit well. But that was in 2006, so I have no clue whether the product quality is still the same.

The Gates 20623 is stated as fitting this model, too. But I haven't tried it, I just think Gates is a good manufacturer.

Generally speaking, the hose has the same shape as on all other 1969 - 1972 Chrylsers with big block engines, however the straight part that connects to the radiator is longer because the radiator is farther away from the engine than on Chryslers. If you got sold a Chrysler hose (e. g. a Gates 20663) it probably wouldn't fit at all or at least wouldn't fit well.

 

[Imperial Pete]

Steve I have the Gates 20623 on my 71, fits fine

 

[GOLDMYN]

reminder, don't forget to put the metal spring in the bottom hose. prevents collapse OR use Gates 26502 hose.

 

[furious70]

Incidentally I have found several c body (probably b/e as well) lower hoses now really block the oil filter. Why anyone would change the shape I don't know but the same pn from same vendor now doesn't fit

 

[saforwardlook]

Thanks folks for all the comments. It looks like I will go with the @ceebuddy and @Imperial Pete recommendations based on results with the latter's 1971 Imperial with sunroof that is beautifully restored to what looks to me like better than new. I was only able to find the Gates 20623 from one source and ordered a few of them - now I wait for the confirmation tomorrow that the parts are really in stock and they will go through with the order. I also appreciate @ceebuddy's recommendation to try to find the Continental hose but was unable to find it available anywhere. I also always add a spring to the lower hoses consistent with @GOLDMYN's recommendation as well.

All the responses in this thread are much appreciated.

Steve

 

[saforwardlook]

Thanks folks for all the comments. It looks like I will go with the @ceebuddy and @Imperial Pete recommendations based on results with the latter's 1971 Imperial with sunroof that is beautifully restored to what looks to me like better than new. I was only able to find the Gates 20623 from one source and ordered a few of them - now I wait for the confirmation tomorrow that the parts are really in stock and they will go through with the order. I also appreciate @ceebuddy's recommendation to try to find the Continental hose but was unable to find it available anywhere. I also always add a spring to the lower hoses consistent with @GOLDMYN's recommendation as well.

All the responses in this thread are much appreciated.

Steve

Well, after a couple days of searching it appears none of the options for a molded hose has yielded results - all the Gates and other options have failed to yield the proper hose - like they have all been gone for some time now. I did find one of the Gates 20623 hoses but the seller wanted a ridiculous price for it, but it was the only one I could find. It hasn't been reproduced now for many years and there are no plans from Gates to ever make them again (I called them about such an effort but they replied they had to have a promised $35K in income from such a venture to make it happen) which isn't likely or could one even estimate such a return. AC Delco has one hose that apparently is claimed to fit and from the photo looks like it would but that hose is also non-obtainable.

I also searched for some NOS original ones from the usual such vendors but none was available, but that was also when I learned that the replacement such hose available from Chrysler from the very beginning was, shockingly, a flexible wire ringed hose! That shocked me and helps explain why so few original molded hose options even exist anymore. So I guess I could go that route and when I get complaints from on lookers, I can tell them its just like Chrysler would have provided when one was ordered after the car left the factory.................... So be it.................