I have a 1956 with A/C and I just had the radiator re-cored. I ordered four allegedly correct two wire clamps, and discovered the lower clamps are smaller than the uppers on what I ordered. I don't understand why the difference in size of the clamps from upper and lower. I think the smaller lower clamp is incorrect, but I need input. What size should the hoses be (diameter not length) for a 1956. I can find nothing in the parts manual, service bulletins, service manual, that tells me what the diameter of these hoses should be. The external diameter on my water pump outlet is 1 13/16" and the lower input external diameter is 1 13/16". The NAPA radiator hoses are 2" internal diameter--is this too big?
Thank you for answering all my dumb questions.
Jim Greene
Jim that should be fine I think.
Curious, how much for the recore and where are you located? I have a 56 rad that needs to be recored.
Rob,
I took the radiator to Ace Radiator in South San Diego. The number is 619-233-8811. I would still like to find the correct size diameter of hose. These seem much too large.
Thx
Jim Greene
John,
Thank you for your response. At this point the wire clamps are on the car, so I won't change them out right now. However, who has the original style band clamps? Are they just like the band clamps you buy today at NAPA? Also, the correct interior diameter for '56 Cad hoses is 1/ 3/4"
Thank you
Jim Greene
I looked up the part number for radiator clamps for 1956 Cads in my '59 Master Parts list, and my '56 Master Parts list, and they both show the same part number. Maybe they left the part number the same, I am not sure.
Jim Greene
Keep in mind the Master Parts Book is not the best source for original parts identification, If a part is out of stock the parts book will list a replacement part that will work, not necessarily an original part. This would be especially true if the book is several years newer than the car in question.
Case in point: The 1970 Master parts book lists "clamp, hose" in group 1.166. "1949-1970 all", #1488452. Clamp, worm type adj. 1 1/2 - 2 1/2" range. (4) per car. As many will attest, judges won't accept this on many cars even though Cadillac numbered them, packaged them, and sold them for the stated purpose. Many other worm- types are listed similarly back 'to 46 or '49. Joe Gibeault