VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 38 Radiator hoses

Upper hose, what is the correct diameter and length?
Is there a single hose option for the lower hose?
The Filling station suggested I try a 1941 hose for the lower.
Thanks
Michael

This is a case when my observation on my '37 does not agree with the 1941 Master Parts List. On page 25 it shows that the upper hose for '37-'39 is 1 1/2" inside diameter. That seemed large to me. I just measured the upper radiator inlet on my car and it is 1 1/4". The thermostat outlet is the same size. I am very confident that those are correct parts on my car..

The 1941 Parts List shows that the upper hose is 5" long. The hose on my '37 is about 5 1/2" long. It is a "reproduction" hose (1 1/4" ID) with the GM logo on it that I ordered from Chev of the 40's many years ago. I agree that it is a little tricky to install. It would definitely be easier to install if it were a little shorter. On the other hand the overlap between the outlets and the hose would be reduced. My inlet hose dimensions match those shown in the 1954 Master Parts List , page 121

I cannot offer any guidance with respect to a one piece hose for the lower radiator outlet to water pump connection. I do not think that 1941 used a one-piece lower hose. I will confirm that it is 1 1/2' ID hose. If you use the steel elbow the connecting hoses are straight pieces. If you can find a molded one piece hose that will fit, make sure it is stiff enough that it will not collapse under suction. Or get a hose that has a coil spring inside it.

I just ordered the 1 1/4” upper truck hose with the GM script.
Thank you

The upper hose for all engines up through 1941 was a straight hose 1 1/4". Chevrolet supplied straight hoses in 3 foot length and you were to cut as required. From 1942-1954 the same curvedhose was made and used in production and the longer straight section was cut as needed. 1955 and upu used 1 1/2" hose - curved.

The original lower hose was 1 1/2" diameter and a curved metal pipe and two short pieces of straight rubber hose connectted all and used in production up through mid 1949. Then in mid 1949 a moulded one piece lower hose was used.
Some manufactore made one piece mould curved lower hoses for 1942-1948 models.

The original hoses for 1937-1938 models did not have the Chevroet or GM stenciled on it.

If your hose is too long you simply cut it shorter as needed.

Wow, both Chevsofthe40s and Filling Station do not have an upper hose. I’ll try Napa auto next

Do not mention 1938 Chevrolet just call NAPA or ??? and ask if they stock 1 1/4" radiator hose.

Chevs of the 40s list it but you havr to purchase a 3 foot length for 36.00
Same for the FS It would be cheaper to buya 1942-1954 upper hose and cut of 5 5/8 of the straight section.,,,,for $10

For the lower buy a metal elbow and two hunks of straight hose or buy the 1941-48 one piece hose and cut as necessary.

For the curved lower hose, I have asked to wander the hose aisle at the local parts store and found something that worked good. Straight hose has gotten really expensive. I was shocked, awhile back when I had to buy some for a project. I have some old stock, 1-1/4" straight hose in 9"(?) pieces, and the lower metal elbow (1-1/2"), if it helps.

Mike

I've found that Gates #21794 radiator hose will work for 37-38 Chevy cars (likely several other years also).

This hose has many applications in the 1960s-1970s and is often stocked at local parts stores.

One end of the hose needs to be cut shorter to fit but it will replace the two hoses and metal elbow originally used in early 216 applications.

Tom