Awesome idea, just need some help with it!

[mrsnicks]

Okay... so... after moving, cussing, removing, and tieing my auotmatic transmission lines out of the way while I was replacing the oil pan gasket on my engine I had a great idea!!!!

rubber/hydraulic lines that follow the frame, and do a 90degree bend in front of the radiator support and plug into the radiator cooler.

Now, here comes my questions.... what type/spec of lines do i need, what type/size/thread fittings do I need to connect it all?

For the 90degree connection to the radiator would I want swivel fittings? Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks,
Patrick

[Galaxie64]

Actually the proper hoses you'd need are extremely expensive, You need to find out what the line pressure is first then you will know what hoses and fittings you can use. My guess is finding an adapter to fit the larger hose and fittings to the small radiator fittings will be the hardest part. You'll need to find a place that makes hydraulic hoses, they will be able to make the length you need and have the press that will get the fittings on right. This is all assuming there is pretty good pressure in those lines, if it isn't much then you can get away with more basic hose and clamps.

I am looking at doing this same thing with some fuel lines, they are just too much trouble to try and make metal versions.

[Ranchero50]

There's more than 30psi in there Usually I'll double flare the end of the line and use EFI fuel line and hose clamps to make the flexible section. No big deal.

You could go with -6 hydraulic stuff, but you'd have a $100 set of heavy lines for no purpose.

Jamie

[AlleyCat]

Here's something you might want to look into.Find someone who sells heavy truck parts and tell them you would like to look at Stratoflex hose and fittings.This is wire reinforced rubber hose similar to hydraulic hose but it is a bit lighter and more flexible.A big plus to Stratoflex is you don't need to crimp the fittings.Heavy trucks use this stuff for oil,fuel,coolant,air and power steering hoses.It is also used for cooler lines on the big Allison automatics.We stock rolls of it in several sizes where I work and just make up what we need as we go.Hope this helps.

[averagef250]

I've got a big roll of 3/8" low pressure oil cooler hose made by spicer. Bought it and 20 pounds of the non-crimp JIC fittings for it for $10 at auction. It's nice stuff. Don't use it much though.