I have heard that the lower radiator hose should contain a spring inside it to keep it from being pinched shut during high rpm driving(cruising and above) It's on a 69 bbc car.

I checked mine recently and it is not there. As summer is approaching I'd like to handle it this year as over heating is never fun.

So the question is where do i obtain this spring?

they come in any replacement hose. problem is they usually corrode and add rust to your system. I have a "factory stamp" repro lower hose on my 67ss. last year when I was doing some work I pulled the one out that came in it because of all of the rust. went to the autozone and bought a cheap replacement hose and pulled the spring out of it and put in my old one. it too was not stainless....I do think it is necessary....

we dont need no stinkin springs

Lower hoses used to come with a spring installed. About 8 years ago, I bought a new Gates brand hose for my Plymouth. I noticed that there was no spring. I contacted Gates tech support and they informed that I was correct--no spring. They don't use the spring anymore, because it isn't needed; probably because of different construction and materials from the "old days". I did install the old rusty spring from my used radiator hose, but it wouldn't bother me in the least to install one without a spring. I figure that a large and reputable company like whoever makes Gates products knows what they are doing.

My $0.02

I figure that a large and reputable company like whoever makes Gates products knows what they are doing.
My $0.02

l:)l:)l:)l:) That's funny right there.

The engineers do know what they're doing (usually). BUT the marketing dept tells the accounting dept that the stockholders want to see more return on their $$, so accounting tells production to cut costs, then the spring gets pulled with the disclaimer "they don't really need that." :sad::sad:
BillL

l:)l:)l:)l:) That's funny right there.

The engineers do know what they're doing (usually). BUT the marketing dept tells the accounting dept that the stockholders want to see more return on their $$, so accounting tells production to cut costs, then the spring gets pulled with the disclaimer "they don't really need that." :sad::sad:
BillL

Yeah; them greedy stockholders want a return on their investment. My brother draws a good retirement pension from his union plan. He rails about them greedy corporations and their greedy stockholders. I told him he's a stockholder too, in a way. retirement fund, invested in treasuries only, ain't gonna pay off for very long.

until it starts collapsing, i don't run one.

there should be a company that makes springs for hoses. i havent seen springs at any parts store, for their hoses.

Hmm Ill try some parts stores when i get a shot.

I question alot of why GM did things a certain way but I figure if it wasn't needed they wouldn't have come with them. Think about it, if they could save a nickel on each car by leaving it out they would have done it.

Hmm Ill try some parts stores when i get a shot.

I question alot of why GM did things a certain way but I figure if it wasn't needed they wouldn't have come with them. Think about it, if they could save a nickel on each car by leaving it out they would have done it.

Your thinkin's on the right track, but you're neglecting to consider that "...did things a certain way..." was more than forty years ago. I was drivin' my '65 El Camino every day back then, and I can tell 'ya that lots has changed; mostly for the better...

My $0.02

Indeed, I certainly do see where you're coming from.

But i want my spring lol :D
It's cheap and can't hurt.
With any luck it will solve my cooling woes. lol