Topic: Lower radiator hose clamp

[ChrisV289]

What would/should be the correct orientation be of the hose clamp on the radiator hose at the radiator itself? Should the tower be facing up, down, angled, or side ways? Would someone have been tightening it from the top or from the bottom of the car? I'm sure it doesn't matter but thought I would ask. For GTOAA they do actually take off points if they don't face the right way.

[J_Speegle]

Guessing this is a 65 San Jose car your looking for the answer too.

If so here is a period picture - not very clear but its the only one from 65 that I have

Looks to be down and angled towards the center of the car

[ChrisV289]

Thanks Jeff!

[MattDoscher]

That's REALLY nitpicky if you get deducted for the clamp not facing the right way!

[jwc66k]

I would think that the hoses were attached to the engine when it was installed and that both hose to radiator installations (radiator clamp preinstalled on hose?) were done by one worker from the top. The orientation would be more or less up, with a possible "orientation" to the right on V-8 engines to clear an optional fan shroud. An I-6 would be "oriented" to the left for the same reason.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

That's REALLY nitpicky if you get deducted for the clamp not facing the right way!

It's kind of like the gas filler hose clamp orientation.  Should be a certain way for a reason.

[Hipo giddyup]

+1 to Jim's response on the hoses already being attached. I remember seeing an engine drop photo of an early Mustang and finally found it. In this photo the radiator hoses were on the engine before the drop but I'm not seeing any clamps. Of course not sure which plant and I'm guessing techniques could easily be different.
 The second pic is from the Martha and the Vandellas video of I believe Dearborn, which in this case is incorrect but again, no clamps on the hoses while being installed..

My 2 cents.. I prefer facing down towards center (4 o'clock position) as Jeff said as this is away from the fan blade, any shroud, and actually easier to tighten up for me. 

[CharlesTurner]

The first pic is San Jose and it is one of several pics taken during the mock runs to test out the assembly procedure.  It's probably not a great reference item since it's not during 'real' production.  Note there are no other cars on the line...

Facing down is more logical and most likely done by a worker in the pit.

[jwc66k]

Facing down is more logical and most likely done by a worker in the pit.

Two separate, similar operations preformed on an assembly line by two different workers is not logical. Oh wait, it's a union shop.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

+1 to Jim's response on the hoses already being attached. I remember seeing an engine drop photo of an early Mustang and finally found it. In this photo the radiator hoses were on the engine before the drop but I'm not seeing any clamps. ............o

That not a picture of the "real" assembly"  We've discussed that set of pictures over in the other section of the site and it appears that that is a pictures of the setting up and testing of the line prior to the start of production. Would not be surprising that by the 20th time through the process with the same body workers skipped a few details here or there especially if they were only testing major points or problem areas as they worked out timing and positioning

Take a look at the 68 engine drop pictures - there is that small block engine installation that used the tower clamps- for later cars or 66 San Jose on examples with the stapled hose clamps there was not an option. Clamps had to be installed with the hose and it could only be positioned in one direction since they were stapled on to the hose

[J_Speegle]

That's REALLY nitpicky if you get deducted for the clamp not facing the right way!

Happens all the time - But your comment does bring up an opportunity to post something I've been waiting to post.  Will do that in the next day or so