'72 LS-5 Upper radiator hose

[Tom L.]

I bought this hose over the weekend. According to the seller and the part# it is a '72 big block upper hose. It's in pretty good shape but what struck me was not only the condition of the rubber but the condition of the stamp itself. I have a repro from paragon on my car now and the orientation of the "GM", part number and letter codes are not the same. Is the hose pictured a service piece, repro or original. Thanks for the input!!

IMG_2252.jpgIMG_2256.jpgIMG_2254.jpg

[Terry M.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Upper radiator hose

It could be a factory installed hose or a service replacement. I doubt there is any way to be sure which. However the way it is bulged near the clamp on the left side in the third picture makes me think there is good reason it was replaced.

[Joe L.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Upper radiator hose

I bought this hose over the weekend. According to the seller and the part# it is a '72 big block upper hose. It's in pretty good shape but what struck me was not only the condition of the rubber but the condition of the stamp itself. I have a repro from paragon on my car now and the orientation of the "GM", part number and letter codes are not the same. Is the hose pictured a service piece, repro or original. Thanks for the input!!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]65119[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]65121[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]65120[/ATTACH]

Tom------

As Terry said, there really is no way to tell its origin. I highly doubt that stamping was consistent on all of these hoses, PRODUCTION or SERVICE.

In any event, in the case of this hose, I would not use it on a bet. If your interest is simply "historical", that's another story. However, as I say, it's not possible to be certain of its origin.

[Edward J.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Upper radiator hose

Tom just look inside the hose and check for dry rot, they will split open with age, as the guys above eluded to.

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Upper radiator hose

Never looked inside, not a bad thought. I just took it with the bunch of parts I bought, I almost left it since it was bulging but the stamp was real good. I have to wonder about those that get judged, is it worthwhile to put a hose like this for a day just for judging? The thing isn't popped, I'd imagine a short run wouldn't kill it.

[Terry M.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Upper radiator hose

Never looked inside, not a bad thought. I just took it with the bunch of parts I bought, I almost left it since it was bulging but the stamp was real good. I have to wonder about those that get judged, is it worthwhile to put a hose like this for a day just for judging? The thing isn't popped, I'd imagine a short run wouldn't kill it.

"Do you feel lucky, Punk!"