1966 powerglide transmission cooler hoses

[Russ S.]

I ordered new cooler line hoses from Long Island Corvette for my 66 327 auto and when they came are very incorrect in that they are .100 smaller OD so my original clamps won't tighten up and although they have GM with the square box outline for markings and look nice these markings are also incorrect as per my original dated hoses. I called LI and got the inpatient lady that always answers the phone and she said they had no interest in the original hoses as they don't sell enough of them which I do understand.

My question is, does any one know if hose stock is available made by "swan"? My markings are: SWAN P/S RETURN 3-65 Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Russ S.]

Re: 1966 powerglide transmission cooler hoses

Update. I just googled Swan hose and talked to the Swan company that now makes Swan garden hose. She told me they are the company that made the rubber power steering hoses years ago but that part of the company is out of business. Bummer

[Joe L.]

Re: 1966 powerglide transmission cooler hoses

Update. I just googled Swan hose and talked to the Swan company that now makes Swan garden hose. She told me they are the company that made the rubber power steering hoses years ago but that part of the company is out of business. Bummer

Russ------


The original transmission cooler hoses were actually power steering return hose. Once-upon-a-time this hose was available in SERVICE under the same part number as PRODUCTION, GM #3773678. However, that was discontinued from SERVICE (but not PRODUCTION) in January, 1965 and replaced, over the years, by a succession of other part numbers.

What I expect has happened is that, over the years, as hose manufacturing technology and materials have evolved, the OD of hoses of any particular ID size has changed, maybe several times.

Would it be possible to have hose manufactured of the original OD size and configuration? It probably would be but the manufacturer would probably want a minimum order in the thousands of feet, if not ten thousands of feet. Not practical, at all.

By the way, the last iteration in the "descendance" of the hose is GM #9438373 and it's still available. It GM lists for almost 90 bucks, though. Will it be the same OD as the original hose? I doubt it.