1970 GS 455 Bypass Hose and Clamps

I was told at a recent show that the bypass hose on my 70 GS 455 should have a Wire Clamp on the end closest to the thermostat, and not a Wittek or Tower style hose clamp. Can anyone tell me where to get the correct Wire Clamp, that would have enough strength to seal the bypass hose correctly, and what size it should be? Also, where can I get the correct bypass hose, with correct markings, if any? Thank you, Ron

 

Brett is correct that it's not a wire clamp, it's a large squeeze clamp. The originals were black and had squared ends on the ears vs the rounded ears on the new ones that are more finger-friendly. Otherwise the same.

We've had mixed success with them sealing. Sometimes they leak, sometimes they don't. For cars we drive, we don't use them. For a show-only trailer queen then the squeeze clamps are used. Good luck.

 

Also they won’t leak if you use the correct size. 15/16” is what you want. As Brett said they were green although originals may have been black but got over sprayed red at engine plant. Now apparently they have gone back to black. I think the problem with leaking is guys are using the 1” also black. The 15/16” and 1” blacks are right next to each other in the drawers at the Hardware store. Ace Hardware is your best bet. Make sure the 1” size did not spill over into the 15/16 slot. That could be the issue. Easy to mix up or some went right to 1” causing leaks.

 

Thank you guys for all this information. I actually have the clamp in the picture. The one I have is black, and measures about 7/8". It's a 1" hose, so that should be the correct one.
Did the bypass hose have any markings/stampings on it originally, or was it just plain black?

 

Mine could actually be 15/16", I didn't check exactly, I just know it was slightly less than 1".

 

I don't know if the hoses had any markings on them but both the hose and clamps were installed on the motor before they were painted so they should be painted red.
Duane

 

Thanks Duane! I will make sure it is correct.
Ron

 

I dare you guys to paint the bypass hose red.

 

I am sure the hoses had a part number stamped on them but someone would need to come up with an original. My guess there were several style stamps like the radiator hoses.

 

These things have been on my Olds heater hoses for close to 20 years, no sealer, and they don't leak. Been on my 70 GS for 5-6 years, same deal. Like Dave said, you have to have the exact right size. At one point, you could go by color but not now. I have seen 2 differently marked NOS hoses, one with 2 yellow stripes and one with a #. As Duane mentioned, they were engine color (including the clamps). Olds, Chevy, and others did the same thing. Personally, I'm not a big fan of the spray, and over-spray look on engine parts. I've never seen anybody in the BCA, the OCA, or whatever...dock for natural parts. It's like painting your brandy new gas tank or Gardner exhaust black. But, it's your car Ron, so do what you like. But if you do that, then you better get your grinder out and grind the tangs square, too. Because somebody will notice that. Then...if you ever have to work around those clamps again, be prepared to suffer some slices in your fingertips. That's IF you can get them on w/o slicing your fingertips!

 

ID of 15/16 clamp is a hair under 7/8” the 15/16” is probably installed ID.

 

View attachment 430506 You mean like this Frank? This is an original air cleaner hose clamp with Cut Me tangs. Interesting ID on this is 15/16” but it is the 1 inch size. The air cleaner clamp is the toughest to get on I think.

 

Originals and later made also have a U inside a diamond stamped in them. The stamp can be weak on the new ones though. May need a magnifying glass on the new but it’s there.

 

"So, the clamps are red?"
Yep just like the hose.

The bottom half of the distributor vacuum tank, and of the distributor, was also red on the 70-72 cars, and I think for 69 as well. 68 distributors were not painted.

PS.
All original band clamps had pointed ends regardless of the size.

Of course that is if you really want to get crazy.
Duane

 

You mean like this.

 

I just couldn't bring myself to do that.