Tower style hose clamps on radiator hoses

[Mike Shally]

I have the original upper and lower radiator hoses and my early small block radiator hoses had tower style clamps not the band style that Marty is providing.
The ink stamp is also different : top line = FoMoCo A Y  second line C8AE 8260A
It would appear that there are running changes with many parts during 1968.
Anyone have any other observations?
Will post photo later.

[Bob Gaines]

I have the original upper and lower radiator hoses and my early small block radiator hoses had tower style clamps not the band style that Marty is providing.
The ink stamp is also different : top line = FoMoCo A Y  second line C8AE 8260A
It would appear that there are running changes with many parts during 1968.
Anyone have any other observations?
Will post photo later.

Typically the small block radiator hoses had changed to the wire type part way through 66 production .I am not disputing your claim but have to think it is more of a anomaly during that widow in time given 66,67, 69,70 Shelby and at least a majority of 68 GT350 used the wire type.   

[Mike Shally]

This is a close up of one end of the upper radiator hose and the impression of the tower clamp.
My conclusion is the hobby wants to think there were no variations on the style clamps used one the other hand how do I present  the car ? (as built or by the accepted standard?)

What type of documentation is needed to convince the judging community that the assembly line actually used this clamp and not get points deducted because of the deviation from the norm ?
This discussion should probably be handle under another topic and in a broader context to cover other parts of the car.

[Bob Gaines]

This is a close up of one end of the upper radiator hose and the impression of the tower clamp.
My conclusion is the hobby wants to think there were no variations on the style clamps used one the other hand how do I present  the car ? (as built or by the accepted standard?)

What type of documentation is needed to convince the judging community that the assembly line actually used this clamp and not get points deducted because of the deviation from the norm ?
This discussion should probably be handle under another topic and in a broader context to cover other parts of the car.

The easy way would be to do it like is expected. If you wanted to do it the harder way then the shape of a upper radiator hose for a 68 SB has a distinct shape which is different then a 65 early 66 SB hose where the tower clamps were typically used . With that said a  picture of the shape of original hoses showing the witness line of the tower clamp would for example be reasonable evidence that many judges would accept for that anomaly IMO. A picture album of any out of the ordinary item or build technique documenting how something was found presented along with the car during judging is a important part of the judging process. If not then the judges have no option other then to judge the car as what is typical for that car built during that time .   

[J_Speegle]

This is a close up of one end of the upper radiator hose and the impression of the tower clamp.
My conclusion is the hobby wants to think there were no variations on the style clamps used one the other hand how do I present  the car ? (as built or by the accepted standard?)

What type of documentation is needed to convince the judging community that the assembly line actually used this clamp and not get points deducted because of the deviation from the norm ?
This discussion should probably be handle under another topic and in a broader context to cover other parts of the car.

You've taken the first step.  Making the community aware of your findings and have introduced the possibility.  Would suggest that you continue to look for other examples of the same practice to see if you can find a possible pattern to the practice.

As Bob mentioned if showing either bring the original hose or photo document it and bring that with you then introduce the finding during the judging introduction when the team should as something like "is there anything different or unusual you want to mention about the car before we get started." 

We're (the judges) are not looking to hear how you found the car or something about how rare the car is but something like your discussing in this thread. That is why that question was suggested as part of the introduction about ten years ago or more.  It works for situations just like this.

Of course at that point its up to the judges to discuss with their team how they will respond but the practice allows for the offering of the information, with documentation before the judging really begins.

[68blk500c]

Another example; just one of many I have seen, and not necessarily early. As you can the date of 01048.

Posted this on correct (Mike's) pollution system topic.

[Bob Gaines]

Another example; just one of many I have seen, and not necessarily early. As you can the date of 01048.

Posted this on correct (Mike's) pollution system topic.

Don ,that is a good example of clamp impressions on a smog hose or clamp impressions in general . It might however confuse others looking at this thread given it is about radiator hose's and not pollution/smog hose's.