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vw rad with L20
Posted: 09 Jan 2019 18:41
by dodgydan
hay all you guys running a L series engine with the (use to be common swap) vw rabbit radiator. what are you using for a lower hose?
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 10 Jan 2019 07:27
by Chadsinto510s
Universal flex hose. Unfortunately. I don't 'think' there is one that's not universal that will fit. I could be wrong.
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 10 Jan 2019 09:02
by bertvorgon
I use the universal hose with no problem, but, if it has that wire inside as support, keep an eye on it as they do corrode over time.
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 11 Jan 2019 13:35
by Chadsinto510s
bertvorgon wrote: ↑10 Jan 2019 09:02
I use the universal hose with no problem, but, if it has that wire inside as support, keep an eye on it as they do corrode over time.
I have for years as well. I just like the aesthetics of a fitted hose better.
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 11 Jan 2019 14:21
by JasonLee
I try to delete the universal hose wherever possible, and am in the process of doing just that with my KA24 and VW rad. I start by bending up a coat hanger to approximate the shape and length of the existing flex hose, while also making a note of each end diameter. Then off to the parts store to request access to the back room to inspect the rad hose wall. Within 15 minutes I usually find a decent candidate, which is typically longer than I require, but the shape I need is incorporated into the hose. Take it home, trim it to fit, and you are left with an end result that looks factory.
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 11 Jan 2019 15:05
by Fred_L-P
JasonLee wrote: ↑11 Jan 2019 14:21
I try to delete the universal hose wherever possible, and am in the process of doing just that with my KA24 and VW rad. I start by bending up a coat hanger to approximate the shape and length of the existing flex hose, while also making a note of each end diameter. Then off to the parts store to request access to the back room to inspect the rad hose wall. Within 15 minutes I usually find a decent candidate, which is typically longer than I require, but the shape I need is incorporated into the hose. Take it home, trim it to fit, and you are left with an end result that looks factory.
That's exactly what I just did. Although they didn't give me access to the back store. They handed me the hose catalog sorted by hose sizes and shape with general dimensions. I found a couple of prospects, they brought them to the counter and I picked what worked the best. Went back home and it was a perfect factory looking fit.
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 11 Jan 2019 16:13
by bertvorgon
I actually did that with my upper hose, went to Lordco and asked if I could just cruise the rack and find something with the right bends, found one, trimmed it, looks factory.
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 11 Jan 2019 20:49
by dodgydan
thanks guys. thats what i was planning to do. i was just hoping that as this use to be a common swap, someone might of found the perfect hose and recorded the part#. can't blame a guy for trying
Re: vw rad with L20
Posted: 13 Jan 2019 08:59
by Byron510
While sitting here at the Edmonton airport this morning, I searched in vein for the rad hose part numbers. Closest I could find is a 2005 post just mentioning the swap;
http://www.the510realm.com/viewtopic.ph ... ose#p30758
I wonder if I used a stock 510 hose?
I’ll keep looking, but I know I documented this years ago when the VW rad swaps were common.
Byron