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Thu Jan 20, 2011 12:34 pm

I am rebuilding my 2.1 and replacing all the coolant hoses in the engine compartment. I am looking for a good source for high quality hose clamps, not regular old worm type that cut into the hoses over time.

I also need good calmps for the 4 intake hoses.

Does anyone have a source they would recommend? How about a list of all the sizes I am going to need? Anyone sell a kit?

Thu Jan 20, 2011 12:46 pm

McMaster Carr

Thu Jan 20, 2011 1:04 pm

When I did mine a couple of years ago most were available from VW at a very unreasonable price.

I reused quite a few and replaced a bunch with the worm type. I didn't see any kits at the time for clamps...just hoses.

Brian.

Thu Jan 20, 2011 1:20 pm

Truechoice Racing carries the ABA stainless clamps. These have the non perforated and rolled edge design that doesn't cut into the hose.

http://www.truechoice.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ABA%2012

Sorry, can't help you on a complete list of all the sizes you need.

Thu Jan 20, 2011 2:22 pm

I ordered a bunch from here http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/index.php?cPath=309&osCsid=s0ae37t5cfdvb7mokd88pfk785 when I did my rebuild. They have the really nice all high grade 316 stainless vs. 304 stainless or with regular steel screw like the original ones. They also have the mini ones that are good for the fuel lines. The good ones with the non perforated bands and rolled edges are expensive but worth it for many applications, particularly if you drive in the winter.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 7:41 am

Thanks for the ideas... now if I could get a list of all the sizes need for just the coolant hoses within the engine compartment we would be good to go! :wink:

Fri Jan 21, 2011 7:50 am

This sounds like a good project for you. Go out to your van and measure all the clamps you need, then make a list to share with everyone else.

Fri Jan 21, 2011 8:06 am

The only issue I had with the vendors that were mentioned is that unless you order enough clamps to justify the shipping, the "cost per clamp" is pretty expensive.

I was putting together an order of about $20.00 and the shipping was going to be $12.00....no thankx.

If you go to Bus Depot, check out the hardware section, they have just about every clamp you might be interested in. Just have them tossed in the same box as the other parts your buying :roll: and the "cost per clamp" is much lower. A bit more bang for your buck that way. :)

Fri Jan 21, 2011 8:11 am

Second Mc-Master, also order boxes of M8 bolts, washers, lock-washers, and M6 same. I hate reusing old hardware and buying it by the box is the easiest way to get it all.

Paul

Fri Jan 21, 2011 8:36 am

PDXWesty wrote: This sounds like a good project for you. Go out to your van and measure all the clamps you need, then make a list to share with everyone else.

I will be sure to share the list if I have to make one... but I was hoping someone else had already put a list together. :roll:

Fri Jan 21, 2011 9:38 am

these are all expensive solutions. for 2 dollars you can get 20 clamps at the jy from volvos, bmws and mercs. THEY HOLD and are narrow enough to double up on [for the paranoid] luxury car companies stake their reputations on these

Fri Jan 21, 2011 9:58 am

Zebra clamps. You can get these German clamps from Wurth. I got a kit. These are the same as later model VW used with a driver tool to clamp. They are rounded and the clamp drive is raised. These features keep the clamp from digging in. These are the design fit for the VW. Good stuff....

https://shoponline.wurthusa.com/wurthusa/servlet/CyberVendor/category/G4317093/catalog/group.jsp/

FYI: You can buy via distribution or, like I did via ebay. I got a kit of clamps in a nice box so I don't loose them....

Fri Jan 21, 2011 12:43 pm

r39o wrote: Zebra clamps. You can get these German clamps from Wurth. I got a kit. These are the same as later model VW used with a driver tool to clamp. They are rounded and the clamp drive is raised. These features keep the clamp from digging in. These are the design fit for the VW. Good stuff....

https://shoponline.wurthusa.com/wurthusa/servlet/CyberVendor/category/G4317093/catalog/group.jsp/

FYI: You can buy via distribution or, like I did via ebay. I got a kit of clamps in a nice box so I don't loose them....

I second that (I used to sell the stuff though!). The Wurth ones also provide more even pressure around the whole clamp, because of the style of the screw part :-)

Also - DON"T overtighten clamps - especially the narrow ones - a narrow clamp provides more pressure for the area covered (kinda like PSI) for the same tension applied.

An overtightened clamp doesn't make the hose stay on better, it just deforms the hose more, and is likely to cause damage to the pipe underneath.

Sat Jan 22, 2011 9:02 am

Thanks for the tips guys!

Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:23 am

x2 on Wurth products!

Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:40 am

has anyone used marine grade t bolt ss clamps?
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servle...sNum=10686

Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:53 am

Summers420us wrote: PDXWesty wrote: This sounds like a good project for you. Go out to your van and measure all the clamps you need, then make a list to share with everyone else.

I will be sure to share the list if I have to make one... but I was hoping someone else had already put a list together. :roll:

So Summer420us,

You ever put together that list?

Thu Mar 24, 2011 12:14 pm

Constant Tension Band Hose Clamps
For Heater & Radiator Hoses
Chrome Vanadium Material
With Black OEM Finish
Conforms To SAE J1508 & GM 6298M
Rated At 30 P.S.I.
Auveco
Part No. Clamping Range Band_Width Unit Pkg.
18127 ...............15.2mm - 18.5mm (5/8" - 23/32") .............................15mm (19/32")..........................10
18128 ...............17.8mm - 20.0mm (23/32" - 25/32") .........................15mm (19/32")..........................10
18129 ...............22.0mm - 26.0mm (7/8" - 1") ....................................15mm (19/32" ...........................10
18130 ...............25.2mm - 28.9mm (1" - 1-1/8").................................15mm (19/32").......................... 5
18131 ...............27.0mm - 31.5mm (1-3/32" - 1-7/32").......................15mm (19/32")............................5
18132 ...............37.2mm - 44.5mm (1-15/32" - 1-3/4").......................15mm (19/32")............................5
18133 ...............41.3mm - 50.0mm (1-21/32" - 1-15/16")...................15mm (19/32")............................5