Corbin clamps

[arbitrarymobster]

I bought a set of Corbin clamps for my '73 Charger SE 400 with A/C from Year One. The kit contains:
4 clamps marked RC12
4 clamps marked RC13
2 clamps marked RC15P
2 clamps marked RC30
2 clamps marked RC34

Does anyone know which clamps go where? I know two of the RC 12 clamps go on the small heater hose which runs from the water valve to the engine, but what about the rest? Any help would be appreciated.

[arbitrarymobster]

After I posted this topic I thought to send the question along to the Year One tech department, and surprisingly I've already heard back with an answer. So I thought I'd post it here in case anyone else has the same question:

RC12 = 1/2" heater hose
RC13 = 5/8" heater hose except at the firewall
RC15P = 5/8" heater hose at the firewall
RC30 = upper radiator hose
RC34 = lower radiator hose

[DynoDave]

Thanks for posting those details.

Wait..that's 10 clamps for heater hoses...2 at the engine (in/out), 2 at the firewall (in/out), 2 at the control valve (in/out)....that's 6. What am I missing? Is there a waterpump bypass hose? That would be 2 more that size?

[arbitrarymobster]

DynoDave: There are 4 fittings at the water valve, no bypass, and the extra 2 RC12 clampa are for other applications which use 1/2" hose somewhere else.

I have to call B.S. on these clamps though. I have been struggling with them for several days trying everything to get them on the hoses. I purchased the clamps and hoses from Year One and they're suppose to be exact reproductions. I have taken the clamps and hoses to two different seasoned mechanics that worked with these when they were new and both confirmed that the clamps aren't the right sizes for the hoses. I have even managed to break one of the clamps trying to get it over the hose. The clamps are so tight that they can't even fit over the hose when the hose isn't attached to anything.

As it turns out the RC15P clamps are the correct size for the 5/8" hose and the RC13 fits the 1/2" hose (the RC12 clamps can barely be forced on, but are too tight). Today I will try to find 4 RC15P clamps so I can finish this. I hope I don't have to buy 2 more kits, as that would be a waste, among other things.

I would also point out that I have tried several different tools on the clamps and I bought a nice pair of locking corbin clamp pliers which work really well.

[DynoDave]

OK, I get it. Forgot about there being 4 fitting at the valve too. Hopefully you can find the individual clamps needed to finish the job.

[arbitrarymobster]

I again contacted Year One and they are very professional: They are going to try to obtain the four clamps I need and send them free of charge. I have to wait until next week for a confirmation (apparently someone is on vacation) but the probability is likely that I'll get them.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who may have experience with these clamps too...

[DynoDave]

Excellent. They have a great customer service reputation, so I'm not surprised that they would make this right for you.