Where to run the hoses Options

[guiltless]

I have seen a few different ways to run hoses on a car that is using a front mount radiator.

I really have no desire to run copper piping through the cab of the car so that is out of the question.
I have also seen alot of people running the rubber hoses under the car and down the center. I am sure that it is a great way, but it scares me a bit, especicaly when speed bumps come around.

Is it possible to run the hoses through the center channel of the car?

[dmenche914]

No way any cooling hoses would fit int he center tunnel, plus you have a moving shift rod to contend with, too tight. What alot of folks do is run metal pipes under the car on each side of the center tunnel (there is a depression in the floor pan underside on both sides of the tunnel. i have seen galvanized pipe used, maybe it was 1 1/2 inch diameter i think, and i have also seen flat rectangular steeel tubing used, with the ends tappered to a round pipe to allow the hoses to clamp on. these metal pipes will tuck intot he depression, they stick down a little bit, but you basically are hitting bottom anyway by the time you hit the pipes. By using steel, you will not crush them, and be fine (copper would more likely dent or crush).

Do NOT run rubber hoses under the car, as hitting them with somthing sharp will rip them. good rubber hose is more money per foot than steel pipe, it will need to be replaced form aging if not torn first, and the steel pipe will aid cooling as it will radiate much more heat than a rubber hose.

Never run rubber hoses in the cockpit, like mine were thru the heater pipes, and up behind the speaker grills. A leaky hose burned my foot, hot anti freeze is not to be in the cockpit in a rubber hose unless you can complety shield the folks inside from a pressurized leak spraying out.

i really think under the car, down the middle on either side of the tunnel using steel round or rectangular tubing is the best bet. The rectangular is more money and work, but will gain you maybe 1/2 inch more ground clearance, but either are very good options.