Radiator overflow tube clip codes

[bcmiller]

Does anyone know the application for these radiator overflow tube clips? BA and BB

Probably 70-72 Chevelle.

[bcmiller]

BA tag appears to be correct for some LS6 cars. It’s a little pitted but complete. BB tag has part of the section that clips to the radiator broken off. Still probably OK because these typically had some solder helping hold them on. Pic attached. Sorry for the shadow.

[bcmiller]

See attached.

[enio45]

Im curious, what different codes or even codes at all?

they look the same .....

appreciate the education!

[BCreekDave]

Was this a case maybe like igntion coils-brackets where the code designated a particular hose-clip combo? Maybe the hose was pre-assembled to the clip and the hose was a specific length for the application? Just guessing here.
Although if the clip was soldered on to the tank, it kind of negates this theory. The hose would not have tolerated the heat from the soldering op.

[bcmiller]

Hose was attached later. It was more often inadvertent soldering if it happened.

[bcmiller]

Originally Posted by enio45

Im curious, what different codes or even codes at all?

they look the same .....

appreciate the education!

One is coded BA and I know someone with an LS6 radiator that says his tag is the same.

The other one is coded BB.

[jeffschevelle]

My knowledge is limited to the 67 and earlier vertical flow radiators, but maybe how the tags were handled on those can lend a clue.

All 65-67 Harrison radiators (and probably earlier ones) have a small clip/tag with a 2-letter code attached to the upper lip of the core, which was the internal Harrison ID code for the core itself. So if the same core was used in 2 different radiators (such as a base 66 396/325 manual radiator and a base 66 396/325 automatic radiator), then the core ID tags on both radiators would have the same code even though the larger radiator ID tags would have two different codes (VX for the manual, or VY for the automatic).

The side straps on 66-67's (and perhaps earlier) also had a small clip-on tag with a 2-letter code which was the internal Harrison ID code for the complete strap assembly (the assembly of both sides and the bottom channel/tray). But you almost never see those tags because they were put on the very upper corner of the strap where it rolls over toward the top tank, so the first rag or sleeve or anything else that passes by it will snag it and pull it right off.

So, by analogy, is it possible that the codes on these hose clips have nothing to do with the clips themselves, but instead identify the part of the radiator to which those clips were attached? For example, if that clip is attached to a side mounting bracket then maybe the code identifies that particular side mounting bracket assembly (with the clips). If so, that would be killing two birds with one stone by putting the codes on the hose clips, which would eliminate the need to install a second clip-on tag to identify the part to which the hose clip was attached.

I'm guessing here, but since the two clips do look identical other than the codes, that seems like a reasonable guess.

[Kurt S]

From what I've seen, the overflow clips had wide-ranging applications, i.e. a given design was used on lots of radiators.....