Radiator Hose Decoding question

[mrrec]

Dennis:
A number of different suppliers (Goodyear, Gates, Goodrich probably and more) provided hoses to Chevrolet. As you note, the part numbers and suffix codes are the same as Chev specified. Problem is, each supplier used his own date, plant and shift codes, etc. Some date codes are pretty obvious - others are tough. Font and size also varied.

02 20 and C12 are Feb 20th and March 12. I believe the "70" may indicate the model year.

Not much help here, but it's what I know......
Dave

[ORIGLS6]

Thanks! At least that part makes sense.

[Verne_Frantz]

Dennis:
In addition to what Dave said, Chevy also required each of it's outside manufacturers (suppliers) to uniquely identify their parts. Some source suppliers used their actual name, some used initials, or a logo, and some just used some cryptic code unique to them. The engineering dept kept records of all the supplier codes. IF a certain part had common failures in the field, the zone reps who supported the dealers would relay the supplier's ID back to engineering.

Verne

[ORIGLS6]

Sounds like this could get really confusing.

The ones discussed above should get rave reviews though. Still in service and holding up very well after 38 years!

Thanks to both of you.

[Mr70]

This practice wasn't just limited to radiator hoses.I've seen it used also on PCV,Neoprene Fuel line,A/C freon,Hi-psi Brake hoses and even rubber Vacuum lines too.