How to braid a radiator hose..

[MAD6Gun]

  BigIV had asked me to post on how I braided my radiator hose. I started by using an automotive braid kit I got from Autozone made by Spectre for about 30 bucks.  I also braided the hoses on the emission lines behind the air cleaner and the vacuum lines and half of the upper hose. (the half you see).
Start by securing the end of the braid on the hose with electrical tape. Estimate the length of braid needed to cover the hose. You can cut the braid with scissors. To keep the braid from fraying, put tape around the braid and cut across the center of the tape.  Pull and stretch the braid onto to hose so it fits tightly. As my brother said this is like reskining a snake. This is the key to a good look. The braid has to be tight.
Secure the other end to the hose with tape. Cut any loose wires that are not under the tape. For the ends I originally modified and used the ends in the kit. Later I found these cool ends made by Pi-thon. I think they are out of business now but if you can fine them they look cool. I got mine from Bill at MADcorider. He is one of the VRCC vendors. Now if you use these you will need to remove a small shoulder inside the fitting that goes over the hose (on the end facing the hose) so it will clear the braid. Bill was able to do this. OK that is the way I performed this. Good luck. Drop me a line if you have any questions........

[John U.]

Mad6gun, I was going to send an E-mail but others may be interested. Do you recall what size Pi-thon ends you used? There are some with a max OD of 1.45 but with the stainless braid I'm afraid it won't fit.
Thanks for your help

[currahee2-6]

Greetings!
I've not had good luck with the product you used on my auto, as it rusted within a few months!  How is yours hold up so far?  Have you had to do anything to it to maintain it?  It looks great on your application and I'd like to do it also on my IS. 

Thanks! Be safe. peace

[designer]

Good question. A 2 year update would be nice and informational.

[MacDragon]

Two years and almost 4 months... Thread rises from the dead.