MASCOT May - June 2005

The Magnificent Seven (or Roadster Radiator Hoses)
- from Bill Haverly

Once upon a time, in the earlier days of motoring, when more standard fittings were used on the motor car, things were a lot simpler. Time was when only a limited range of lamps and accessories were available to be bolted in place, Lucas was the undoubted 'King of the Road' and most radiator hoses were straight. Look around the piles of assorted hoses spread on the grass at any outdoor jumble during the rally season today and you could be forgiven for thinking that there are more varieties of this rubber connector made than any other component on the car! But even with this selection available you will be lucky to find anything that fits your Singer.

Fortunately for the Roadster owner there were only 7 different hoses used in its production between 1939 & 1955, and it's reassuring to see that 4 of these are the easier to obtain straight types. They are the top and bottom hoses on the popular 1951-52 4AB series and 4AD prior to the introduction of a thermostat on the SM1500 engine. With a much larger opening now employed on the new top water outlet, this new hose resembled the end of a sink plunger. But being distinctive does not make it any easier to find, its additional application on the later SM1500 saloons and 1954-56 Hunters helps to avoid it being listed as an endangered species at present.

The last 2 of the 7 hoses, the top and bottom hoses used on the pre-4AB '9' Roadster, are the most elusive and are difficult to find. The list includes the 'R' series (1939-40); 'A' series (1946-49) and '4A' (1949-51), covering a total 7500 Roadsters and over 60% of all production. Adding to this impressive application, the bottom hose also fits the

Bantam (1938-40) with the 1074cc engine, and the 1938-40 and 1946-48 Ten saloons. The top hose (C5340) is almost straight, but for an annoying 15° bend a couple of inches from the radiator. Common substitutes often used are convoluted 'gas mask' hose, or a straight hose, which when fitted, forms a kink where the bend should be. There is little available today that is compatible with the bottom hose (C3868), and anything that might match in shape is often ruled out by the relatively large 11/2 inch bore required.

So the case for remanufacture was an easy one to make, and at the last committee meeting it was decided to make a batch of both of these moulded hoses.

I am pleased to report that the new hoses are now in stock, and even to this seasoned old autojumbler, the quality takes some beating. Cost of 9 Roadster (R-4A) top and bottom radiator hoses are £6.35 each, plus post/packing, and are available from me at 45 Langham Road, Teddington, Middx, TW11 9HF. Tel: 02089776148.