Auto Parts: Heater Core Bypass ?, 1970 dodge coronet, heater hoses

Question
Hello,
I have a 1970 Dodge Coronet which recently sprung a leak in the heater core. From what I've heard, it's a fairly large task to replace on this car, so instead I would like to "bypass" the heater core for awhile, until I get to this big job.

It looks like my heater hoses though, are two sizes - 5/8" and 1/2".  Would you recommend I cut a small piece of 5/8" and "loop" it at the manifold/water pump to create a U-Loop?  Or, since I  have already disconnected the hoses at the firewall,  can I use a pipe to act as a connector to hook the ends of both hoses to there?

Are there any other more permanent, or better looking, ways of doing this heater core bypass if I wanted to leave this in place for a long time?

Thank you very much!!

Answer
Hi Dave,

Many times in the past have I run into that situation so I can side with you here. I usually just get a 6" piece of 1/2-I.D. copper tubing, like you'd use under your sink and two aviator-style band clamps. (The worm-gear kind that you tighten with a 5/16 socket) Connect the two pieces of heater hose without a space between them and attach the two clamps. A 5/8" hose will compress to fit onto the 1/2" tubing no problem, just don't break the clamp when tightening it.

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Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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