Power Steering Return Hose Script and Clamps

[Edgemontvillage]

Looking for input on the correct Saginaw power steering return hose and clamps used in 1969. I have two examples of period-original hoses. When compared it appears the script on both hoses read "P.S. Return DDD-Y" where, I'm assuming, DDD represents the Julian date and the Y is the year of manufacture. If that assumption is correct the examples below would appear to be dated April 21, 1970 and August 25, 1970. Although not Gen1 hoses I was told the script would be the same for 1969? The power steering box side hose fitting was attached to one of the hoses with a pinch clamp which is correct for Gen2 Camaros for both ends of the return hose. Gen1s used Wittek screw clamps or possibly one Wittek screw clamp and one pinch clamp? Input would be appreciated.

Original PS return hose dated April 21, 1970


Another example apparently dated August 25, 1970


PS Box side fitting with pinch clamp






Original Wittek PS return hose screw clamps

[Edgemontvillage]

Would sure like some input on this subject. Anyone with original PS?

[Edgemontvillage]

2 weeks and over 170 views with no replies - I'm starting to lose faith here!

[KurtS]

Not original on my car.
I have an old take-off, but I'll have to check if it has hoses, can't recall.

[ko-lek-tor]

Lloyd, will be glad to look at mine and give you what I have, information wise. I am not in the country at this time or since you asked. Perhaps later this week you can get the faith back when I get home? Adios amigo

[Edgemontvillage]

Lloyd, will be glad to look at mine and give you what I have, information wise. I am not in the country at this time or since you asked. Perhaps later this week you can get the faith back when I get home? Adios amigo

Thanks Bentley - much appreciated and safe travels.

[Hans L]

Sorry, just checked mine and while the PS belt was original, someone over the years replaced the original clamp with conventional aftermarket clamp.   Pretty sure the hoses were original - will need to dig through some boxes to find them.

[Hans L]

Lloyd -

Good news - I was able to quickly locate the power steering hoses and clamps and they appear original, including the clamp.    Bad news is now I'll have to clean-up the original clamp, remove the repro, and install this correct clamp!   It does appear the clamp I have differs from the pinch clamp but compares will with the others you show. 

Pretty sure everything is factory original.  The heater hoses and power steering belt are factory installed originals, so I'm pretty sure the power steering hoses are as well.    04B Van Nuys built '69 RS Z.

And I'm not sure why the images don't scale to the page size anymore.  Appears you'll need to scroll over to see the details. 


Low Pressure Power Steering Hose Clamp:



Low Pressure Power Steering Hose Markings:



For Reference, High Pressure Power Steering Hose Markings:   Best I can tell:  "P.S. Return       29  9"

[Edgemontvillage]

Hans, thanks for posting. The script on your original return hose appears to match the style, color and other details of the later dated examples I posted. The date stamp (29 - 9 or January 29) seems early vs the production dates of other parts typical for a 3rd week of April LA built car. Possibly these hoses were batch produced? The Wittek screw clamp is the same as the ones in my photo including the large “2” beside the manufacturer’s identification stamp. I don’t think the high pressure hose in your photo is original as it is uses a later double-crimp fitting?

[Hans L]

Yes, not sure on the high pressure hose.   I checked an old picture from my '69 Chevelle before I restored it and it had the same style high pressure line crimping.  That pic was from 1989.  The AC lines on the Chevelle have the same style crimping as well.   I really don't know what an original looks like.   And yes, seems the low pressure line seems a little early, but would seem weird someone would replace it with an even older one!   

[Edgemontvillage]

Thanks for contributing Hans, looking forward to hearing from other members as well to add to the discussion.

[Edgemontvillage]

Yes, not sure on the high pressure hose.   I checked an old picture from my '69 Chevelle before I restored it and it had the same style high pressure line crimping.  That pic was from 1989.  The AC lines on the Chevelle have the same style crimping as well.   I really don't know what an original looks like.   And yes, seems the low pressure line seems a little early, but would seem weird someone would replace it with an even older one!   

Hans, with minor photo editing here's another view of your return hose script:

[Hans L]

Thanks!   Before I posted I ran them through Adobe Lightroom as well to try to draw out as much of the contrasting colors as  I could as they are barely visible on the originals - so they've gone through post-post processing!  Ha!  If you want a high-rez original, let me know and I'll send them separately. 

[Edgemontvillage]

Thanks for the offer Hans, will let you know.

[ko-lek-tor]

I am stateside now, after a wonderful trip. I dug out the hose off my car, the 12B Norwood X22. The writing was so faint, I could not get a good picture. The more I clean the hose the less I can read, so, somewhat difficult now to show. What I can confirm is this, like examples shown, mine says, “P.S.RETURN 291-8 []” (square box).
What I can deduce is that is the Julian date. Both ends had the same screw clamps, “Wittek Chicago USA 2”, with serrations like the ones pictured. I have several other hoses I can check, one off a feb 69 6 cyl and one off a 70 I will look at later when time allows. I have several of those clamps, maybe 2 dozen, iir, I will look closer for a date. I did not see one.