Yep, no doubt that's a permanent or at least a long term
solution. But if the objective is to keep the vehicle looking
as original as possible, then blue heater hose simply doesn't
cut it. If they can make them blue in or red, why can't someone
make them in black???
Although it wasn't silicone, red heater hose has been around
as long as I have, and much longer. In fact I believe I've
seen red hose originally used on some of the very first autos.
But on a mid century GM vehicle......taint the best look and
blue.....even worse.
I haven't spent a week searching the web for black silicone
heater hose, but if someone did make it, I'd switch without
hesitation. The hose color just has to be period correct for
me to accept it, red or blue would simply stand out like a
sore thumb.
As far as using a silicone grease, I'm sure that would
probably help with the bonding issue....if you could keep the
hose clamped well enough that it wouldn't blow off the
fitting. Back when I was a broke kid and couldn't afford to
use new rubber when servicing my cooling system, I often used
Permatex #2, which also was quite slippery till it set up a
bit, but it gave old radiator hoses a second life.
Just an up date: I did take a quick look and googled black
silicon heater hose and it is out there. Appears that it's
has a wet look though. Half way there, but still not very
original looking:
http://www.hps-siliconehoses.com/?gclid=CN76oJ3GlsYCFQeRaQodKLcAAA dg
