I have a 64 Valiant, and have found multiple sources for custom formed lower radiator hoses. None of them have an integral support wire, and I can crush them easily with two fingers. Why do they build them this way ---- can you buy the support wire seperately and install it? I guess a universal ribbed hose would be ok, but I was hoping to use the formed hose. Does anyone know where to get a supported formed hose or the spring?

I've been running a lower hose with no spring for awhile now (like well over 5 years) and have not had a problem with it collapsing. I wouldn't worry about it. I would not use a universal hose....those to me are just a band aid fix till you can find a proper fitting hose.

My 340 V8 was overheating for years until I learned on this forum that the pump suction can collapse the lower heater hose. I had replaced radiator and thermostat, but not the hoses, which looked fine. you're right, I'm extremely cheap. Thats why I got into /6 a-bodies to begin with.
I got a new hose, but it didn't include a support spring, and the one I removed was in pieces. I took a light gauge wire coat hanger, and made my own spring out of it (for free), and kinda screwed it into the new hose. I just took an 800 mile trip and no overheating at all!
I decided not to worry about the coating on the wire hanger flaking off, because it's in the cooling system, not the oil.
NAPA had the molded hose, or moulded for the Northern brothers, made in USA.

Thanks for the replies. I had my original radiator checked out by a radiator shop, and they cleaned it up and said it was fine. I have swapped in a cooler thermostat, and it still heats up at moderate to higher speeds. The factory service manual states a spring supported hose should be used. My car is actually a 273 car --- perhaps the little 19" radiator is restrictive enough to cause the hose to collapse at higher speed with a V8? I will try making a homemade spring, and will post the results. If it cures the problem, I have a friend that works at a spring factory --- he probably could make nice support springs out of stainless.

The support springs are being phased out with the introduction of hoses (supposedly) less prone to collapse. If there's enough suction on the inlet side of the pump to collapse the hose, it means there's significant flow restriction through the radiator and/or the system isn't pressurised to the point it should be.

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I bought a pair about two years ago with the lower spring included. Unfortunately both required to be cut some 2-3 inches off both sides to fit. Considering the high price for the two, I would expect a true fit so it was a little frustrating to get it right remembering 'measure twice cut once' and not screw it up. I never did manage to get the lower to clear the block as well as the original or to my liking, but sufficient.