Removing metal bands and channel from upper radiator hoses

[Zax40]

Has anyone successfully removed the metal bands and channel that are used to keep the upper radiator hoses from sagging without the bands breaking? Mine have some surface rust and i'd like to repaint them and also clean the rubber underneath. Plan B would be to just mask and paint them on the hose. But if they can be removed without damage, painted, and put back i'd rather go that route.

Thanks

[19Fordy]

Use Plan B. Apply light coat of OSPHO to bands while they are on the hose. This will neutralize the rust. Then clean with fine steel wool, tape off and paint. If you cut the bands, you will won't be able to get the bands as tight as they need to be.

[kurt v]

find a sheet metal shop and have someone shear you a couple of strips of 22 or 24 ga

[Zax40]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Use Plan B. Apply light coat of OSPHO to bands while they are on the hose. This will neutralize the rust. Then clean with fine steel wool, tape off and paint. If you cut the bands, you will won't be able to get the bands as tight as they need to be.

I wasn't planning to cut them. Just bend the tab back where it hooks into the channel. But I don't know how bendable that strip is. It might snap.

If it's likely i'll destroy them trying to remove i'll just go with the masking and painting while on route.

Thanks for the reply

[19Fordy]

Smart decision. Otherwise you'll be opening a can of worms.

[Kube]

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The tabs nearly always break off when attempting to bend them.
While you're refinishing the bands, remove any lettering from the hoses with lacquer thinner.

[Mart]

Instead of bending the tabs can't you just squeeze one end in a bit until it pops out? I think I remember doing this but may be mistaken. You might just get away with a very small amount of bend.

Mart.

[Zax40]

After work last night I carefully masked off the bands and channel, removed the surface rust, then painted. They turned out pretty good. With it so humid where I live I know the surface rust will only get worse if I don't address it.

Thanks for the advice everyone

[Zax40]

Originally Posted by Mart

Instead of bending the tabs can't you just squeeze one end in a bit until it pops out? I think I remember doing this but may be mistaken. You might just get away with a very small amount of bend.

Mart.

I tried that. It would not compress enough to release the band. It may work on some other hoses. But the stock style ones I have have pretty rigid rubber