Robert:
What I use is a regular Knipex pliers, Either Alligator or ______ (CRS
creeping up on me!). Don't know what a Knipex is? It's like a
Channellox, but made in Germany, has a 120 degree vee in each jaw. works
terrific on hex nuts, round or rounded off stock, or just about anyplace
else. Some Saabs have them as OE in their tool kits! I've also got one
with a Stahwille label on it, but green covering on the handles instead
of red.
I can get EVERY squeeze clamp on a Vanagon with my Knipex. I always
re-use the clamps, never had one fail. I guess I've out grown the
superior American ones.
Incidentally Knipex also makes the correct crimping tool  for those
one-time crimped clamps. I found one of those at a garage sale. (My
brother had to tell me what it was! I saw  the name and "Germany" but
couldn't figure it out. So, I just straighten them out and use them
over. Maybe not the best plan if driving across uninhabited wasteland,
but I've had 100% success so far.
One other thing to consider when planning to remove the radiator is to
replace the cardboard air baffles on each side. If you live where it
rains much, they could be in dreadful shape. I just replaced those in my
91 after a body shop LOST them. They were about $25. Go looking in about
5 years, they'll probably  be NLA!
Al Brase
69 doublecab, Vanagons

Robert Lilley wrote:

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>IF you do not have a hose clamp pliers, you need to get some to aid in the
>installation and remover of the hose clamps.
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>I picked mine up at Harbor Freight Tools.  I do not think that I could have
>finished the installation of the many clamps without them!!!
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>All is well
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