For what they cost it makes sense just to get another pair. In addition to
the change in material, they increased the outer diameter to make the tee
fit tighter in the hose. After stretching, the hose may not seal on the
steel tees. I have yet to repalce the plastic ones. Also, 5/8 X 1/2 X 5/8
tees are available in most FLAPS.

Dennis

>From: J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
>Reply-To: J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: removing rear heater-Heater "T" question
>Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:43:20 +0000
>
>When I drained my cooling system last week, I took the opportunity to
>replace those "T"s to the rear heater with the (new and improved?) plastic
>ones. The metal looked rusty, but once I had them off they really don't
>look that bad, so I cleaned them up and painted the joints with POR 15 and
>plan to keep them in case I need them again-how well do the plastic ones
>hold up over time?     Jeff