When it gets warmer, I plan to replace all the hoses with green 9C1 silicone hoses. People on the forum have recommended replacing the restrictor valve on the hose going to the heater core. But the old one is held on by crimped fittings.

Is there a way to replace the restrictor valve without cutting off the hose?

I do have two sets of heater core hose, and I could make a splice, if it comes down to that.

I just replaced all the hoses on my 96 SS to the 9C1 hoses. I did not replace the valve. I think in a factory set up you not find a new one anymore. You may be able to get the valve but will have to slice the line.

My restrictor went bad by way of splitting in half and dumping all my coolant on my manifold. Easy fix was to cut the crimp off and just use a hose clamp on both sides of a new restrictor.

I should have done that. I think you can get a new restrictor from many different channels. What's up with the cars that have that giant monstrosity that is controlled by engine vacuum? Anyway, I ended up buying a whole new heater hose from Dal (remember Dal?) a few years ago to fix it. A lot more money than a restrictor...