I just have a question about the replacement of the radiator in my Vett. recently I just put a new crate engine in and all was well, except that I noticed a small pin hole on the upper left side of the radiator (driverside)after the car warmed up and was shut off. I took it to a shop and they are asking approx. $700.00 for a new one and installed. I know the price for the 76 Vett radiator is about $270.00 to $360.00 , but $400.00 for labor? Does that sound right, or should I just do it myself and so, how hard is it to replace?

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sounds like a lot of money to me. that is why i do mostly my own work. rather buy something with that money instead of watching someone else laughing on the way to the bank.

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LIFETIME MEMBER #97
THE DYNAMIC DUO

Well, I'd ask them what they are replacing it with.  The brass replacement radiators do cost $270-$360, but the aluminum radiators cost $500 and up.  Maybe they quoted you on an aluminum replacement.

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1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

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The labor is way steep!! You can go to a lighter, better cooling radiator for $300+.... Picked up mine from the guy below on Ebay: LukesVette2007-01-12 16:43:12

it is a piece of cake but everyone else is correct regarding make of the unit.  I put in Dewitt and it was easy.  

I'll ditto with DeWitts, but go aluminum and get the "Black Beauty" option.  They paint the radiator (they do it right so there's no change to the cooling effectiveness) black so it looks more like original, with the cooling of aluminum.  Unfortunately, no one told me about this up front.  It's only $35 or so and I would have been happy to pay it. manget12007-01-13 07:52:40

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I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!

You guys are all great with your info and thanking you guys much. I think I'm going to just change it myself, after all a couple of months ago I did put in a new engine which was a  getting in, but it was well worth it. Also thanks for the help Paul.

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I also went wiht a DeWitts radiator. I got the exact reproduction aluminum radiator. They put the correct date codes on it. It fit exactly like the original. Pricey, but highly recommended

tHE BIG ISSUE IS ORDERING THE RIGHT SIZE.THE L-48 IS A 3 ROW AND THE L-82 IS A 4 ROW AND THEY DON'T INTERCHANGE IN THE RUBBER MOUNTS. YOU WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE CORRECT RUBBERS TO REINSTALL.

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Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.

 
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by all means do it yourself! it will take a little patience, but you can do it in a single afternoon. when i did mine the hardest part was physically taking old one out and putting the new radiator in, but my 79 has all the stock shrouds and intake ducting, etc.  The trans cooler lines were a bit of a pita too, but it was ok in the end.
stevep3162007-01-15 12:18:27

Tape some cardboard on the front & back of your new radiator when you put it in . That'll keep it from getting damaged on installation.

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I replaced my radiator last year as my winter project. Did it my self and I have a 69BB. If you have air, it makes it a bit more difficult.
I removed the hood and unbolted the shroud and the core support. Push the core support as far forward as possible and take the shroud and the radiator out together. I took my radiator to a local radiator repair shop and they rebuilt mine for $300. They saved the date tages and made it look original. When you replace it get the radiator seal kits and replace all the foam seals. I pulled my core support out of the car and bolted the radiator to it and dropped them in together, on a BB the shrould is a real PITA to get out or in. While you are at it replace the upper and lower hoses, if you don't know the history of your water pump I would consider replacing it as well. Replace all the belts also.

I own a rad shop. My labor guide only calls for 1.9 hrs. for the high, with automatic & a/c.  I would charge around $125.00 for r&r. I recored mine, so I could use orininal tanks. If you pull the fan, you can pull the shroud out of the way. Makes it a lot easier.

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Hey Guy's, just wanted to thank all of you for your help and advice in regard to changing the radiator. it took a while to take out, and put in, but it's done. I just wish we did'nt have all of this snow and ice, I would have taken it out for a spin. well the weekend is coming uo as well as better weather

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Great job Robert!  

Very good Robert. Nothing like the satisfaction of doing the job yourself. You don't have to worry about what the mechanic may have missed.
Scott