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Topic: Selection and Installation of New Radiator?

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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Selection and Installation of New Radiator? (1/6)
 1/12/11 1:59pm
fowler12
Former Member

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Toledo, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1977 auto.L48 383 stroker


Joined: 2/22/2007
Posts: 175

I have a stock 77 and need to replace the radiator.   What is a good radiator to get and how much can I expect to pay?  I also was wondering what exactly is involved with pulling and installing a new radiator.  I am pretty mechanically inclined but was would like any advice/suggestions to make this as easy as possible.  Does anyone have any links to articles, manuals, etc. that illustrate the removal and installation process?  Thanks to everyone for your help, I really appreciate it!
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Selection and Installation of New Radiator? (2/6)
 1/12/11 9:25pm
rod7515Lifetime Member
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Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

I am not sure but if its the same as my 74 was and I think it might be , i just went thru radiator replacement. On mine the radiator support has 3 bolts going down each side. I removed the top 2 bolts on each side and just loosened the lower bolt on each side. This allowed me to tilt the support which made the removal of the shroud and radiator easier. It still didnt just come out. I used some choice words that really helped but I wont share them with you! As for what radiator to use, many different ones to choose from. I am thinking about a Dewitts for my 72. They are offering a 10% discount with free shipping until Jan 20th. Still a little more than others on ebay but I have heard very good compliments about their fit and function.
I am sure others on here will offer other suggestions. Best of luck!
Rodney


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Selection and Installation of New Radiator? (3/6)
 1/13/11 12:42am
fowler12
Former Member

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Toledo, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1977 auto.L48 383 stroker


Joined: 2/22/2007
Posts: 175

Thanks Rodney, I really appreciate your insight.  I will check out Dewitts.
Selection and Installation of New Radiator? (4/6)
 1/13/11 9:56am
2 cruznLifetime Member
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Poquoson, VA - USA

Vette(s):
73 Conv, Blue-Green/White Top - 454, M21 - Dark Saddle Leather, Power Windows, A/C, Tilt/Tele, AM/FM St. (orig. and sounds like it too).#2 -- 2007 Coupe,3 LT package, Z51 option, Victory Red, Ebony Int. Clear Top.


Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023

I replaced mine last year with DeWitts and dual SPAL fans... everything went fine.. only problem I had was . Had to ground the radiator to get the temp. control switch for the fans to work.. They are more expensive but after reading there process on building a radiator I feel more comfortable having there's in my Vett. Nothing worse than having Momma sitting there steaming worse than the radiator because I wanted to save money... I have the BB and and I have not had a bit of trouble with running hot yet. I have a 190 stat and that is where it stays.. Depending on fans if you go electric... might want to make sure you have the right/good alternator.. the dual fans do pull on it pretty hard, especially at idle naturally. Good luck with your choice..

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Selection and Installation of New Radiator? (5/6)
 1/13/11 8:00pm
rod7515Lifetime Member
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Red Lion, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic


Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182

Matt, I just saw that Tom Dewitt posted an answer to another thread about the electric fans. Dont know if you are thinking about them or just a radiator. He states that electric fans are not needed on most cars. He statement says that its mostly just an option that many choose because of adding some HP fromnot driving a manual fan and that many like the looks alot better. Also many times the shroud gets broken during the removal and an electric setup is close to the same price of the shroud replacement. I was thinking electric but a little to pricey for me and I can use the money somewhere else on the car. By the way the discount was offered to another group that Dewitts is a sponsor of. Its not as good a group as we have here!!
Rodney

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Selection and Installation of New Radiator? (6/6)
 1/18/11 1:09am
F4GaryGold Member
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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.


Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1406

Dewitts.  End of discussion.

Loosen the core support, move shroud aft, tilt core support forward, and pull out radiator.  That's the basics.  It's easier if you remove the hood.


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