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Topic: New radiator or fix original

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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New radiator or fix original (1/28)
 8/5/08 10:21pm
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

Well it finally happened.. no problems in over 6 months and tonite I have a leak in the center of my radiator... one of the only things I have not had to mess with since day 1 other than a new water pump... had no cooling problems either but I rarely used A/C as it just doesn't work that great with BB and Vert... It is the origial radiator too, abut must have been cleaned at least once...so my question is...
 
Would you pull this radiator, and have it repaired or go for the alum and spal fans? From what I have read, I am leaning towards the alum refit. Mucho dinero but that is par for the course... any raditaor to stay away from? Ones to go with. I hear DeWitt all the time...
2 cruzn2008-08-05 19:22:42

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New radiator or fix original (2/28)
 8/5/08 10:31pm
Ten15
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East Hanover, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
'68 Black Conv. Matching 327/300 4 Spd. P/S, P/B, P/W, Tele, A/C


Joined: 9/25/2004
Posts: 525

Ray,
 
If you have had no overheating problems, my suggestion would be to re-core the radiator that you have. 
 
I had mine done for $350 2 years ago at the local radiator shop.  You may be able to upgade to a more heavy-duty core.
 
Besides the cost savings, you know that it will fit.
 
Anthony
New radiator or fix original (3/28)
 8/5/08 10:50pm
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


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First thing I would do Ray is determine what caused the leak. The core may be worth savin. However if original maybe not. I own a rad shop and I recored mine with a 4 row core. If you want the original look recore is the way to go Buffed out the brass tanks, and it looks pretty cool. Your right about big bucks for alum. Dewitt's is good stuff and so is Griffin.

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New radiator or fix original (4/28)
 8/5/08 11:42pm
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West Burke, VT - USA

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I originally looked at replacing the radiator in "BIGBRRD" when it sprung a leak.  The one I ordered through a local shop wasn't the right one (fortunately) so I took the original in for them to see and order the correct one.  After getting a look at the original the fellow at the shop said he would rather rebuild it than sell me a new one because the tanks were in good shape and made of better metal than what is in the new ones.  I saved a few bucks as well.  Plus it still has the original look rather than that bright shiny blob look (unless you're into the bright shiny blob look).



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New radiator or fix original (5/28)
 8/6/08 8:40pm
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Dillsboro, IN - USA

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Ray, I agree with Terry. I would recore especially since it's the BB. The big
killer of radiators and batterys is the hard water in a lot of cases. I would
suggest using distilled water from the fix on, not spring water. I have
always used it in everything, cars,vetts,tractors and caterpillar equipment.No junk build up.


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New radiator or fix original (6/28)
 8/6/08 8:58pm
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

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1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


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This is definitely one of the repairs you only want to do once...I would not repair the core...I would either have it re-cored or replace it altogether with a new unit.

If you decide to re-core, which is a perfectly acceptable thing to do as long as the side tanks are in good condition, ask the radiator shop to get a core with as many fins per inch as they can.  That will provide more cooling surface and more efficient heat transfer and costs little more.
New radiator or fix original (7/28)
 8/6/08 9:13pm
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

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1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


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I bought a Dewitts... Of course there is that radiator shop down on Rt 17 that is always doing a booming business....




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New radiator or fix original (8/28)
 8/7/08 1:06am
steves74Lifetime Member
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Klamath Falls, OR - USA

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Me too, bought a DeWitts.

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New radiator or fix original (9/28)
 8/7/08 10:32am
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Holland, OH - USA

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 Most radiator repairs don't work real well. They usually block out the affected area and you loose some of the cooling area. Re-cor is the best way to go, if your a purest like me. Like Butch said, I would use only distilled or de-ionized water with the coolant and change it about every 2 - 3 years regardless. I done this for years and have had very few, if any, problems. I have a hard time getting the Vette to top 190 degrees even when I'm not nice to it. I had a re-cor done about 3 years ago. I don't like or use cooling additives. I don't even know if they work. Hope this will help you out.
 
Jim
New radiator or fix original (10/28)
 8/7/08 11:50am
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


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Hey Ray. I know your a ways away, but if its feasible to ship your rad to me I can recore it. I can put an original style core in for $300.00. Or a high efficiency core ( tubes closer together, more fin per inch) for $350.00. Due to the fact we are shipping all our copper to China, what is left for our country has sky rocketed in price. This price same for anyone else on the site. It will be done right, because we are the best (a little co-cky too) my7T12008-08-07 08:52:12

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New radiator or fix original (11/28)
 8/8/08 11:22am
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DUNEDIN, FL - USA

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1969 COUPE CORTEZ SILVER, BRIGHT BLUE INTERIOR 383 cu. in. 512 HP. Hooker headers w/ side pipes PS PS AC AM FM STEREO. 68,000.MILES C5 5oth Anniversary Coupe , auto.350hp


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I INSTALLED A DEWITTS ALUMINUM ONE, SPENT THE EXRTRA $30.00 FOR THE BLACK EPOXY COATING, NO FIT ISSUES NO HEATING ISSUES.
New radiator or fix original (12/28)
 8/8/08 10:17pm
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Gloucester, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


Joined: 1/29/2005
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BTW Ray,

 Let me know if you need any help..I'll bring tools !

 Jim


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New radiator or fix original (13/28)
 8/8/08 10:38pm
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Port Orchard, WA - USA

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1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


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I say FIX OLD  I had my radiator totally rebuilt on my Pacer, of course I'm trying to keep everything original as much as possible Thumbs%20Up

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New radiator or fix original (14/28)
 8/8/08 11:35pm
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

Appreciate all the info, and thanks Jim... may just call you... especiaslly to get the hood off.... 
Steves radiator is a good one...  he has done work for me before... i will check out a re-core with him...
i also appreciate the offer my7t1... if it doesn't work out here i  may just send it to you... looks like Dewitts with spal fans about $1000...


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Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



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New radiator or fix original (15/28)
 8/10/08 9:02am
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

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Just give me a yell...

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New radiator or fix original (16/28)
 8/10/08 11:00pm
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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
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[QUOTE=JimG]Just give me a yell... [/QUOTE]
 
Just sent a PM back to you...


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Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
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New radiator or fix original (17/28)
 8/16/08 5:07pm
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

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1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


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So... is it out? 

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New radiator or fix original (18/28)
 8/17/08 10:13pm
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
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[QUOTE=JimG]So... is it out?  [/QUOTE]
 
Yup.. not a difficult task, thanks for the help
 Decided to go with the Dewitts and Spal fans... will order this week and put in when I get back from R.I.  Friday...  I'm 60 years old and  my kids can decide if they want to keep it original.. I wouldn't even think of selling her now...Wink
 Now.. does anyone know if there is a "one-piece" hose for the lower end... eliminating the metal pipe? Looks like it came with A/C cars.
2 cruzn2008-08-18 03:18:26

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USN 1966-1970

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Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



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New radiator or fix original (19/28)
 8/17/08 10:40pm
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

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1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


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Big Block is different than mine. My radiator is exactly like the original...

Let me know if you need help with the new one. I'll bring a change of clothes to work...


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New radiator or fix original (20/28)
 9/9/08 10:57pm
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
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Got the rad in now... went with Dewitt and question is... Is it a good idea to pick up 12V at the coil, for the ignition side of the fans relay...  I went to the alternator to pick up the hot wire for the fans.

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Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
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New radiator or fix original (21/28)
 9/9/08 11:12pm
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

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 I'll go out and look at mine in the AM and post where I hooked into. I forgot today...

 


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New radiator or fix original (22/28)
 9/10/08 2:53pm
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[QUOTE=2 cruzn]
 Now.. does anyone know if there is a "one-piece" hose for the lower end... eliminating the metal pipe? Looks like it came with A/C cars.
[/QUOTE]
They have that metal piece in the middle of the bottom hose because they don't want the hose to collapse. I think this was for all big block cars, mine has it too. I would keep it in if I were you.
 
Tom
 


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New radiator or fix original (23/28)
 9/10/08 6:46pm
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

makes sense.. it is a long run to the water pump... i was curious if they made one with a spring in it ... i will keep it in there too

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970

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Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



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New radiator or fix original (24/28)
 9/12/08 4:10pm
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

Radiator is in and fans working fine after I grounded the radiator... the temp sensor was not getting a good ground...  now gotta clean it up and hope no leaks... get back on the road this weekend...Big%20smile
Been OOC since 8/5  Dead
2 cruzn2008-09-12 13:26:25

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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970

WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II


Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



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New radiator or fix original (25/28)
 9/12/08 4:12pm
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

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1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


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We still doing the show Saturday?

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New radiator or fix original (26/28)
 9/12/08 4:25pm
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
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Works for me if weather is nice and I don't find any leaks by then... so far so good... I will call you Sat afternoon OK? I usually go up there about 6:00- 6:30
 
 


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Lifetime Member #86

USN 1966-1970

WestPac 67-68 Tet I&II


Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



(click to see a bigger image)


New radiator or fix original (27/28)
 9/12/08 8:34pm
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

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1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


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Yep, give me a holler...

If I don't answer the cell, call the house ! You know how reception is here...
JimG2008-09-12 17:45:16

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New radiator or fix original (28/28)
 9/15/08 10:12pm
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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

New radiator is in and took first cruises Sat & Sun... perfect day to test...temp here was a record breaker in upper 90'sEvil%20Smile and she ran a cool 195-180... and the biggest difference was how quick it would drop the temp after a short stop like getting fuel... use to take a long time of highway running to get it down this quick... only drawback is the fans make a lot more noise when running of course... but i'll take it...

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USN 1966-1970

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Featured in Corvette Enthusiast Aug 2007 "Shark Attack"
Blue Green *** 454,4 Spd, Dark Saddle Leather, A/C, AM-FM St. (orig), PW, Tilt -Tele Wheel"



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