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Topic: DeWitt radiator issue

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


DeWitt radiator issue

Posted: 3/19/16 9:03am Message 1 of 5
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Caddo Mills, TX - USA
Joined: 9/15/2015
Posts: 38
Vette(s): 1980 Black on Black 4speed 383 Stroker 17x9 rear, 17x8 front with 255-50R-17 Nitto tires OBX Stainless Steel sidepipes DeWitts radiator with dual electric fans
Question/Opinion. I removed my DeWitt aluminum radiator today and stock clutch fan to install electric fans. I noticed where the radiator had a lead around the filler neck. Upon closer inspection it appears the overflow tube connector was not properly welded, almost like it was just a pressure fitting. 
My question for you guys is this. Should i repair this with something like JB Weld ? or since its out should i take it to a radiator shop and have it welded ?




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Re: DeWitt radiator issue

Posted: 3/19/16 7:57pm Message 2 of 5
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I'd find someone that can weld aluminumnum, and have it welded properly. Not sure if JB Weld, or other epoxies would do the job. 


Joel Adams
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Re: DeWitt radiator issue

Posted: 3/20/16 10:54am Message 3 of 5
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1525
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.
I'd call Tom DeWitt. He stands behind his product.


   

Re: DeWitt radiator issue

Posted: 3/22/16 10:43am Message 4 of 5
Former Member
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Caddo Mills, TX - USA
Joined: 9/15/2015
Posts: 38
Vette(s): 1980 Black on Black 4speed 383 Stroker 17x9 rear, 17x8 front with 255-50R-17 Nitto tires OBX Stainless Steel sidepipes DeWitts radiator with dual electric fans
After calling around looking for a radiator shop to do the welding and finding no one in my immediate area, i stumbled across a low heat aluminum braising rods from Harbor freight tools. It was a simple process of cleaning the area with a stainless steel wire brush (also harbor freight) and using a propane torch to heat the area then flowing the rod into the weld area. Worked like a charm ! Nice and clean and after completion, the allow is harder than the aluminum. Now to see how long it lasts. Based on what i'm seeing, i dont have any reason to think it wont last. it made a very strong joint ! So something to think about for those of you in this situation. Only $17 for the rods and $5 for the SS brushes.

Thanks for everyone's feedback !




Re: DeWitt radiator issue

Posted: 4/1/16 5:14pm Message 5 of 5
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Joined: 3/10/2013
Posts: 24
Vette(s): 1972 T Top, Mille Miglia Red, auto, ac, power windows, power steering, tilt/tele, power brakes, black leather..
I agree, DeWitt's make a quality product that they stand by...call them up.
 
I have used a product called RapidFix [two bottle pack adhesive] on my original radiator overflow and it sealed it perfectly.



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