Topic: New radiator or fix original
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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Lifetime MemberPoquoson, VA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2004
Posts: 1023
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.
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...
2 cruzn 2008-08-05 19:22:42
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...
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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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)
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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
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.
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).
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
Lifetime MemberDillsboro, IN - USA
Joined: 8/3/2003
Posts: 182
Vette(s): 1969-427/435hp T top Tri-power
2000-Mag Red six speed convertible
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.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
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.
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.
I bought a Dewitts... Of course there is that radiator shop down on Rt 17 that is always doing a booming business....
Lifetime Member #73
The Money Pit.... and my niece 
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Me too, bought a DeWitts.
Steve, Lifetime Member #129
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
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
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) my7T1 2008-08-07 08:52:12
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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