Topic: Replace radiator
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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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?
, 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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Lifetime MemberLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
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.
LIFETIME MEMBER #97
THE DYNAMIC DUO
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.
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
(click to see a bigger version)
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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Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
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:
LukesVette 2007-01-12 16:43:12
Here's my results:
The biggest effort is draining the radiator. If you can get the car out to NJ, I'll do it for you!!
Paul
LukesVette Homepage
Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom
101st Airborne(AirAssault!)
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Support Our Troops 
it is a piece of cake but everyone else is correct regarding make of the unit. I put in Dewitt and it was easy.
rick
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
I replaced my radiator about 2 yrs ago and the 4 row brass radiator was about $325 if I remember right. I did the replacement myself. $400 seems high for the amount of work being done. Check to see if they were planning to replace other parts with the radiator or if they may have quoted an aluminium one as stated above. Also make sure all the foam seals are installed when the job is complete or you may end up with cooling issues in hot weather.
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
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. manget1 2007-01-13 07:52:40
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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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.
. 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.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
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
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.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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