Topic: Selection and Installation of New Radiator?
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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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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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
I am sure others on here will offer other suggestions. Best of luck!
Rodney


Poquoson, 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.
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..
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)
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
Rodney

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.
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.
in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems
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