Does it fit?

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Does the 2-5/8" radiator from 1976 to 1979, fit into a 1981 Vette?

I have purchased a new HD Radiator and am having some dramas fitting it as the hoses don't match up.
The top hose from my 81 fits the inlet of the new radiator, but the bottom hose fits the water pump but not the bottom outlet neck as it is too small. The neck is 1-3/4".
Do I have to change to 76 to 79 style hoses?
Also, does the craddle that supports the 81 2" radiator need to be replaced or can it support the wider radiator? Do the mounting cushions need to be replaced?

Thanks

Tony

 

[69MyWay]

Tony, I can't really answer your specific question, but I will let you in on a secret.

My 69 Killer Shark is sporting a genuine universal ribbed flexi generic lower radiator hose!!!!!!

You can't go wrong. You can get them in different lengths with the spring in them, at the desired outlet size on each end. You can't really see the lower hose anyway, and you will be able to pull this off with no problems, considering you are using different parts from different year models.

As far as the fitment of the radiator to the lower support brackets? I don't know either, but I do know it is not that hard to make you own. Again, I had to build my own to put my Griffin radiator in.

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Thanks Chris

Thanks Chris.

I thought about putting a flex hose on if all else fails.
I had a look at the hoses at www.coolflex.com , sounds good.

I have a guy here in Australia who virtually has every part on the shelf. He is sending a couple of hoses up from Melbourne to suit a 79, I think.
I did a bit of research yesterday and it seems that the top hose that is currently on my old girl, is from a 79 anyway.
It looked a bit different from the new hose I purchased the other day, when I asked for a hoses for an 81.
Trouble is, the fan belt on the alternator is rubbing on it and has put a groove in the hose. Won't be long and it will be cactus.
There must have been two different top necks on the 79 radiators, as I found that there was a hose that fitted a neck that comes straight out from the radiator (this hose has a bend at that point), and there is a hose that fits a neck where the neck is sweeping and the hose has no bend.
I have a feeling that the radiator that is currently in there is one from a 79, that would explain the difference in appearance from photos I have seen.

From what I can gather, the radiator will fit, but I need to change the rubber mounts from 2" to 2-5/8" mounts. All I have to do now is make sure the shroud fits.

On a lighter note, I am very excited as I found the original build sheet the other day! There it was sitting on the fuel tank. It is like winning the lotto!
I have asked the Corvette Museum to try and find my build sheet, but don't think they will have any luck as she was build at St Louis.
I am not sure wether I should take the sheet off or not?

Thanks again

Tony

 

[clar2001]

I just did the stainless steal like cool flex never buy a hose agin looks great and dispates heat.

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

I agree clar2001

Yep, they look like they make some pretty cool looking stuff.
Did you see the gold plated hose clamps?

If only the wife understood, then the Vette would get gold as well!
Nothing is to good for her! (Ok the wife as well)

Cheers

Tony

 

[clar2001]

I bought mine at a local shop $18 foot for the stainless hose took 4 feet top & bottom went with blue ends $16 each then you need a rubber that goes in the end $6 each, bottom top of rad and therm housing took a second insert rubber to down size them, I did the tranny line steel double brad flez, the pvc valve double bradded flez & the brake booster
Total was $240 pretty expensive put looks great and all is top quality the rad hoses were hard to work with the bottom one makes some pretty good bends & you don't want a rub spot any were or it would wear a hole in the steel.

I just noticed that sight says copper construction for better cooling, the ones I bought were solit stainless steel.

 

[clar2001]

A little bit at a time (headers next)

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Hey that does look good!

Clar2001,

That looks really cool!
The lines really do dress up the engine bay when you conbine it with a little chrome work.

A bit of inspiration, thanks.

Cheers

Tony