Need new radiator! where should I get One?

[Goose]

I found the cooling problem of smelling antifreeze. I have a leaking radiator. Should I buy a original type from dealer or is there a after market one that is better. Where would I look for a after market one?

Thanks, Goose

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Dewitts is a supporting vendor here at the CAC and has a good reputation.

 

[Goose]

DeWitts

I looked at Dewitts and it looks like a great radiator and I am sure it is better than the stock one, but MAN!! $500.00, thats rich. I may have to go that route, but I sure was hoping to get out of this for more like $300.00. Oh, Well vettes are not cheap.


Thanks, Goose

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Are you looking at the aluminum radiator? I assumed that they manufactured stock replacements as well. If not, try The Last Detail. The stock replacement for my 77 is under $200. Also, consider having yours rebuilt. It is guaranteed to fit.

 

[Skyguy007]

I put a DeWitts unit in my '69 BB. I was impressed first by the fact that "DeWitt" himself answered the phone and discussed my options. (To paint or not to paint, etc.) The new radiator arrived well-packed a few days later and went in smoothly. The aluminum radiator dropped the coolant temp by a bunch, which allowed me to set the timing more aggressively.

 

[tlong]

Used one on Ebay for $50 11 hours to go.

 

[Skyguy007]

I would rather let my car sit until I could save up enough $ to put in the right part than to go through the effort of installing an e-bay special.

 

[Goose]

Thanks for the advise.

I had to pass on the Dewitts, but I got a friend of mine at O'reilly's auto parts to get me a new radiator, with lifetime warranty for $175.00. I went ahead and got all new radiator and heater hoses, clamps and two gallons of new antifreeze for a total of $302.00. I am just glad that the radiator let loose now instead of two months from now when we will be in the vette out of state on vacation, now that would have been a major pain and a whole more expensive.

Goose.

 

[tlong]

The choice could range from $2.99 Barr Stop Leak to a $700 racing unit. Jason at Vette2Vette has them for $100 guaranteed. I would probably go DeWitt because I can't take fixing things but once and upgrading at the same time. That's just me. Everyone is different, no?

 

[Goose]

TLong

I liked the Dewitts and I am sure it is a lot better than what I got, But could not go the $500.00 right now. It sure looks like a quality unit.

 

[Skyguy007]

It sounds like a good value for the money.

I always use a bottle of Water Wetter and a 60:40 water-to-antifreeze ratio to help with heat transfer. While a 50:50 mixture offers higher boilover and lower freeze protection, it doesn't promote as good of heat transfer as water alone. The problem with straight water is lack of corrosion protection in addition to the low boiling/high freeze points.

Also, remember to use distilled water (generally available at most grocery stores) to help keep extraneous minerals out of the cooling system.

 

[Edmond]

The choice could range from $2.99 Barr Stop Leak to a $700 racing unit. Jason at Vette2Vette has them for $100 guaranteed. I would probably go DeWitt because I can't take fixing things but once and upgrading at the same time. That's just me. Everyone is different, no?

I have bought from Jason before and he is a top notch guy!

And that stop leak stuff doesn't work, trust me!:L:L:L

 

[Goose]

Does the water-wetter lower your water temp? I have seen it advertized and wondered if it did any good. Do I have to order it or will auto parts stores carry it.

 

[Skyguy007]

It (and a few other products) help with the heat transfer.

 

[Edmond]

Does the water-wetter lower your water temp? I have seen it advertized and wondered if it did any good. Do I have to order it or will auto parts stores carry it.

yes, it will work to lower your temperatures quicker when you get moving. As for standing traffic, the temperatures will still go up. You can also reprogram to have your fans come on earlier.

If you get Water Wetter, one bottle isn't enough; I run two bottle and with a stock thermostat, I don't see temps over 190 on the hottest days of the year.

 

[tlong]

Jason is awesome. Red Line Water Wetter and distilled water is great advice.

I used Stop Leak on my Ford- it worked fine (so far). It's in line on the philosophy with the old truck. If the Vette burps there is no limit to the expense and quality with her. That's the difference between transportation and obsession.

 

[chockey]

Just received a new radiator from Corvette America, very well packed and it only took 3 working days to get. Hope to have it installed next week.

Chuck

 

[tyrel]

I recently bought a brand new stock Harrison radiator off ebay for $169 + $30 for shipping. Installed it in about an hour and it works perfectly. I couldn't be happier.

 

[WhalePirot]

I don't think rrubel is using my old Z-51 radiator....... R U Rich??