Question: Radiator Help

[Copdogcorvettes]

Well as things go, when you think all is right with your C3 it . Went to a local hot rod meet Saturday evening. Was looking at a nice 63 roadster when I looked back at my vette and there it was; This long green trail of water coming out from under the front of the vette.

After a good looking over it's the radiator leaking from the core from more than one place. So, it's time to replace the 33 year old thing. I know Dewitt is the best; but I just don't have an extra $500 for one. So the question is recore the old one or try one of those $200 alum. from Ebay. Also just to add to the question I have a 4 speed and most of the ones I've found list are for both auto/standard.

I've always gotten good advices from all of you, so what do you think would be a good way to go? :bash ;help Thanks for your help.

Gary

 

[TimAT]

I'd go for a recore from a local radiator shop. By the time you fool around with an ebay bid, pay shipping, wonder if you got a good one or a piece of junk, a local guy could have a new core in it, all cleaned up and ready to install.
My $.05

And if your local guy is good, have him stuff the biggest core he can between the tanks. You never know, sometime you might want to get really crazy and stuff a blower on a 383 or a BB in there.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Please don't buy some offshore one size fits all POS. You'll just be buying something else to replace it in a few months. Not saying that DeWitts is the only game in town, but a radiator is one area where you need to spend the bucks and go first class.

 

[6880 Mike]

...I'd go for a recore from a local radiator shop....

I agree.

 

[Evolution1980]

Please don't buy some offshore one size fits all POS. You'll just be buying something else to replace it in a few months. Not saying that DeWitts is the only game in town, but a radiator is one area where you need to spend the bucks and go first class.

I spoke with Tom DeWitt at FunFest. (I was the "ambassador" for the seminar tent he was in.) He said that his is the only radiator that's built in the USA. He's positive his are built here because he (his facility) is the one building 'em.
After speaking with him and watching his seminar, if I didn't have mine re-cored, I'd get one of his units. He came off as a very stand-up guy and 100% willing to back his product. A straight-shooter kinda guy.
...for whatever any of that's worth to ya.

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

I Guys; got the radiator out today. it looks clean inside w/ no nasty build up. The drivers side tank looks like it came loose from the core flange/ there about a 3 in line that I can slide my finger nail along. I'm headed to the radiator shop, nearest is 30 mile away, to have it checked out. Hopefully just a little fixing will do it.

I did call around and couldn't buy a matching replacement. All new ones are made w/ the Auto coolers and cost around $300.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Gary

 

[Copdogcorvettes]

Thanks to all for your help. Found the only Radiators shop in the area and they fixed it up just fine and back to me in 1 day. They also can recore/rebiuld the whole thing with the new high flow 3/4 in tubes for around $500. I'll wait on that for another time. It helps I guess when the manager drive a Corvette. Anyway It's all fixed and ready to go back together.

For all in Western Washington if you need radiator work these guys are great. Contact me if you want the name and phone number.

Thanks,
Gary

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