Time for radiator

[vettej1]

Think I need a new radiator. I have the original aluminum one and it has begun to leak at the tank. Not bad but starting. I saw a new radiator on ebay but its a copper/brass 4 row. Check out the link.
What do ya think?? Any good ? Or must I stick with the alum. Just can't swallow spending 5 or $600 on a new alum. one.

thanks for any help

-john
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2424154315&category=34201
eBay item 2424154315 (Ends Jul-23-03 18:08:12 PDT) - 1963 - 72 CHEVY CORVETTE RADIATOR NEW

 

[JBWeaver]

Alum

Stick with Alum, I spent the money and put one in my 77 and it has never run cooler. To me, the money spent on something a vital as the cooling system is well worth it.

 

[clar2001]

$500 to keep a nice vette cool well worth it don't save on the cooling system we all know how hot these babys run..........

 

[Jack]

$170 or less ... this "Universal fit Alum rad" ... very good quality. No, it is not original in looks nor fit ... spend a weekend or less fitting it ... it'll cool anything you're likely to have. We run this same rad in circle track cars. The 28" or maybe even the 31" should fit into yours.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/produ...345,9173472,91734722,9180017,9180018,9189504%

 

[vettej1]

Jack, thanks for the tip.
Are you running with one of these in your 71?

 

[vettej1]

Thanks Rick,
Is copper a good alternative? I've heard conflicting stories.

 

[Jack]

Jack, thanks for the tip.
Are you running with one of these in your 71?

John:
About six months ago, we installed one of these (31 x 19) in a 73 BB coupe w/ 4-speed ... and single electric rad fan ... fairly simple job ... cools great. Albeit doable, if you keep your OE fan & shroud it'll make job more difficult.

My 71 is about to get the very same rad & elec fan.

If your core is salvageable, a local rad shop can boil your rad out & repair leaks for under $100 ... if you R&R rad yourself. If your core is OK, I'd suggest that route. However, typical OE core of that age has gotten too thin from routine corrosion.

Any rad, regardless of material, is only as good as its size, condition & cleanliness ... emphasis cleanliness ... but these newer Al rads w/ wide tubes cool better than copper-brass w/ narrow tubes.
JACK:gap

 

[bonks69]

radiator

I replace my alum. radiator a couple of months ago with one from dewitts it cost me about $500.00 but it is a factory style replacement fit so no mods are necessary it took me about 2hrs to replace it. It runs cooler and was a easy change. I also put in a 160 thermostat and a direct drive fan. (I used my stock Fan with a billet alum adapter i got from corvette central.

 

[clar2001]

I did Dewitts to well worth the money with the new cushions it fit better than the stock one.