1957 corvette radiator
06-06-2011, 01:35 AM
#1
Cruising
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Location: Santa Clara California
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1957 corvette radiator
I am looking for a oem radiator for my vette but all I find is reproductions. Where can I find one? How much am I looking to pay for one? Is it better to just get the reproduction? Thanks
Last edited by Lurchguy; 06-06-2011 at 02:01 AM.
06-06-2011, 02:57 AM
#2
Race Director
The brass repro is a piece of junk. The filler neck is positioned wrong and often interferes with the hood, the mounting holes are also in the wrong place, and it doesn't have the U-nuts needed to secure it. Unless it's been recently corrected/updated avoid it at all costs. This is the radiator that most vendors sell for about $400.
Your best bet is the "Direct Fit" aluminum radiator from DeWitts. The appearance is very close to original, so much so, that most people can't tell the difference. The top tank is stamped correctly, the filler neck is right, the mounting holes are where they belong, and if you order the black epoxy painted version, you can't tell that it's aluminum. List price is about $650.
The chances of finding a useable OEM one are pretty slim, but if you do find one, they can be re-cored.
Your best bet is the "Direct Fit" aluminum radiator from DeWitts. The appearance is very close to original, so much so, that most people can't tell the difference. The top tank is stamped correctly, the filler neck is right, the mounting holes are where they belong, and if you order the black epoxy painted version, you can't tell that it's aluminum. List price is about $650.
The chances of finding a useable OEM one are pretty slim, but if you do find one, they can be re-cored.
06-06-2011, 12:27 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
i got an original 59 radiator at carlisle last year for $100.00,,, works well, no leaks or rust,,,i figured that it needed to be re-cored,,, i wouldn't spend more than that for a used original...
06-06-2011, 05:00 PM
#5
Former Vendor
At the risk of sounding like a salesmen trying to sell you something, I would highly recommend you go with the the Direct Fit aluminum (black) as recommended. The stock OEM radiator uses a "cellular" type core which is the same thing they use to make heater cores. The performance of this type of radiator was just ok when new and down hill from there. I have an original copper/brass radiator that I recored with a tube type core, which will provide better cooling, and you can have that one for $350. Brand new
05-24-2015, 02:59 PM
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At the risk of sounding like a salesmen trying to sell you something, I would highly recommend you go with the the Direct Fit aluminum (black) as recommended. The stock OEM radiator uses a "cellular" type core which is the same thing they use to make heater cores. The performance of this type of radiator was just ok when new and down hill from there. I have an original copper/brass radiator that I recored with a tube type core, which will provide better cooling, and you can have that one for $350. Brand new
