Original 65 Radiator repair
08-16-2014, 10:58 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Original 65 Radiator repair
About 25 years ago I took the radiator out of my Vette when replacing the cam. I slipped on something on the floor and dropped the radiator. It landed on the bottom corner on the side where the pet **** is located. It now has a split seam there that leaks. I have a replacement non aluminum radiator in there now. My question is, can this be repaired and what would this radiator be worth like it is or if it was repaired? I am on vacation right now, but when I get home I will post some pictures. What do you think?
Last edited by BigT-65; 08-16-2014 at 11:06 PM.
08-16-2014, 11:08 PM
#2
My guess is it's junk. Very hard if not impossible to repair. Tom Dewitt may be able to fix it, but for the cost, time, etc, his replacement unit would be more cost effective, and it would not have any corrosion.
Mark.
Mark.
08-17-2014, 06:43 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
I know everybody says they cant be repaired, but there was a guy back in the 70s- early 80s that repaired them. I dont know what he did, but I never had any problems with them.
The GM published method was to use epoxy.
The GM published method was to use epoxy.
08-17-2014, 07:41 AM
#5
Team Owner
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Greenville, Indiana
Posts: 26,118
Received 1,843 Likes
on
1,398 Posts
I think there was a GM repair center in Indianapolis.
08-17-2014, 08:30 AM
#6
Team Owner
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: Coloring within the lines
Posts: 27,312
Received 1,919 Likes
on
1,332 Posts
I'm not sure that a 327 radiator would be worth the cost to fix, even if you could find someone who could fix it correctly, but I'm really just guessing.
08-17-2014, 01:20 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Mosquito Land, Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Aluminium radiators corrode from the inside out. You fix one area and find another leak somewhere's else later. A aluminium weld may work but it's not guaranteed. A product like J-B weld (epoxy) doesn't work very well, it gets soft from all the heat.
Better buy a new rad.
Better buy a new rad.
08-17-2014, 11:25 PM
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
I am still on vacation, but the radiator was fine when I took it out. I flushed it out before I put it on the shelf 25 years ago so it doesn't really have 49 years of service. I just thought someone would be interested enough in an original 65 radiator, to buy it especially if it could be fixed. When I get home I will take some pictures of the damage and the numbers and post them. Maybe I can get enough money from it to fix my ailing seats.
08-18-2014, 02:33 AM
#10
Who knows, put it on Ebay!! There was some absolute piece of garbage 63 body frame thing that went for 8K.
Tom Dewitt makes exact reproduction radiators, right down to the date stamp for your serial number. So, I would see no value in paying anymore then a fraction of the unit from Tom for an "original" radiator. It could be fine, or leak in 6 months.
Even though only in use for half of the age, that first half resulted in some corrosion buildup.
Tom Dewitt makes exact reproduction radiators, right down to the date stamp for your serial number. So, I would see no value in paying anymore then a fraction of the unit from Tom for an "original" radiator. It could be fine, or leak in 6 months.
Even though only in use for half of the age, that first half resulted in some corrosion buildup.
08-18-2014, 06:47 AM
#11
Safety Car
I'm afraid you'll be wasting your time. I went through the exact scenario years ago. Paid $90 for a gorgeous looking '62 dated correct for my car aluminum rad.
Got it tested, leaked on the side tank seams. Repaired at a welding shop twice for $50. Leaked in different spots. Now hangs on my shop wall as a reminder of my foolishness.
I learned this from the owner of a radiator manufacturing business after my frustration.....
The Harrison stacked plate radiators were manufactured using a special process, but in a salt bath. Once the A-F/coolant's anti-corrosive elements dissipate and the radiator is subjected to air, the corrosion begins from the inside out. Years go by. The exterior looks fine, but the interior is eating itself away.
If the radiator was stored with A-F/coolant, with it's anti-corrosion properties intact, then sealed tightly, it would have lasted and the corrosion would not occur. Case in point, many original 1960 to 1970's original aluminum radiators are still functioning, because they are in running cars. My '63 coupe still had it's original "63A" rad, and still does today. That's because the anti-corrosion elements in the fluid still keep the interior protected. BTW, the man's name that taught me all this is Tom Dewitt.
Rich
Got it tested, leaked on the side tank seams. Repaired at a welding shop twice for $50. Leaked in different spots. Now hangs on my shop wall as a reminder of my foolishness.
I learned this from the owner of a radiator manufacturing business after my frustration.....
The Harrison stacked plate radiators were manufactured using a special process, but in a salt bath. Once the A-F/coolant's anti-corrosive elements dissipate and the radiator is subjected to air, the corrosion begins from the inside out. Years go by. The exterior looks fine, but the interior is eating itself away.
If the radiator was stored with A-F/coolant, with it's anti-corrosion properties intact, then sealed tightly, it would have lasted and the corrosion would not occur. Case in point, many original 1960 to 1970's original aluminum radiators are still functioning, because they are in running cars. My '63 coupe still had it's original "63A" rad, and still does today. That's because the anti-corrosion elements in the fluid still keep the interior protected. BTW, the man's name that taught me all this is Tom Dewitt.
Rich
08-23-2014, 03:39 PM
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
It is probably correct that this radiator is useless, but I said I would post some pictures so here they are. It looks like I must have tried to fix the leak with some epoxy putty that can be seen in one of the pictures. I don't remember doing this but evidently I did.