fdunford

I want to get the correct cap for my vehicle. My owners manual says that is an RC-25, but the NCRS manual says RC-15 on a copper radiator or brass expansion tank, RC-26 on aluminum expansion tank.

Is the NCRS calling the radiator the expansion tank or is there an overflow tank my vehicle is missing?

My radiator fins are aluminum, so is the C-26 the correct cap?

Edit:
Year & Model:
1972 Coupe - 350/270 Auto/AC

Alan 71

I believe your 72, 350/200, auto, air, car came with a copper radiator with no expansion tank. It would have had a RC-15 cap. What radiator do you think is in the car now? Both the RC-15 and the RC-26 are 15# caps, so functionally you could use either.
Regards,
Alan

fdunford

Alan,

I am going for NCRS points, so thats my reason for trying to figure this out. I don't have the expansion tank.

When NCRS says copper or brass I wonder which part in particular are they referring to, the ends, the fins, or what?

Alan 71

The radiator for an air car in 72 is copper. The radiator for your car didn't have an expansion tank. You should have the RC-15 cap on your copper radiator. Pages 93, 94, 95, in the Tech Manual.
If you could post a picture of you current radiator someone might be able to help identify it. You could very easily have some kind of replacement radiator in place.
Regards,
Alan

dmayhew

fdunford, The entire radiator is copper / brass. The tanks and the fins

Also Advice from Alan 71 is always good advice. He has assisted me dead on many times.

David

fdunford

I'm good then as the radiator is stock. My next question is where can I find a RC15? I suspect the reproductions don't count for NCRS points do they?

Alan 71

Paragon has as good a REPRODUCTION as you'll find. Most judges will know it's a repro... might give you a small deduction (1 point ?) on originality but you'll do fine on condition. There was an interesting article in THE RESTORER on these caps a few years go, if you want to learn more.
Your other option is to find a used original, and have it re-plated. But, then the color of the center rivet becomes an issue. So the answer is....?
Regards,
Alan

nutsy

ALAN, do you know if there is a way to change rubber gasket in cap? i have my original i think but it has some small gouges.

Alan 71

Are you thinking of changing it because it leaks or because of condtion?
Regards,
Alan

nutsy

ALAN i did have some fluid coming out 1 time after i shut car off. i added more fluid because it was about 6 cups low and now it dont leAk but i would like to put a new gasket on if possible. it lookes like a job if it can be done with the brass rivet holding it together. i would like to keep original cap if it starts leaking.

Alan 71

The original RC-26 on my 71, 350/270, non air car has a fiber gasket. There's no way to change it with out damaging the new one getting it in. You might have better luck with your rubber gasket.
How about driving with a replacement cap, but put the original on for judging day. The Chassis Judges will like seeing an original cap. I don't take them off to look inside, never know for sure how hot the water is.
Regards,
Alan

nutsy

THANKS ALAN, GREAT IDEA. why didnt i think of that?

nutsy

sorry, double posted