Radiator question
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Radiator question
I tried to winterize my '63 today and when I tried to drain the radiator I noticed that the radiator was bent a little where the drain valve is located. I tried to bend it back and when I did, I broke the radiator off where the valve screws into it. I stuck a magnet on it and it doesn't stick so I assume that means it is aluminum and there is no way to repair this damage?
I guess it looks like I am going to need to get a new radiator. I am looking at a direct fit aluminum one in corvette central part 242002. I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions before I order it. Also, is there anything I need to know with regard to how to remove it.
Thanks in advance for your help as always, guys.
I guess it looks like I am going to need to get a new radiator. I am looking at a direct fit aluminum one in corvette central part 242002. I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions before I order it. Also, is there anything I need to know with regard to how to remove it.
Thanks in advance for your help as always, guys.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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take your radiator to a good local repair shop and see if they can save it. if not call Tom Dewitt and get one from him. and also there is no need to winterize your car. these are not fragile little things
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Temple Terrace Florida
Radiator
The radiator could be brass or aluminum. Neither are ferrous. In any event, both brass and aluminum can be welded. If the radiator is not original and is suspect, I would call Dewitts and order a replacement. I have a Dewitt on my C2 and C3 cars. Jerry
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Well, by winterize I mean that I didn't think that the antifreeze that was in it would hold up another winter while the car is in storage. Gets a little cold here in the winter. I thought I would take the radiator out tomorrow and see if it can be repaired. How do I find Tom Dewitt?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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he is a supporting vendor on this forum. look on the left column under cooling. he is the only one listed. you can not go wrong with his product
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
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From: Conroe Texas
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,074
Likes: 9,398
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
also for winterizing as you call it I would be more worried about the water in the block freezing then the radiator
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: thibodaux la.
if it is aluminum, don't leave it just sit around your garage without trying to keep water in it,like i did, i ruined an original rad.by harrison. the core oxides from the inside.take it to a shop like they say.i can now write a book at what not to do, while trying to restore my car.
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