johngammel

I'm down to going through casting numbers and date codes. Almost everything is correct except the windshield (PPG) and seat belts. But this radiator is my biggest unknown. The car is a 270 HP late '61 so it should have a 3151116 aluminum radiator with the tag affixed by two screws per NCRS. But there isn't any tag like that. The picture shows the radiator top and the two tags. So what radiator is this (recore, service replacement, etc.)?

Is the fix as simple as ordering the correct tag and then affixing it with screws (yikes) to the top?

jimh_1962

FYI, I think your horn relay is not correct.

Could have been replaced. You could get new tank from Dewitts which is as correct as they come.


http://www.dewitts.com/collections/c...ation-radiator


The other option is to leave it as you have it unless you do have an overheating problem. I am sure the points deduction is nominal.


To me, I simply put a direct fit and called it good. It is not as important for me to worry about numbers and what is or is not correct.

JohnZ

It appears to be a generic look-alike copper/brass replacement, based on the squared-off-looking side tanks; hard to see from the photo angle, but the sides should be rounded, with no side tanks at all, like the photo below. There were no re-cores - the Harrison stacked-plate aluminum radiators aren't repairable. Tom DeWitt can take care of you, with either a dated reproduction or a direct-fit version.

0Tom@Dewitt

Good eye John! That is a Griffin replacement aluminum radiator that was painted with decals.

johngammel

In Minnesota we had one guy who could fix aluminum radiators - but he was elderly and I'm sure long retired. Have to add this to my list of things to get corrected - hopefully before I go for judging the first time (it think it just takes money).

Frankie the Fink

I'm no NCRS guy but I have been lectured about "cost-per-point". I don't know how big a 'hit' you would take on the radiator (others will know I'm sure) but a correct replacement is a serious outlay of dollars if the item already in the car is working fine. Maybe those bucks would be better spent on seat belts or windshield - I just don't know...but something to think about. I can tell you the windshield will be a big job and serious bucks if you farm it out... Not horribly expensive if you do it yourself but it takes patience and research.

LincolnUSA

If you order a new Dewitt's, be sure to provide them your production number or VIN. There were three radiators utilized in 1961. Top tank, aluminum painted black or aluminum us painted. I just put the correct dated reproduction radiator in my car from Dewitt's. On sale, around 750

johngammel

My thought right now is to see what, if any, of things that I need can be acquired at swap meets or private sale at a very reasonable cost. Other than that I think I'm going to try to judge my own car with the NCRS sheets and see where I'm at as I'm close to 100% of my budget for the year.