When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am prepping the 66 I've owned since 1983 to finally have it judged by NCRS. The current after market radiator needs to be replaced. I priced a DeWitts off Summit at $569, pricey enough, but doable. Then, to have a 65M stamped it it, the cost shot up to 1000 bucks (same price through DeWitts directly.) Over $400 for a three character stamp. That is simply a rip-off of the pro-restoration community. Sorry sponsors but that does not engender customer loyalty.
Long story short I found an original C2 radiator in good shape, close dated to my build, and non-leaking for $75 off Craigslist.
Which leads to the tech question. Do you need to take off the hood to remove/reinstall the radiator? Anyone done this recently that has any tips? Its been 25 years since I had the hood off.
Hope you like doing it twice But no you do not need to remove the hood. Also the two radiators from Dewitt's are diffreant The one looks like a original and will judge very well. The other won't They work the same
Also the two radiators from Dewitt's are diffreant The one looks like a original and will judge very well. The other won't
The ones I see on the Summit page are replacement radiators which will fit and function, but do not look like the originals. The higher priced radiator you found is a restoration radiator which is a dead ringer for an original.
Don't complain about the price.
Adjusted for inflation, DeWitt restoration radiators are actually significantly less expensive than original Harrison radiators purchased at your Chebby dealer back when they were still available.
Be grateful that you can get a brand new, correct radiator at all.
I would be worried about any used 40 year old radiator. The reason that some of these old radiators do not leak is because the inside is covered with crud. The crud plugs holes but it also makes the radiator perform very poorly. You would be wise to invest into one of the above units and save yourself some future aggravation
Every time I've 'cheaped out' on quality its backfired...I don't do it anymore...its false economy. Of course, some on here would have you think spending $100 on parts means the world is coming to an end...
The ones I see on the Summit page are replacement radiators which will fit and function, but do not look like the originals. The higher priced radiator you found is a restoration radiator which is a dead ringer for an original.
Don't complain about the price.
Adjusted for inflation, DeWitt restoration radiators are actually significantly less expensive than original Harrison radiators purchased at your Chebby dealer back when they were still available.
Be grateful that you can get a brand new, correct radiator at all.
Amen! Just bought 2. Not cheap, but what are you gonna do?
Bought my DeWitts rad with the date stamped on sale from Willcox Corvette. Look for sales on orders. The Dewitts rad will make you smile when you open the hood and you'll sleep good at night.
Rather steamed
