I have the original radiator in my L68. It has a little leak at the petcock valve. Almost impossible to get at cause of the frame. I’m considering pulling it, flushing it, and having it repaired. Or do I just go for a new radiator from Corvette Central around $1200?

 

just buy it direct from Dewitts. and chances are they will be running a sale around July 4th

 

So if I do buy one, I will follow your advice. Dewitt’s is the way to go I’ve heard. Is it advisable to replace it or recondition the original?

 

if you have a local radiator shop that can repair it then I would go that route. but those shops are going the way of the dodo bird.

 

I'd buy a DeWitts...

 

if you have machine shop a round you can have it recored alot cheaper

 

If this is a question about originality than by all means get the OE radiator repaired.
If it's about driving and reliability why on a C2 at current values try to save money on something so important as a radiator?
Especially when the best option is available from a vendor with a proven track record like Dewitt's.

 

I would replace it with a correct Dewitt's restoration radiator. Why mess around with a 50 or 60 year old radiator.

 

Has anybody on the forum gone with a Dewitt’s with dual fans for the L68? I live in CA, and it can get pretty
hot at times, how hard is it to instsall with fans. Also should I go with aluminum finish or black painted?

 

I have a 67 L68 and live in Northern Ca. also. I just had my original Harrison radiator re-cord by a very reputable radiator shop. I changed out all the hoses, thoroughly flushed the system. Although it doesn’t leak it does run a little hot when sitting with the motor running I’m always watching the gauge. I can image sitting in traffic on a hot day going over the hill. Next step for me is a Dewitt’s original replacement radiator and will keep the original on the shelf if I ever decide to have it judged.

 

That’s what I’m thinking I will do. Will you go with the dual electric fans?

 

Dewitt’s states that it will run 30% more efficient with their aluminum radiator. At this point I think I will get that and use the original shroud and fan. I’m in the process of finding the correct water pump and once I have that will pull the trigger on the radiator. I like the stock look my car is very original, but I drive it a lot so it’s got to function properly. Let us know what you decide and if your happy.

 

I bought a DeWitts and forgot about worrying about anything regarding the temperatures.

 

Did you get it with electric fans?

 

Northern Alabama here. Used to dread red lights in summer. Got a Dewitt’s for my L72. Seems like it was a HD aluminum. No electric fans, just stock. Keep the old one if it’s sentimental in the corner. Dewitt’s one and done.

 

I worked at a radiator shop when I was young (counter person) and you fix one problem n in a few weeks or months another pops-up on an old radiator.
I bit the pullet n bought a new dated Dewitts a few years agoe (no fans).
Glad I did.
Good luck.

 

Put a Dewitt’s direct fit in my friends 64 Coupe 6 months ago

Started leaking. To it to my go to radiator shop and it was determined it was leaking from multiple places.

Called Dewitt’s and bought a new one. Didn’t want to wait on shipping back and forth. Shipped the old one back and once they inspect it they will refund the purchase of the new one.

Anybody else have any leaking issues with Dewitts?

 

Dave it is your choice. You can go several ways. Repair your original, refurbish your original or buy a new one. It all depends on what you want to achieve, If it is originality then repair or refurbish. If not then Dewitt is your best bet.
My 1959 Fuelie sprung a leak on the upper tank seam. I decided to go the original refurbishing way. I lucked out because there is a radiator repair and manufacturing shop in Miami and I know the owners. They are superb radiator repair craftsman. The original Harisson was re-cored and refurbished. The core was replaced with a new original V-cell one from Maine Radiator Manufacturers.
The radiator came out like new with its correct original V-cell type core. I have the original fan mechanical fan with no clutch and a 165 F thermostat. My car runs at about 165 to 170 F all the time even in heavy traffic and very hot day.
There are vintage radiator houses that will do the same using V-cell cores. I will attach a link. It did take me three months for the project from removing and installing the radiator. I did the removal and installation myself.

You might want to check where is the leak. It my be a crack in the petcok and since the Harrison is brass it can be solder with 40/60 (40%tin/60%lead) solder. This you can do yourself. I just finished hot rodding a 1935 Ford convertible with a sbc 350 and I had a custom radiator made. It was damaged during shipping, the fill neck had a crack at the base. I fixed myself with the 40/60 solder. The radiator manufacturer recommended this solder. I use propane and it was very easy to use and fix.
Vintage Cores Catalog | Maine Radiator

https://www.classicradiator.com/

 

I ordered a Dewitts for my 65 L76, they sent the wrong one. I called, they blamed it on the guy in the warehouse. Got the right one finally, occasionally will hit 200 if I'm at a light for a prolonged period but settles back down to 180 when I get moving. No electric fans but I do run a 6 blade with the fan clutch eliminator from Corvette Central.

 

I bought the Dewitt’s with the dual fans and a month later they came out with the single pwm fan. I called them and they said the single would move more air and would be quieter. They swapped the fans out for me to the single. Can’t tell you how it works though as I haven’t started the engine yet.