$$$ saving upgrade to share.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
Thanks for the great writeup Greg.
That looks like it could be an effective lower cost alternative. I guess only time will tell. Hopefully Tom will be able to get a closer look at one of these to point out the true differences so we can all make an educated decision on which way to go.
That looks like it could be an effective lower cost alternative. I guess only time will tell. Hopefully Tom will be able to get a closer look at one of these to point out the true differences so we can all make an educated decision on which way to go.
Thread Starter
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,865
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Wow!
That's some pretty good research. Nice job, Batman.
I am absolutely confident that my radiator was US made, which is certainly a bonus.
However, had it been made in Canada, Japan or Pango Pango and it did the same job for half the price I would have bought it. If I thought it was cheap crap, as so many here are trying to make it sound like, I would not have bought it.
Foreign made no longer equates to cheap or inferior. Just look at GM vs. Toyota.
Some may refer to it as the Walmart version but in the end I paid less than half of what you paid and I got the same results.
I guess if I'd purchased, or sold, an overpriced item I would do a lot of chest-pounding to justify my overspending too. I would declare anything costing less than what I spent has to be crap. But that claim would be based on nothing more than remorse.
Some members pay $12k to have their Vettes painted. Others pay
$3k. Both cars look great going down the street. Is either one of them wrong?
That's some pretty good research. Nice job, Batman.
I am absolutely confident that my radiator was US made, which is certainly a bonus.
However, had it been made in Canada, Japan or Pango Pango and it did the same job for half the price I would have bought it. If I thought it was cheap crap, as so many here are trying to make it sound like, I would not have bought it.
Foreign made no longer equates to cheap or inferior. Just look at GM vs. Toyota.
Some may refer to it as the Walmart version but in the end I paid less than half of what you paid and I got the same results.
I guess if I'd purchased, or sold, an overpriced item I would do a lot of chest-pounding to justify my overspending too. I would declare anything costing less than what I spent has to be crap. But that claim would be based on nothing more than remorse.
Some members pay $12k to have their Vettes painted. Others pay
$3k. Both cars look great going down the street. Is either one of them wrong?
Last edited by Greg; Jul 9, 2006 at 01:40 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Originally Posted by swensonm
This thread sure took a left turn! Still kinda new here but I thought this began as a low cost alternative for guys and gals on a budget. Not about who's product was better?
Mike
Mike
SWENSONM you are right on TARGET.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by swensonm
This thread sure took a left turn! Still kinda new here but I thought this began as a low cost alternative for guys and gals on a budget. Not about who's product was better?
Mike
Mike
That's exactly what this thread was "intended" for...
I thank Greg again for the great writeup and heads up on a potential alternative. Thanks Greg...hate your thread got pointed in another direction
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I'm honestly very curious to see what differences in structure and production quality (if any) exist between the Northern and DeWitt's radiators. Maybe if Tom can get a Northern to inspect a new thread could be started to discuss the differences?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Something else to consider
In today's world of global competition, I can't even imagine how hard it is to successfully run a business and keep it in the red. I bet that DeWitt would sell his radiators for $100 each, if he could, because I think he's that much of a Corvette enthusiast. There's no telling what his overhead and production costs are. Right off the top he's got Federal, State and I guess local taxes, Social Security contributions for his employees, medical insurance expenses, maybe profit sharing and not to mention employee wages high enough to keep the good employees. There might be land/building lease expense or land purchase and building construction payments that are ongoing. There's constant expense for materials to produce his products not to mention equipment and machinery expense and probable periodic repair costs. And we must not forget Research and Development costs.
No, I do not know Tom DeWitt personally. Although, I did purchase one of his radiatiors and it has worked perfectly, for years, and I received excellent customer service. It must be almost nightmarish to be in competition against companies that are mass producers; no matter what the product may be.
I just wanted to present something else to consider regardless of what we are purchasing. Personally, I am willing to pay more with the belief that I am helping another American family some how some way. Call me old fashioned.
Greg's post, I thought, was excellent; no question. And the better informed we are - hopefully, the better our decision making process.
Y'all have a great day and enjoy your Vettes!
80 Black Vette/Travis
No, I do not know Tom DeWitt personally. Although, I did purchase one of his radiatiors and it has worked perfectly, for years, and I received excellent customer service. It must be almost nightmarish to be in competition against companies that are mass producers; no matter what the product may be.
I just wanted to present something else to consider regardless of what we are purchasing. Personally, I am willing to pay more with the belief that I am helping another American family some how some way. Call me old fashioned.
Greg's post, I thought, was excellent; no question. And the better informed we are - hopefully, the better our decision making process.
Y'all have a great day and enjoy your Vettes!
80 Black Vette/Travis
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Originally Posted by 80 Black Vette
In today's world of global competition, I can't even imagine how hard it is to successfully run a business and keep it in the red......
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Sometimes I'm a knucklehead
Originally Posted by noonie
I hope you meant "in the black" Red is real easy
80 Black (not Red) Vette - I just checked!!!/Travis
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
I'm honestly very curious to see what differences in structure and production quality (if any) exist between the Northern and DeWitt's radiators. Maybe if Tom can get a Northern to inspect a new thread could be started to discuss the differences?
For the record, I never said Gregs' decision to go cheaper was a bad one. I thought it was well done and documented for others to follow. The thread turned into a "who's better thing" all by itself.
What I'm getting tired of is how hard it is to offer advise, opinions, suggestions, and/or facts without someone taking it personal or being offended. It is for this reason that I would consider exiting this forum and not because someone wants to save a few dollars.
To those that posted support, I thank you.
So, let's let Gregs thread end at four pages and I'll get back to you on the radiator comparison later
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
What I'm getting tired of is how hard it is to offer advise, opinions, suggestions, and/or facts without someone taking it personal or being offended. It is for this reason that I would consider exiting this forum and not because someone wants to save a few dollars.
I feel sorry for you having to sell on this forum becuase everyone is out to save a few bucks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by Tom DeWitt
What I'm getting tired of is how hard it is to offer advise, opinions, suggestions, and/or facts without someone taking it personal or being offended.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Originally Posted by Tight End 84
I noticed that this forum is very **** about saving 15 dollars or so. They will pay 15 dollars less for something is used or poorly made.
****? Maybe...sensible? Absolutely! I get to "do it my way" and save money at the same time
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 0
From: Some Beautiful Place Sunny and Amazing One
Originally Posted by Greg
Well, after lots of research and input from the forum members and vendors (thank you all) I made my decision and installed an aluminum radiator in my Vette today. If your car has to be "nut and bolt" correct and you have it in your budget, I believe DeWitts is the way to go. Tom is certainly knowledgeable and very forthcoming with the info.
However, if you're on a little tighter budget (and who isn't?) this may be the way for you.
I chose to go with the Summit, American made, fully welded aluminum radiator part number 380331. What ultimately made me choose this route (besides the $$$ savings) was Summit's "Handshake Guarantee". If it doesn't fit, return it for a full refund. No questions asked. That certainly made it worth the try. Free shipping and two day delivery.
The fit and finish are great and the modifiactions were very minimal.
Here's the procedure:
Remove the fan but leave all the belts and pulleys in place.
Remove the radiator support (it's only six bolts and a good time to re-paint it) and do the rad install on the bench, it's much easier.
I drilled two holes and moved the passenger side upper rad bracket inboard one inch. If I didn't tell you, you couldn't tell it's been moved. Original holes are still there so the A/C condenser fits back in as it should. I trimmed the shroud just slightly around the upper hose outlet so the hose would fit and installed a screw-in brass fitting for the overflow neck. I was able to re-use all of my rad support air seals but I also added some self adhesive weather stripping (Auto Zone part number MW78348) between the rad and the rad support to prevent any air leaks. I installed new rad hoses using the part numbers posted here by another forum member. Upper hose is Auto Zone number L-238 and lower hose is Auto Zone number XL-060. I trimmed about two and a half inches off the thermostat housing end of the upper hose and about two inches off the water pump end of the lower hose. They fit perfectly and cleared everything they needed to.
I re-installed the rad support, hooked up the hoses and re-installed the fan, checked for hood clearance at the rad cap (plenty). Filled it up and started it. Remember I'm right on the edge of the Mojave Desert. The temp here today is 106F in the shade. I ran down the freeway for about half an hour and stayed rock steady at 195 degrees. For the return trip I came back through the city in stop and go rush hour traffic for about 50 minutes. Didn't get over 190. Considering the outside temp of 106F I'm very satisfied.
I'm sure my numbers would be much lower if I was out at the coast.
The additional time involved was only about an hour difference from doing a direct replacement brass/copper radiator.
Here is the cost breakdown:
Summit aluminum radiator: $169.95
(free shipping, 2 days)
Handling fee: $9.75
Upper hose: $18.97
Lower hose: $16.99
Brass fitting: $1.99
Weather stripping: $14.99
TOTAL: $232.64
Less than half the cost of other aluminum radiators.
I would recommend this radiator, simple and cost efficient install to anyone. Skill level is very basic, you don't need to be a fabricator and no unusual tools are needed. A couple of wrenches, a drill and a saw or grinder to trim the shroud.
Best,
Greg
However, if you're on a little tighter budget (and who isn't?) this may be the way for you.
I chose to go with the Summit, American made, fully welded aluminum radiator part number 380331. What ultimately made me choose this route (besides the $$$ savings) was Summit's "Handshake Guarantee". If it doesn't fit, return it for a full refund. No questions asked. That certainly made it worth the try. Free shipping and two day delivery.
The fit and finish are great and the modifiactions were very minimal.
Here's the procedure:
Remove the fan but leave all the belts and pulleys in place.
Remove the radiator support (it's only six bolts and a good time to re-paint it) and do the rad install on the bench, it's much easier.
I drilled two holes and moved the passenger side upper rad bracket inboard one inch. If I didn't tell you, you couldn't tell it's been moved. Original holes are still there so the A/C condenser fits back in as it should. I trimmed the shroud just slightly around the upper hose outlet so the hose would fit and installed a screw-in brass fitting for the overflow neck. I was able to re-use all of my rad support air seals but I also added some self adhesive weather stripping (Auto Zone part number MW78348) between the rad and the rad support to prevent any air leaks. I installed new rad hoses using the part numbers posted here by another forum member. Upper hose is Auto Zone number L-238 and lower hose is Auto Zone number XL-060. I trimmed about two and a half inches off the thermostat housing end of the upper hose and about two inches off the water pump end of the lower hose. They fit perfectly and cleared everything they needed to.
I re-installed the rad support, hooked up the hoses and re-installed the fan, checked for hood clearance at the rad cap (plenty). Filled it up and started it. Remember I'm right on the edge of the Mojave Desert. The temp here today is 106F in the shade. I ran down the freeway for about half an hour and stayed rock steady at 195 degrees. For the return trip I came back through the city in stop and go rush hour traffic for about 50 minutes. Didn't get over 190. Considering the outside temp of 106F I'm very satisfied.
I'm sure my numbers would be much lower if I was out at the coast.
The additional time involved was only about an hour difference from doing a direct replacement brass/copper radiator.
Here is the cost breakdown:
Summit aluminum radiator: $169.95
(free shipping, 2 days)
Handling fee: $9.75
Upper hose: $18.97
Lower hose: $16.99
Brass fitting: $1.99
Weather stripping: $14.99
TOTAL: $232.64
Less than half the cost of other aluminum radiators.
I would recommend this radiator, simple and cost efficient install to anyone. Skill level is very basic, you don't need to be a fabricator and no unusual tools are needed. A couple of wrenches, a drill and a saw or grinder to trim the shroud.
Best,
Greg
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Tight End 84
I noticed that this forum is very **** about saving 15 dollars or so. They will pay 15 dollars less for something is used or poorly made. I'm not saying everyone is like that but some people are. Although the radiator savings is alot. I feel sorry for you having to sell on this forum becuase everyone is out to save a few bucks.
I feel sorry for you having to sell on this forum becuase everyone is out to save a few bucks.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Nice post, too late for me. Have about $850.00 tied up in two aluminum radiators 
. First one didn't fit. Second was Dewitts which was received Friday and installed this weekend. Dewitts is a perfect copy of the original radiator.
. First one didn't fit. Second was Dewitts which was received Friday and installed this weekend. Dewitts is a perfect copy of the original radiator.