Radiator replacement advise needed
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Radiator replacement advise needed
While visiting a car show (wouldn't you know it) I happened to look under the front of my car. Green stuff spewing all over the pavement. Needless to say, I didn't hang around very long..
Looks like my radiator is shot, I don't know how old it is but it's leaking
pretty good. I've read alot at the DeWitt Radiator site about aluminum radiators. They are more expensive but I've got a 454 and I have always had to keep a careful eye on engine temperature.
Anyone have positive (or negitive) experience switching to aluminum?
And has anyone delt with DeWitts before or can suggest other places to shop for a radiator?
Thanks for your input.
Mike
Looks like my radiator is shot, I don't know how old it is but it's leaking
pretty good. I've read alot at the DeWitt Radiator site about aluminum radiators. They are more expensive but I've got a 454 and I have always had to keep a careful eye on engine temperature.
Anyone have positive (or negitive) experience switching to aluminum?
And has anyone delt with DeWitts before or can suggest other places to shop for a radiator?
Thanks for your input.
Mike
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
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From: Forked River NJ
Tom Dewitt is a top vendor here. I have one and have had no problems with it. The few minor problems have been solved very quickly and without a fuss. I would highly recomend Dewitts and you will never have a cooling worry with the aluminum radiator. Worth the extra few dollars. Fits in just like the original.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Quality and customer service Dewitt is the only way to go! Do a search on my screen name and you will see some threads on my radiator and expereince. Do what I did and get yours from Dewitt's. DON'T do what I did and accidently drill a hole through it !!!
Wade
Wade
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Radiator
I wish I had a reputation as good as DeWitts. Once and a while I come across a company that goes all out to take good care of their customers. It's good to know where to go for radiator problems.
Look like this will be the end of my radiator problems.
Thanks for the info!
Mike
Look like this will be the end of my radiator problems.
Thanks for the info!
Mike
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St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
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From: Chattanooga TN
Tom Dewitt is a top vendor here. I have one and have had no problems with it. The few minor problems have been solved very quickly and without a fuss. I would highly recomend Dewitts and you will never have a cooling worry with the aluminum radiator. Worth the extra few dollars. Fits in just like the original.
Couldn't say it better myself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: San Antonio TX
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
If you want a NEW radiator, DeWitt's offers a good product line...either exact replacement type or aluminum substitute. Another alternative is to find a GOOD radiator shop (one that works on vintage car stuff) and see how much damage there is and how much it would take to fix it. A good repair shop can usually re-core your radiator for less cost than a new aluminum one, and it will still be "original" looking. A new unit will be more reliable, but cost more. The choice is yours.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: plymouth mass
I recently had my radiator recored by an old school type shop. They were able to locate a replacement core that matched the original perfectly and was made in the USA. They told me that some of the replacement cores come from "off shore" sources, so beware if you go the recore route. In the end the recore price was less than an aluminum or Dewitts, but more than some of the replacements that auto parts stores had available. Having a Corvette is about making tough choices some times.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
I recently had my radiator recored by an old school type shop. They were able to locate a replacement core that matched the original perfectly and was made in the USA. They told me that some of the replacement cores come from "off shore" sources, so beware if you go the recore route. In the end the recore price was less than an aluminum or Dewitts, but more than some of the replacements that auto parts stores had available. Having a Corvette is about making tough choices some times.