cheapest way out?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: MA
cheapest way out?
hi guys,
I have a problem. radiator leaking somewhere in the fins, i assume its shot. ... 1968 w/327 currently no ac but don't know if it had it before, the pully has an unused channel... dims are 22Wx17H
its aluminum and has the harrison sticker on it. i've read in the forums that some early no option vetts have an alum, and i've also read a lot about dewitts, griffin, etc. Anyway, heres my problem. cashflow. I can't see spending 800-1000 dollars for aluminum with fans etc. i see some posts here of people using universal fit rads but i'm hoping someone in here will help me pick one. on the 68 the outlet is on the side and down low. does anyone know of an inexpensive rad that will fit for now? i'm not asking it last a lifetime, but i want it to cool at least as good as the one i'm taking out.
also since i have the alum option, i have a center bracket. I don't think a universal will work with that. would i have to buy new brackets that go on the sides of the top? also the bottom brackets have to 'holes' in them for the rad i have now.
thanks
I have a problem. radiator leaking somewhere in the fins, i assume its shot. ... 1968 w/327 currently no ac but don't know if it had it before, the pully has an unused channel... dims are 22Wx17H
its aluminum and has the harrison sticker on it. i've read in the forums that some early no option vetts have an alum, and i've also read a lot about dewitts, griffin, etc. Anyway, heres my problem. cashflow. I can't see spending 800-1000 dollars for aluminum with fans etc. i see some posts here of people using universal fit rads but i'm hoping someone in here will help me pick one. on the 68 the outlet is on the side and down low. does anyone know of an inexpensive rad that will fit for now? i'm not asking it last a lifetime, but i want it to cool at least as good as the one i'm taking out.
also since i have the alum option, i have a center bracket. I don't think a universal will work with that. would i have to buy new brackets that go on the sides of the top? also the bottom brackets have to 'holes' in them for the rad i have now.
thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
No need to spend a grand. A direct fit DeWitts for your car is only $525. I have a 16" electric fan I would sell you for $30, and then all you need is a $35 switch from Summit to control it.
$600, and it WILL last you a very long time and work flawlessly.
It'll fit for sure, and I can't remember seeing many universal fit applications for that style radiator.
http://www.dewitts.com/pages/product...asp?ProdID=272
$600, and it WILL last you a very long time and work flawlessly.
It'll fit for sure, and I can't remember seeing many universal fit applications for that style radiator.
http://www.dewitts.com/pages/product...asp?ProdID=272
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: MA
eh 600 is a lot for me...
i have a napa and a CAP near me, and they are 550 and 330 respectively. I suppose i could go with the cap, or drive to an autozone which i believe has them online for around 300.
i just read posts where guys bought universal ones for 159 or something, and was hoping there was one around for that would fit the 68.
thanks
i have a napa and a CAP near me, and they are 550 and 330 respectively. I suppose i could go with the cap, or drive to an autozone which i believe has them online for around 300.
i just read posts where guys bought universal ones for 159 or something, and was hoping there was one around for that would fit the 68.
thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 87
From: Putnam county NY
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Get yours fixed or get one that fits!
Some times the cheapest way out ends up costing you more in the long run.
Why do you think you need electric fans?
Some times the cheapest way out ends up costing you more in the long run.
Why do you think you need electric fans?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
I don't know why I'm even posting on a thead titled "cheapest way out" but if you look at this link http://www.dewitts.com/pages/testimonials.asp?catID=1 at the bottom portion you will find many people that "saved money" when they bought a cheap copper unit and then bought a good radiator.
Clearly some do not understand the reason to stay with aluminum. So here is some good reading
http://www.dewitts.com/pages/whyaluminum.asp
Clearly some do not understand the reason to stay with aluminum. So here is some good reading
http://www.dewitts.com/pages/whyaluminum.asp
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 1,390
here you go, follow this post...
A little fabrication and you can do it for under 200 bucks.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=summit
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=summit
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
Find a good radiator shop and have your radiator recored. I did this with mine 5 years ago and it has worked flawlessly since. It looks stock and the end tanks are still the originals. The first one lasted 30 years so a recore should be good for at least another 20.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Call some local car clubs and ask who does good radiator work. Then have them re-core the radiator and check-out/repair any damage to the fittings and/or tank. Should be about $250 (unless you live around N.Y. or N.J.).