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74 Radiator Replacement Question

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Old Aug 15, 2011 | 05:31 PM
  #1  
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Default 74 Radiator Replacement Question

OK guys... I'm new to this, but I've got a 74 that's gonna take some work, so I could sure use any help you can give me. I need to replace the radiator. It seems like Dewitts Aluminum is the recommended part, but is significantly more expensive than other "direct fit" radiators like the ones offered by Champion Cooling Systems. The dealers swear they are direct fit, but the dimensions seem to vary in width and thickness. Does anyone have a suggestion or the dimensions that I should be looking for or a suggestion of a radiator they recently installed that won't cost me $500? Thanks for your help.
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 10:17 AM
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The brass radiators from Corvette vendors are under $400.
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by KHoward
...I need to replace the radiator...
Why? Have your original cleaned and recored.

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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 11:43 AM
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We have the brass radiator for you car in the forum sale section for 330.00.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=26836
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 12:12 PM
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I had mine re-cored with extra fins at my local radiator shop. He claims it will have 20-30% better cooling than the original. $450

I also have a 1974 radiator out of a original 58K car. very straight. I pulled it last week and it was full of anti-freeze. When I tried to pull the plug off the bottom, the plug hole solder came loose instead of the plug. Could have it resoldered pretty easy. $150 + shipping. Or I'll have it fixed and want $250 + shipping.
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 10:07 PM
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Buy Dewitts & don't look back !!!!!
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 10:53 PM
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Buy one from Advance or Autozone - lifetime warranty and the ability to just drive to a store and get a new one if you ever have an issue
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by bluthundr
Buy one from Advance or Autozone - lifetime warranty and the ability to just drive to a store and get a new one if you ever have an issue
Bluthundr.. The one from Advanced will have the wrong lower neck.. The original core has a rounded neck with a relief in it for the sway bar. The one from Advanced has an elbow on it that makes a 90 degree bend. This bend will put the neck in the sway bar.

It will not work in the car... GM and Delco both have the same issue. Even the supplier on the repro radiator made the same mistake about three months ago and they had to recall all of them.

Willcox
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by 427SIXPACK
Buy Dewitts & don't look back !!!!!
Aluminum rules
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