'68 Radiator Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
'68 Radiator Question
I replaced my radiator with an aluminum one from DeWitts recently during an engine swap in my 68 coupe. My question is, is there any way to tell if my old radiator was a factory original or a replacement? It looks to be in very good condition, I just didn't know how old it was and didn't want to rely on it with a 454 which are known to be hot runners.
Last edited by 68/BB; Aug 3, 2013 at 05:23 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,408
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I replaced my radiator with an aluminum one from DeWitts recently during an engine swap in my 68 coupe. My question is, is there any way to tell if my old radiator was a factory original or a replacement? It looks to be in very good condition, I just didn't know how old it was and didn't want to rely on it with a 454 which are known to be hot runners.
................
FYI My 68 has a ZZ4 small block. I have a Be Cool aluminum radiator sized for a BB and a electric fan. I use pure ethylene glycol coolant, no water. The engine runs always cool.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: asheville nc
My 68 327-350hp came with a 427 radiator...its heavy so it must be brass....On a corvette registary, I noticed mine came down the assembly line with 427's before and after mine. MIne has factory air is the reason I thought it had the 427 rad....might be wrong here.
Come to think of it, my friend with a 68 327-300 he has owned 40 something years too had a 427 radiator in his....and he has factory air also....must be the factory air cars all got 427 radiators.
I know you will be super happy with the Dewitts....my temp dropped a bunch with their rad...and it has a 60 thousandths bore.
I keep the orig...its up stairs in the attic.
Come to think of it, my friend with a 68 327-300 he has owned 40 something years too had a 427 radiator in his....and he has factory air also....must be the factory air cars all got 427 radiators.
I know you will be super happy with the Dewitts....my temp dropped a bunch with their rad...and it has a 60 thousandths bore.
I keep the orig...its up stairs in the attic.
Last edited by 68L79; Aug 3, 2013 at 10:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
My 68 327-350hp came with a 427 radiator...its heavy so it must be brass....On a corvette registary, I noticed mine came down the assembly line with 427's before and after mine. MIne has factory air is the reason I thought it had the 427 rad....might be wrong here.
Come to think of it, my friend with a 68 327-300 he has owned 40 something years too had a 427 radiator in his....and he has factory air also....must be the factory air cars all got 427 radiators.
I know you will be super happy with the Dewitts....my temp dropped a bunch with their rad...and it has a 60 thousandths bore.
I keep the orig...its up stairs in the attic.
Come to think of it, my friend with a 68 327-300 he has owned 40 something years too had a 427 radiator in his....and he has factory air also....must be the factory air cars all got 427 radiators.
I know you will be super happy with the Dewitts....my temp dropped a bunch with their rad...and it has a 60 thousandths bore.
I keep the orig...its up stairs in the attic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 504
From: myrtle beach sc
Army
All 68's with either a 427, an automatic, or A/C got the BB copper/brass radiator, even if they were the 327's. I changed my 327/350 aluminum radiator (that started leaking) to a used original BB radiator, years ago. It had a brass number plate on the side, to identify it. Look for this small brass plate. I think that it was on the left side tank. If it was re-cored and they threw the plate away, you have no way to tell if it was original. I eventually had to change my radiator and support to a 69 automatic copper/brass radiator. By the way, at that time GM was selling the small block aluminum radiator for only $750.00. Now you know why I went with a $200.00 brass one. Lou.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: asheville nc
My 68 was 327-300 with factory air and also had the larger radiator as I believe all factory air cars did. I was wondering if there would be any markings on the radiator or tags that would identify it as OEM or a replacement unit. Good idea to keep the original but especially if it is OEM.
They make two that are replacements....one was 400.00...I bought it and when I opened the 2nd box...it said yep....Made in China...lucky I had not left the corvette place in Morganton NC...was told there also was one for about 1500.00. That is when I went Dewitts...customer service is beyond approach not to mention the great radiator...I hooked up my 68 vette friend and told him about Dewitts...he has thanked me over and over.
I once told Dewitt that I had a leaking problem...he said he checks ea one before shipment but said send it back to me next day and I will send you one back next day all at my cost...
I also told him I had a very big mouth.....and I used it...both for the good parts and the bad ones....he has sold several I am sure as I know I recommend his radiators when I get a chance....its just so nice to have someone that makes a great product and stands behind it 200% and you talk with the him personally when you call his shop.
Was nothing wrong except the idiot that put it in forgot to tighten the lower rad hose....I cussed him up one side and down the other...I told him he better get under there and tighten his mess....so I did.
Last edited by 68L79; Aug 4, 2013 at 10:30 PM.
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From: Southbound
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