Andredechimpansee

Hi,

Have heat problems when running over 60. My vette dripped some coolant from radiator when hot, but now it is marking it's territory like a jungle cat.
So ordered my '79 L82 a new radiator.

To prepare myself I checked youtube. Going to keep the hood on, remove fan, pul back/ remove shroud and replace radiator after flushing block and heater core. Will also check thermostat function.
Hope to recover my hoses. They look fine on the outside.

Any more tips what to do or check while I'm doing this?

Thx

Mr D.

Sounds like you have a handle on it and a good plan. Be sure to use new 50/50 mix anti-freeze. Now is also a good time to replace the radiator cap.

bradleyb66

When I did mine, I found it went much easier with one person on each side guiding it down (and up during removal too), holding things out of the way, etc - so if you have a helper you trust, that would probably help alot.

If you were having overheat issues at speed, I would also make sure your shroud seals (between radiator support and hood) are in good shape, and that your air deflector (under the front bumper area) is installed, so more air is deflected up thru the radiator.

Andredechimpansee

Cap is included with the radiator.

Airdam I bought few months back, but the bolts are seased in the metal plates under my car. Have snaped two and third bolt came of serounded by polyester/glasfiber... can't buy pb blast over here and wd40 does not help, will grind/cut the metel plates and bolts with my dremel.

Shroud seals are missing, don't know if I can buy universal seals at the local autoshop or have to import them.


Coolant I buy premixed. Last time I checked price was the same to equal quantity afer diluting concentrated coolant.

Putting the new one in will be with help, pulling original out I'll see.

Other tips are always welcome.

Cool95vette

If you're pulling your thermostat to check it you might as well just replace it. As cheap as they are it's one less thing to worry about.

'75

Tape cardboard to both sides of the core for protection while changing it.

revitup

Take a look at the radiator support while you're at it. If it's badly rusted you might want to remove it, clean it up and paint it. Or if it's too bad, replace it. Also, has the water pump ever been replaced? This'd be a good time to do it.

RJ1AZ

Now is the time. I had to pull my core support to fix some previous person's poor work that left the lower radiator brackets in the wrong positions. Radiator wasn't sitting in in them properly, so I had to cut them off and re-weld to the core support. Glad I did, because I found a couple rust-through spots on the support. Got them cleaned up, welded closed and then painted the support.

You're already in it deep, "Might as well..."

2TONE82

I pulled the radiator out of my 82 a couple of years ago, most frustrating part was getting the dang thing out; suspect a 79 will be similar. The lower inlet housing on the radiator
wouldn't clear the suspension...turns out you have to remove bolts on each side and loosen ones on each side (from under the wheel well) to rotate the radiator frame about an inch, allowing for the housing to pass. I posted some pictures on the technical C3 forum page. Just search by my username. Also recommend having another set of hands to prevent scratching your paint!

C3 4ME

I've pulled my 79's radiator more than I care to admit to. I have no idea how anyone could do it by themselves. I've always done it with one person on each side of the car. My wife helped the last time I put mine in, a few months back. BTW, 79 L-82's running hotter on the interstate is a common complaint, and exactly what mine has always done. I've been driving up and down the interstates for 12 years with the temps getting up to about 220, and cooling down from there once I got off the interstate. I just installed a repro pace car spoiler and am hoping it makes a difference on highway temps, but it hasn't gotten really hot here yet to really test it out.

doorgunner

2" by 2" dense foam from a home improvement store works well between the underside of the hood and the top of the radiator support. It has adhesive already app.I'd to one side oof the foam strip.

540 vette

Last tip. Take your hand and scratch it on the concrete. You are going to do it taking the radiator out so you might as well get it over with.

MISTERZ06

EXCELLENT-IDEA
cardboard both sides, especially with the hood on - it is a bitch of a angle & 2 people make it easier

............................ tom

Andredechimpansee

Don't know what you ment with concrete ect...
guess you try to warn about hurting my hands on the radiator??

MISTERZ06

........................................ .............. tom

Andredechimpansee

Hi,
Fan and pully removed.
Problem taking the shroud out. Two bolts on upper corners. Can't find any others. It is stuck at drivers side lower corner, right corner was loose by itself. Also the aux electric fan is still in the shroud. How do I disconnect it?

2TONE82

The shroud comes out with radiator...at least it did on mine. Secrets revealed in this post. Best of luck!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-tech-performance/3607139-secret-to-pulling-radiator-on-82-a.html

C3 4ME

Yup, that shroud aint comin' out until the radiator is out! You can just unplug the wire connector for the electric fan on the passenger side fender well.

Andredechimpansee

So this is specific for the l82 with AC and the aux fan?
corvetteben on youtube took his shroud out before the rad on his convertible.

caskiguy

If you spent money on a new radiator, why do you not spend money on the correct Assembly Manual and Repair guide for your car ? Supporting Vendors carry them. Youtube is nice, but a book in your hand is better.
What ever you do take pictures as you go to remove everything to guide you as you reinstall everything.