68 L71 Radiator seals
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From: Will County, Illinois
68 L71 Radiator seals
Hello all.
Im going to be rebuilding my engine in the coming weeks and while its out of the car, Im planning on replacing the radiator with an aluminum Dewitts direct fit.
My question is the on seals Ive been reading other threads here recently regarding cooling issues and I have seen more than once a reference to a Foam seal on top of the radiator?? Can anyone provide a picture of this? Is it really on top to where it will be between the radiator and the hood, or is it in between the radiator and the shroud?
Again, this is for an L71
Thanks guys.
Im going to be rebuilding my engine in the coming weeks and while its out of the car, Im planning on replacing the radiator with an aluminum Dewitts direct fit.
My question is the on seals Ive been reading other threads here recently regarding cooling issues and I have seen more than once a reference to a Foam seal on top of the radiator?? Can anyone provide a picture of this? Is it really on top to where it will be between the radiator and the hood, or is it in between the radiator and the shroud?
Again, this is for an L71
Thanks guys.
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From: Will County, Illinois
Sits on the radiator support
https://www.zip-corvette.com/68-427-...d-air-dam.html
https://www.zip-corvette.com/68-427-...d-air-dam.html
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There is foam between the radiator and support, thought you were asking about seal to hood.
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Joined: Jun 2025
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From: Will County, Illinois
[QUOTE=Alan 71;1609004534]Hello,
The Dr. Rebuild site has some very good drawings of the rubber and foam seals required for various engines by year.
Maybe check them out?
regards....[/QUOTE
Awesome! Will do.
thank you.
The Dr. Rebuild site has some very good drawings of the rubber and foam seals required for various engines by year.
Maybe check them out?
regards....[/QUOTE
Awesome! Will do.
thank you.
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From: Will County, Illinois
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
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but regarding the zip rubber flap and although thinner than an original, There is a BB only upper air damn bracket that mounts with 4 RBW or 3 dots headmarking metal screw bolts to the rad support and the rubber is stapled to that bracket
Make sure you have a correct BB upper air dam bracket as in 68 there is a big block and small block
hope this helps
Grant
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Joined: Jun 2025
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From: Will County, Illinois
Correct, Foam seals go on the side of rad and I think under the fiberglass shroud at the top
but regarding the zip rubber flap and although thinner than an original, There is a BB only upper air damn bracket that mounts with 4 RBW or 3 dots headmarking metal screw bolts to the rad support and the rubber is stapled to that bracket
Make sure you have a correct BB upper air dam bracket as in 68 there is a big block and small block
hope this helps
Grant
but regarding the zip rubber flap and although thinner than an original, There is a BB only upper air damn bracket that mounts with 4 RBW or 3 dots headmarking metal screw bolts to the rad support and the rubber is stapled to that bracket
Make sure you have a correct BB upper air dam bracket as in 68 there is a big block and small block
hope this helps
Grant
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
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From: Fairfax Virginia
I have a 1968 car which started life as a L71. It had a single carburetor on it when I bought it.
After rebuilding the engine I spent a few hours making set of home-made seals out of the hard foam and some rolls of trim foam as well. It is critical that all the air goes through the radiator and not around it. There should be no gaps in the insulation or foam that allow air to get through. I used a bright light out in front of the engine compartment and look for any leaking through with a camera sitting under the hood.
The Corvette parts people sell you a bag full of seals and you have to figure out how to use them. I use some of them but make my own everywhere else.
After rebuilding the engine I spent a few hours making set of home-made seals out of the hard foam and some rolls of trim foam as well. It is critical that all the air goes through the radiator and not around it. There should be no gaps in the insulation or foam that allow air to get through. I used a bright light out in front of the engine compartment and look for any leaking through with a camera sitting under the hood.
The Corvette parts people sell you a bag full of seals and you have to figure out how to use them. I use some of them but make my own everywhere else.
