New Dewitt Radiator Install
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Augusta Maine
New Dewitt Radiator Install
Hello all!
I just finished removing my old radiator/shroud/fan/hardware and now have an empty engine bay waiting for my new radiator/fan combo from Dewitt. BTW, I purchased the quick release hood hinge pins, and the work awesome to remove the hood!
Now that everything is gutted, I was wondering if anyone went through this already and has any pointers? I can tell the tranny cooling lines were leaking, does anyone know of a better alternative than the clamped rubber lines to the bung? I definately want to replace those.
Also, the rubber radiator mounts were toast... I'm not even sure they were factory, they look like odd pieces of rubber that were stuffed under the radiator. Does anyone know where I can buy those and what they would be called?
Thank you all in advance for all your help... I will post some before/during/after pictures when I can.
I just finished removing my old radiator/shroud/fan/hardware and now have an empty engine bay waiting for my new radiator/fan combo from Dewitt. BTW, I purchased the quick release hood hinge pins, and the work awesome to remove the hood!
Now that everything is gutted, I was wondering if anyone went through this already and has any pointers? I can tell the tranny cooling lines were leaking, does anyone know of a better alternative than the clamped rubber lines to the bung? I definately want to replace those.
Also, the rubber radiator mounts were toast... I'm not even sure they were factory, they look like odd pieces of rubber that were stuffed under the radiator. Does anyone know where I can buy those and what they would be called?
Thank you all in advance for all your help... I will post some before/during/after pictures when I can.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
I just finished installing a Dewitt with the electric fans in my '72. The only minor challenge was that there were no instructions. I NEED instructions, even when something is easy. Anyway, my first attempt at installation didn't work because the fan would not clear the upper A arm on the left side. A call to Dewitt got me a return call from Tom who confirmed (as I suspected) that I could remove the 6 screws holding the fan to the radiator and reposition the fans slightly to the right to get the proper clearance. This was an easy process and the radiator slid in perfectly. My rubber mounts and mounting brackets were all in good shape. I do plan to get new side and top seals. Good luck!
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Milton DE
I just installed my new DeWitts radiator and it went in without any issues. Fan wiring took the most time. I purchased the cushions and seal kit from Volunteer Products....66-76 RADIATOR MOUNT CUSHION (4 ea) and COMPLETE RADIATOR SEAL KIT (1 ea).
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Augusta Maine
Thanks Silver... I went to their website and they have the "cushions" I was looking for... Thanks for the info!
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,282
Likes: 172
From: Lake Wylie, South Carolina
Not sure my expereince will help you but I converted my SB car to a BB and installed the Dewitt BB radiator and SPAL fans. Come to find out the mounting positions on the core support are farther out on a BB car than on an sb car. My upper mounts from the origional SB readiator do not fit either. From what I have learned I either have to replace the core support (NOT HAPPENING
) or I have to make my own brackets. I did cut and move the craddle on the bottom out about 2" and pop riveted it in place(Don't know how to weld.
) I was able to attach the driverside upper "L" mount but not the passenger side. Not sure how or what I am going to do for a secure upper mount. ZIP ties are holding it now!!!!Can you say BUBBA?!
Wade
) or I have to make my own brackets. I did cut and move the craddle on the bottom out about 2" and pop riveted it in place(Don't know how to weld. ) I was able to attach the driverside upper "L" mount but not the passenger side. Not sure how or what I am going to do for a secure upper mount. ZIP ties are holding it now!!!!Can you say BUBBA?! Wade
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Milton, DE! Home of my favorite beer and some of the best people in the brewing industry - Dogfish Head. I was at the brewery last fall - beautiful town. (Yes, I do a lot of biz with brewers.)
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Milton DE
Most of the local pubs carry their beer so it work well for me. Just can't resist good draft beer.
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
The DeWitt radiator looks great, is much lighter weight and allows me to also get rid of the mechanical fan and the fan shroud. Here's a pic just after installation. I'm on the downhill side of my "winter project" and just got the heads and intake installed. Next will be the Hooker Headers and sidepipes.
Looks great! Can you tell more about the electric fans??
Hope ya get your car on the road soon!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Who makes them? Where is the thermostat? Do you have to use a special kind of thermostat housing? When do they turn on and off? and just stuff like that....
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
I'm not sure about all the configurations and models but you can get that info from their web site at www.dewitts.com. Tom DeWitt seems like a really nice guy and if you leave a message, he'll call you back and answer questions. He did for me.
The radiator comes with a temp switch mounted in it and that is connected through a relay to the fans. It is set so that the fans come on at 195 degrees and turn off at 175 degrees. I haven't wired everything up yet, so I can't report on the complexity. But, it appears to be pretty straightforward.
I'll try to answer any other questions you have.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
Well, I meant who made the fans?? but its alright... I just looked on his website I guess they are made by SPAL?? I belive they might be the leader of retro-fit kits for the elect. fans... I'd like to thank you for the info..
Last edited by FRSTR90; May 10, 2007 at 09:17 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
Spal makes the dual fans for Dewitts, they are awesum.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Augusta Maine
Transmission Cooling Lines
Everyone has provided excellent information... but no one has mentioned anything about the cooling lines (transmission). They are currently stock (I belive) and have a small outlet pipe that goes into a rubber line (held with clamps) then into the hard line to return back to the transmission.
Has anyone made a flex "hydraulic" line that can attach to the hard line and DIRECTLY into the radiator, thereby eliminating the two hose clamps and rubber line?
Has anyone made a flex "hydraulic" line that can attach to the hard line and DIRECTLY into the radiator, thereby eliminating the two hose clamps and rubber line?
