Dewitts rad install problem
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: London, UK
Dewitts rad install problem
Hi all,
Has anyone had a problem installing the rad?
Put mine in and the lower hose outlet touches the anti roll bar.
Had to undo the anti roll bar bracket and space with 3 washers???
Is this safe to do and should this happen??
Has anyone had a problem installing the rad?
Put mine in and the lower hose outlet touches the anti roll bar.
Had to undo the anti roll bar bracket and space with 3 washers???
Is this safe to do and should this happen??
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
While it is not suggested, or even proven to be safe or NOT safe, spacing it is the way to get clearance for that lower hose. I have seen several cars with washers used to space the bar, all without issues.
That being said, it's a far better and safer idea to have two thick solid flat plates made up to the desired thickness of maybe 1/4" or 3/8" steel plate with holes drilled in them.
Use them to space the bar. The plates will give you much better overall support, and while it's easier to just throw in some washers it will help prevent sway bar failure that might occur due to having washers in place instead of plate spacers.
That being said, it's a far better and safer idea to have two thick solid flat plates made up to the desired thickness of maybe 1/4" or 3/8" steel plate with holes drilled in them.
Use them to space the bar. The plates will give you much better overall support, and while it's easier to just throw in some washers it will help prevent sway bar failure that might occur due to having washers in place instead of plate spacers.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: London, UK
While it is not suggested, or even proven to be safe or NOT safe, spacing it is the way to get clearance for that lower hose. I have seen several cars with washers used to space the bar, all without issues.
That being said, it's a far better and safer idea to have two thick solid flat plates made up to the desired thickness of maybe 1/4" or 3/8" steel plate with holes drilled in them.
Use them to space the bar. The plates will give you much better overall support, and while it's easier to just throw in some washers it will help prevent sway bar failure that might occur due to having washers in place instead of plate spacers.
That being said, it's a far better and safer idea to have two thick solid flat plates made up to the desired thickness of maybe 1/4" or 3/8" steel plate with holes drilled in them.
Use them to space the bar. The plates will give you much better overall support, and while it's easier to just throw in some washers it will help prevent sway bar failure that might occur due to having washers in place instead of plate spacers.
Just wondered if this was normal, or should I say common
Didnt expect that with this rad.
BTW how do u answer so quick?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Glad I might be able to have helped.
It is a bit off that the bar hits the lower hose, and I know it's tight anyway, but a quick email to Tom might be useful in making sure there isn't a true problem with fitment.
My DeWitts went in perfectly, and maybe there is some reason why yours doesn't fit properly, that isn't within the scope of your particular car. The frame and mounting locations for that bar may have specific tolerance differences from other cars of the same year.
Washers will work for moving the car around and regular street driving but make sure you have the proper plates made before the car sees any hard driving conditions.
I happened to see the new post as I clicked into the section and just posted. I don't try to be first it just happens that way sometimes.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: London, UK
Sorry meant to post DB not DD (well it is 3am here and i should be asleep 
)
Anyways i think an email to tom tomorrow might clear things up a bit. Rad support is straight no rot just had it painted, chassis straight, i guess mine doesnt like it the way it is.
bed time now see u all tomorrow
)Anyways i think an email to tom tomorrow might clear things up a bit. Rad support is straight no rot just had it painted, chassis straight, i guess mine doesnt like it the way it is.
bed time now see u all tomorrow
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Each radiator is set up in a jig, so each tube points in the same direction each time. So it's not common at all. I tried to figure out which model radiator you have but your profile doesn't say what year you have. I will say the 77-82 lower hose is touching the bar on stock radiators, but I don't know if that applies here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
While it is not suggested, or even proven to be safe or NOT safe, spacing it is the way to get clearance for that lower hose. I have seen several cars with washers used to space the bar, all without issues.
That being said, it's a far better and safer idea to have two thick solid flat plates made up to the desired thickness of maybe 1/4" or 3/8" steel plate with holes drilled in them.
Use them to space the bar. The plates will give you much better overall support, and while it's easier to just throw in some washers it will help prevent sway bar failure that might occur due to having washers in place instead of plate spacers.
That being said, it's a far better and safer idea to have two thick solid flat plates made up to the desired thickness of maybe 1/4" or 3/8" steel plate with holes drilled in them.
Use them to space the bar. The plates will give you much better overall support, and while it's easier to just throw in some washers it will help prevent sway bar failure that might occur due to having washers in place instead of plate spacers.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: London, UK
Each radiator is set up in a jig, so each tube points in the same direction each time. So it's not common at all. I tried to figure out which model radiator you have but your profile doesn't say what year you have. I will say the 77-82 lower hose is touching the bar on stock radiators, but I don't know if that applies here.
I have the A77A rad going on a 79. I bought 2 from you a little while ago and only just got round to fitting mine.
Is this supposed to touch? If so, is any damage likely?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
What IS the condition of the rubber pads under the radiator between the bottom side of the core support and the bottoms of the tanks where they meet? There are rubber pads that support and lift and cradle the bottoms of the tanks. If these are missing or worn flat that could cause a clearance problem.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: London, UK
What IS the condition of the rubber pads under the radiator between the bottom side of the core support and the bottoms of the tanks where they meet? There are rubber pads that support and lift and cradle the bottoms of the tanks. If these are missing or worn flat that could cause a clearance problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Sixfooter, the rubber cushion are the stock rubber mounts for the thicker heavy duty option radiator. We only do this for our A77 model used on 77-82's. The other models fit already.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Thanks Tom. One more ?? I have been trying to email you for 2 days and it keeps getting returned.
Do you guys do custom Radiators? I want one with the inlet fitting to be a 90* turned pointing across the top of the rad to clean up my install. You guys do that?
Do you guys do custom Radiators? I want one with the inlet fitting to be a 90* turned pointing across the top of the rad to clean up my install. You guys do that?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Absolutely! We make custom stuff (corvette) all the time. In fact, we get so many request for guys doing LS series engines, I am working on a LS series radiator line. We basically use the same DirectFit radiator and customize it with the matching inlet/outlet connection, sometimes we move the locations, and add a steam port connection for the late model engines. All you have to do is call in the order and tell Christyn you want the inlet tube pointing over to the passenger side. We don't change anything extra for that.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Absolutely! We make custom stuff (corvette) all the time. In fact, we get so many request for guys doing LS series engines, I am working on a LS series radiator line. We basically use the same DirectFit radiator and customize it with the matching inlet/outlet connection, sometimes we move the locations, and add a steam port connection for the late model engines. All you have to do is call in the order and tell Christyn you want the inlet tube pointing over to the passenger side. We don't change anything extra for that.
That's GREAT news Tom. My next Vette is gonna get an LS and it will need a DeWitts to keep it cool. I'm glad you asked about that Danny.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Excellent, Thanks Tom. I am running a GenI SBC with 88 vette serp setup and not real happy with the way the upper hose has to run all over, so a nice clean 90* hose would get it cleaned up
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 16,100
Likes: 17
I had to adjust lower pads a bit on my 78 Dewitts install..this pic shows clearance from under vette at sway bar...!/4" clear..
Here is pic after I fit hose...it barely touches sway bar...been in for a year now...
Rich
Here is pic after I fit hose...it barely touches sway bar...been in for a year now...
Rich
Last edited by rihwoods; Oct 3, 2007 at 03:05 PM.