radiator replacement ?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 5
From: Orlando,Fl,USA
radiator replacement ?
I was pulling my radiator and upon loosening the drain plug it just ripped off with the threaded peice. Can this be brazed back on or should I buy a new radiator? Ecklers, which is close by ,has them on stock for $289 . Is this the going price?/ Car is a daily driver so it needs repair asap.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
I was pulling my radiator and upon loosening the drain plug it just ripped off with the threaded peice. Can this be brazed back on or should I buy a new radiator? Ecklers, which is close by ,has them on stock for $289 . Is this the going price?/ Car is a daily driver so it needs repair asap.
As far as a new one, Dewitt is #1 - it's all downhill from there!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,305
Likes: 5
From: Orlando,Fl,USA
update
I took it in for repair and yes the plug can be fixed BUT the radiator is in such bad shape all around that its not worth fixing per shop. This is the shop that repaired this radiator twice in the past 6 years so I trust thier opinion. I ended up with a new one for $225 out the door. Its in and leak free.
Thanks for the replies.
Old vettes never die, they erode slowly.
Thanks for the replies.
Old vettes never die, they erode slowly.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: west melbourne florida
If the radiator is copper/brass, then yes, the piece can be SOLDERED back on - that's how it was originally attached. If it is aluminum, it can also be fixed, but a different process. See if there is a radiator shop nearby and give them a call.
As far as a new one, Dewitt is #1 - it's all downhill from there!
As far as a new one, Dewitt is #1 - it's all downhill from there!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
I have a 71 SB and developed a leak by the drain plug when I attempted to drain the antifreeze. I tried to seal it myself with various epoxys, weldstuff,etc. Ended up pulling the radiator--found the radiator support was rusted through from leaks in the radiator. Mine is a copper radiator and I want everything original--so I took it in to be fixed. The radiator guy said it was 50% plugged--so I had it recored too--cost $360. The PITA was putting the everything back in--things were alittle out of square.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The radiator support rusts through because it traps moisture from wet environments or driving in the rain. The radiator hangs below the support, it's impossible for it to cause the support to rot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
The amount of rot was amazing--on both sides the lower 1/3 was almost completely rotted away--but the radiator looked great. It appeared the radiator support is hollow and water got inside and it rusted from the inside out--much of the outside looked good until I used an awl and then it just crumbled apart. If that was from rain there must be a hole on top where it gets in and then fills up the hollow part and rusts---otherwise would take driving in the rain everyday for years.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
The amount of rot was amazing--on both sides the lower 1/3 was almost completely rotted away--but the radiator looked great. It appeared the radiator support is hollow and water got inside and it rusted from the inside out--much of the outside looked good until I used an awl and then it just crumbled apart. If that was from rain there must be a hole on top where it gets in and then fills up the hollow part and rusts---otherwise would take driving in the rain everyday for years.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 8
From: Illinois
I coated the new radiator support with 2 coats of POR-15 but that won't help if water gets inside. I wonder if it would be worth drilling some holes in the bottom to let the water drain out if it does get inside?
The car is garaged abd only driven from May to November and not in the rain unless caught in it.
The car is garaged abd only driven from May to November and not in the rain unless caught in it.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
All supports Rot !
I drilled 3 drain holes in the support, then touched them up with paint,
because you know water will find it way back into that support evently.
69VETT
because you know water will find it way back into that support evently.
69VETT
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Unless you're worried about a tech inspector going over your core support with a magnifying glass, I'd recommend drilling drain holes in two places - the lower portion of the stamping that forms the top surface when installed (it can hold water) and into the hollow section at the lowest point.
