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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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Default New radiator

I am try to get my husband a radiator for his 1973 corvette. I am trying to do this as a surprise, so I dont want to just ask him. I have looked around alittle and am trying to figuare out if aluminum or brass is the way to go? I have found some aluminum 3 row(?) on ebay for $200. this seems pretty inexpensive to me.. is this something that I would regrete getting him? I dont want him to have to do it again in the near future so.... any help/suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks, Rose
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 03:42 PM
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Have never read a bad review since being on the forum:

http://www.dewitts.com/

You could call them and they will lead you through the choice.

Good luck.
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 03:47 PM
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Hi Rose,
I'd recommend you talk to DeWitt's too. I believe they're going to need a bit of information about the engine and transmission in your Corvette in order to help you order the correct radiator.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 04:11 PM
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What a Wife!!!
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 04:13 PM
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A lot of those ebay radiators are a universal fit. They can be made to fit but will require some work to get to fit correctly. I agree with the above on Dewitts. They are a little more costly but they drop right in no problem.

On a side note you are a wonderful wife buying your husband parts for his Vette.
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 04:48 PM
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Agreed on talking to Tom DeWitt or his crew on a solution for your husbands car. Many of us run his radiators with satisfying results.

Can we clone you?
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 05:20 PM
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I need to show this thread to my wife. I really do.
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 05:42 PM
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Dewitt's all the way! Put one in my 72 and have been so happy since

hth,

Sully
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 05:50 PM
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Spend the extra $$ on the Dewitts. Yes, they're pricy, but worth it
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 06:28 PM
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Rose.... Your heart is certainly in the right place, but I have to advise a bit of caution. It's important to know exactly what your "best buddy" is planning for his car to know what to do. If the car is a purely stock C3, getting him a DeWitt's radiator might be a very nice gesture...and he would appreciate it...but it would not be what he really wants. On the other hand, if the car already has several 'mods' [changes to the original stock configuration], the DeWitt's radiator would have him jumping up and down like a Yorkshire terrier when you bring out the bacon!

So...unless you can determine what his intentions/desires for the car are going to be, perhaps a cute card with ca$h [or gift certificate] toward the radiator of his choice might be a "safer" idea. Just a thought.

Good luck with your gift! And thanks for being so understanding of your man's [second best] passion.
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 07:28 PM
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I bought a DeWitts radiator, for my 1980, seven years ago. It has worked flawlessly.

You are a good woman.

Travis
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 07:48 PM
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Hi Rose, We would be happy to help with your purchase. Feel free to email me john@dewitts.com or call and we'll be happy to answer questions. We specialize in a direct fit aluminum radiator, he will be able to drop it right in without any problems.

Thanks John
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 07:52 PM
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Above all don't think that there's bargain radiators out there that work just as well-especially no name discount stuff on ebay. They don't. Doesn't sound like you particularly want to head for divorce court, so beware.
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Old Mar 23, 2010 | 09:53 PM
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ok... so I think that I dont want him to have to modify anything or have to do it again if it doesnt work right or is poor quality so I am going to go with Dewitts.. it has been converted over to HEI ignition but other than that is all original including the motor,and unrestored.. ( I did some dirt digging on the sly)=) but he seemed like he was leaning toward an aluminum so I am good to go. Thankyou all for your help! I am going to tell him after his birthday that I joined this so Im sure he will be on here shortly!

Thanks again, Rose
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Old Mar 24, 2010 | 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by zitten
I am try to get my husband a radiator for his 1973 corvette. I am trying to do this as a surprise, so I dont want to just ask him. I have looked around alittle and am trying to figuare out if aluminum or brass is the way to go? I have found some aluminum 3 row(?) on ebay for $200. this seems pretty inexpensive to me.. is this something that I would regrete getting him? I dont want him to have to do it again in the near future so.... any help/suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks, Rose
You're either newlyweds or have been married for 30+ years....
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Old Mar 24, 2010 | 03:47 PM
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LOL.. not quite either way...18 years ,and counting..and I am really glad I found this forum, I think he is going to enjoy it here! Thanks!
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Old Mar 24, 2010 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by zitten
LOL.. not quite either way...18 years ,and counting..and I am really glad I found this forum, I think he is going to enjoy it here! Thanks!
Welcome to the corvetteforum. BEST place and LONGEST time I've spent on ANY online forum. I can't begin to describe the many projects that I've 'managed' on my C3 with 'forum guidance since joining in 1999. I even found 'Lars' and sent him my carb for rebuild. 10 years and counting since his rebuilding it.

You've come to the right place for your hubby's vette. I hope y'all join us!
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