Why DeWitts?
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Why DeWitts?
There have been several threads over the last couple years about budget radiators ($200-300) and the DeWitts brand ($400-500) and it typically turns into an arguement over value.
I thought if we did a write up on our process it might change some perceptions, and just maybe justify the difference in cost.
All I ask is that you read it first, then comment if you like. I hope you find this interesting.
http://www.dewitts.com/download/cores.pdf
you can also download our new 2011 catalog if you like
http://www.dewitts.com/download/catalog.pdf
I thought if we did a write up on our process it might change some perceptions, and just maybe justify the difference in cost.
All I ask is that you read it first, then comment if you like. I hope you find this interesting.
http://www.dewitts.com/download/cores.pdf
you can also download our new 2011 catalog if you like
http://www.dewitts.com/download/catalog.pdf
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
A friend of mine bought a $200 aluminum radiator from ebay for his 1978 small block, I helped him installing it and it took us two evenings to finally get it in and seated the way it supposed to be, while my Dewitt's radiator slid right in to my '71 big block in about 5 min. and I was alone. I really appreciated your work when I was helping the poor 1978 owner with his ebay radiator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Nice write up - BTW, whats the average turnaround on a tech question sent to john@dewitts.com through your website?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: San Diego CA
Is your CF discount only available during the group buy period in January or whenever?
I just ordered a LS swap radiator / fan combo from you guys, definitely would be interested if the CF deal is available year round!
I just ordered a LS swap radiator / fan combo from you guys, definitely would be interested if the CF deal is available year round!
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Nice write up - BTW, whats the average turnaround on a tech question sent to john@dewitts.com through your website?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I put a DeWitt's small block/no AC radiator in my 72 before we rebuilt the car. I was concerned that it would be too small to handle the 2X+ horsepower that the LS1 puts out, but I have had no problems at all in the 2 Summers that I've been driving. If anything it's tool cool in the Fall weather when I could use more heat!
Rick B.
Rick B.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
I'll chime in with some data as well. I've used a few of the cheap aluminum radiators to say they will all work just fine. However, here is what you WILL deal with when buying a cheaper radiator instead of DeWitts:
-Poorly Soldered fins that bend at the slightest touch
-Hose Connections rarely fit stock radiator hoses correctly ( You will find the hoses now rub on places they didn't before)
-Poor fit of standard mounting brackets (Have to modify at least one upper bracket)
-Poor fit of radiator fan shroud
-Lack of Warranty or Service
Do you want one that fits in correctly with no modifications? DeWitts is the only choice.
-Poorly Soldered fins that bend at the slightest touch
-Hose Connections rarely fit stock radiator hoses correctly ( You will find the hoses now rub on places they didn't before)
-Poor fit of standard mounting brackets (Have to modify at least one upper bracket)
-Poor fit of radiator fan shroud
-Lack of Warranty or Service
Do you want one that fits in correctly with no modifications? DeWitts is the only choice.
Last edited by volition; Aug 24, 2011 at 08:00 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,720
Likes: 106
From: Canada
Put one in 10 yrs. ago, a great product. Not something I wanted to test the cheap route on as I had just built the engine into a 383 stroker. I maybe a Canucklehead but really appreciate made in America quality!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,856
Likes: 3,307
From: NYC NY
Well I'm a hot rod guy before I'm a Corvette guy. I've been to enough major events in the heat of the summer to know you can never have too much radiator in a hot rod. I've watched enough high horsepower motors overheat sitting in traffic to know that the LAST PLACE I would compromise on is the cooling system. You're on a tight budget find other places to save money. If you choose to buy a Dewitt's you get what you pay for - quality - performance - value - oh and support which is no longer a given these days. Something to be said in this current economic climate.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Long time lurker...first time poster...
I have the great fortune of living near DeWitt's MI location... First impressions mean a lot... The grounds are immaculate.. the shipping area where I picked up my rad and fans ... was spotless, organized ...
Of course the product installed perfectly ,,, I struggle with a will-fit for a week ... trashed it... and went to DeWitt... Will only recommend their product
I have the great fortune of living near DeWitt's MI location... First impressions mean a lot... The grounds are immaculate.. the shipping area where I picked up my rad and fans ... was spotless, organized ...
Of course the product installed perfectly ,,, I struggle with a will-fit for a week ... trashed it... and went to DeWitt... Will only recommend their product
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
OK now guys - stop the arguing ! Everybody 
Lets all just try to get along here.
Yup - I dropped in a DeWitts rad too and couldn't be happier!
thanks for the download Tom. Really informative.
Lets all just try to get along here.
Yup - I dropped in a DeWitts rad too and couldn't be happier!
thanks for the download Tom. Really informative.
Last edited by couperdecar; Aug 24, 2011 at 10:53 PM.