Popeye206

I have a 78 Pace Car. L48 engine, auto. I want to replace the radiator as the original one looks like barnacles on the inside. Has anyone got any good recommendations for a replacement?

Also, should there be an water overflow reservoir in there somewhere? I don't have one and don't see where it would go. Any insight would be great.

Thanks!
Michael

speedreed8

Check out Dewitt’s radiators it’ll be last one you’ll ever need for the car. Well made.
There is an overflow coolant tank under the front right fender next to the ac box. It mounts to the inner fender. You’ll have to order the tank cap too.

BKarol

Got this pic off the internet of a 78 L48.

Popeye206

Thanks a ton! good info!

Popeye206

Anyone using the under $200 Champion radiators? just wondering is the extra $400 for a Dewitt is worth it given the car only gets maybe 3000-4000 miles a year on it?

jackson

OP Popeye
Have you considered a Local radiator repair shop? ... have 'em boil it out & seal any leaks? Call 'em $$

... suggest you R&R rad ... & take to shop ... much cheaper and probably peace of mind that way.

Likely your entire cooling system needs a vigorous cleaning with a robust agent such as Oxalic acid ... aka DAP wood bleach.

Do that FIRST and maintain good antifreeze with distilled water ... you'll be crud free for years.

Popeye206

I thought about that, but from what I read, the new radiators have better cooling and weigh 50% less. So, Im thinking it's a good thing to just replace it. Of course, flushing and cleaning the system that's there so I have a good clean system when done.

Do you think different? Let me know. I may be missing something to consider.

jackson

Clean then Flush your system BEFORE you install either New radiator or your refurbed rad.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ner-flush.html

see my posts #15 and #17 regarding GM TSB and Instructions #99-06-02-012D

the GM / Prestone HD Cleaner referenced is NOT available any longer. It is Oxalic acid powder ... see Hardware store Wood Bleach ... yes I've done this

If your rad looks like "barnacles" inside ... the inside of your block , heater core etc do also.

Suggest any new rad or heater core be Both rinsed out & pressure-tested Before any install.

Popeye206

Jackson... thanks.,.. a very detailed procedure. I'll have to read it two or three times just to get prepared.

jackson

Takeaway
The cleaner is a strong caustic and can hurt you. Wear Eye protection & gloves. ... It will also burn lawn/grass.

Plan for a half-day. First simply flush out system w/ tap water & drain.

Job takes hours, mostly cooling down between stages & hi Idle.

Mix cleaner (powder crystalline Oxalic acid) into a bucket of hot tap water.

Let cleaner get hot & run at high idle for 2-3 hours, drain, cool down, flush w/ water, neutralize w/ soda mix for an hour at hi idle, drain, cool down, flush w/ water.

Then fill w/ your antifreeze-distilled water & a new t'stat & rad cap.

hunt4cleanair

It's important to note when replacing the radiator whether the car had options that required heavy-duty cooling such as A/C (C60) and/or the trailer package (RPO VN1).

Stephen Irons

If you do decide to replace the radiator, do not waste money on a Dewitts unit!

Go to these people - http://www.completeradiators.com

Terrific service, great price and, the radiator is a perfect , and I mean perfect fit and replica of the original.

Popeye206

Thanks again! Yes, I do have AC and the trailer package. So I'll take that into consideration.

jackson

Sir, I respectfully disagree. You're comparing apples and oranges ... rather sterling and electroplate.

Popeye206

What I'd love to know is what people think of the aluminum radiators? There seems to be one out there that's under $200 that looks nice... any comments on these?

7t9l82

Lots of us have champion radiators some have Dewitt's. Both do the job well.

Stephen Irons

Well, two items that do the same job, but do it differently and, with the associated huge difference in cost. But, I base my thoughts on friends who have gone the Dewitts route and those, including myself, who have not. I know my radiator dropped right in and worked so well I had to change the thermostat! I know friends struggled to get the Dewitts, or other ally items, to fit, and some still have cooling issues.... Considering what I saved in cost and time, for a rad that has worked perfectly and still looks almost new after 15 years now, there is no contest.

Duke94

Bought a Dewitts for my 79' fit in no problems. Plus their factory is 10 minutes from my work.

augiedoggy

Ive been using one of the 3 core rads for about 6 years now with zero issues...

augiedoggy

there is a whole thread in the sticky section full of testimonials of folks that went both ways... bottom line is either radiator work well at cooling the engine as long as the correct model is chosen. one is made in the USA one isnt.. Again its a personal choice to weigh these factors.

I have a champion in my 74 and it dropped in and fits great with no issues but ive heard some years have clearance issues with the lower hose fitting.