Dewitt's Radiator Fitment Issues
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 695
Likes: 5
From: tx
Dewitt's Radiator Fitment Issues
Just installed my new Dewitt's radiator prior to motor going in. VERY UPSET as I gouged a few spots on the front of the core. Seems that MANY C3s need to have the fan assembly moved to the right. Mine got wedged between the radiator support and the left a-arm bolt/washer. I began to trim a little bit if the left fan should away and then decided to move the fan assembly ... moved it about 1/2 inch to the right. Then I hear from Rebel Rob that most early C3 guys have had to move the fan assembly. Come on Dewitt's!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,931
Likes: 845
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Im sorry to hear your having trouble with your install, i know its frustrating when you spend your hard earned Money and something isn't exactly right. i guess even Dewitts can have issues.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 691
Likes: 1
From: gilboa ny
Same thing happened to me. Bet my rub spot is in the same spot as yours. Doesn't look bad enough to make a leak. But still ugly mark on the front of my top dollar radiator. I would have been better off if they left the fan off to be installed after.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 695
Likes: 5
From: tx
Easier to install rad w/o the motor in since the long block, clutch and scatter shield will be going in from the top. I'll be putting the trans in separate.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 695
Likes: 5
From: tx
That's why I posted this. Dewitt's knows better and should make that a part if the install! If no one from Dewitt's responds on the forum, I'll talk to them at SEMA.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 363
Likes: 3
From: Norwalk Ca
Just installed my new Dewitt's radiator prior to motor going in. VERY UPSET as I gouged a few spots on the front of the core. Seems that MANY C3s need to have the fan assembly moved to the right. Mine got wedged between the radiator support and the left a-arm bolt/washer. I began to trim a little bit if the left fan should away and then decided to move the fan assembly ... moved it about 1/2 inch to the right. Then I hear from Rebel Rob that most early C3 guys have had to move the fan assembly. Come on Dewitt's!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
Had the same problem installing my DeWitts in my 72 small block. During the maneuvering of the radiator, I remembered a good piece of advice I saw here on the forum. I cut out two cardboard pieces to cover the radiator fins while I positioned the radiator. after it was in, just slipped out the cardboard. Made things much easier and less stressful. I struggled for a while until I removed the fan assembly as well.
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Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
Just installed my new Dewitt's radiator prior to motor going in. VERY UPSET as I gouged a few spots on the front of the core. Seems that MANY C3s need to have the fan assembly moved to the right. Mine got wedged between the radiator support and the left a-arm bolt/washer. I began to trim a little bit if the left fan should away and then decided to move the fan assembly ... moved it about 1/2 inch to the right. Then I hear from Rebel Rob that most early C3 guys have had to move the fan assembly. Come on Dewitt's!!
We sell hundreds of these radiator/fan combinations and I can tell you MOST of them do not require an adjustment. We have come up with a location to mount the fans that seems to work 95% of the time however due to many factors the location of the A-Arm washer and bolt varies and the fans have to slide left or right. There is no exact correlation from the radiator mount to the suspension due to frame variances and alignment shims. I believe our bracket design is as simple as adjustable fans could be, which involves removing six screws, sliding the fans, and re-installing the screws. I have posted this several times on the forum and once or twice a year someone posts something like this. What might be more helpful is if everyone would post the final mounting postion of the "aftermarket fans" so we could have more data as to where to put them.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Perhaps slots in the upper and lower fan brackets would solve this.
The new owner can position the fans where needed without any drilling of new holes. Not sure if it would loosen up and slide over time though.
Thanks for a great product.
The new owner can position the fans where needed without any drilling of new holes. Not sure if it would loosen up and slide over time though.
Thanks for a great product.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 104
From: Stafford Va
Just to be fair, the title should say, "Spal fan fitment issue". Our "radiator" is a Direct Fit and does not require any modifications. We offer Spal aftermarket fans because that's what people want. These are aftermarket parts and sometimes that means some patience is required.
We sell hundreds of these radiator/fan combinations and I can tell you MOST of them do not require an adjustment. We have come up with a location to mount the fans that seems to work 95% of the time however due to many factors the location of the A-Arm washer and bolt varies and the fans have to slide left or right. There is no exact correlation from the radiator mount to the suspension due to frame variances and alignment shims. I believe our bracket design is as simple as adjustable fans could be, which involves removing six screws, sliding the fans, and re-installing the screws. I have posted this several times on the forum and once or twice a year someone posts something like this. What might be more helpful is if everyone would post the final mounting postion of the "aftermarket fans" so we could have more data as to where to put them.
We sell hundreds of these radiator/fan combinations and I can tell you MOST of them do not require an adjustment. We have come up with a location to mount the fans that seems to work 95% of the time however due to many factors the location of the A-Arm washer and bolt varies and the fans have to slide left or right. There is no exact correlation from the radiator mount to the suspension due to frame variances and alignment shims. I believe our bracket design is as simple as adjustable fans could be, which involves removing six screws, sliding the fans, and re-installing the screws. I have posted this several times on the forum and once or twice a year someone posts something like this. What might be more helpful is if everyone would post the final mounting postion of the "aftermarket fans" so we could have more data as to where to put them.
Thanks
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/ls-modified
What you want to do is pick one that matches your core support. A 1971 could have had one of three core supports. Alum SB 18", 26 SB, or 27.5 BB.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 352
Likes: 1
From: Central NJ
I had the same problem but all you have to do is tilt the support forward the tiniest bit and it'll go right in. Being lazy and trying to smush it through the a-arms doesn't mean it doesn't fit, it means you aren't installing it correctly.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 104
From: Stafford Va
Every radiator we make is available configured for LS mod. All you have to do is find the model you want and replace the first digit with a 6. IE 1139070M becomes 6139070M. I have the most common ones model coded and post on the website here
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/ls-modified
What you want to do is pick one that matches your core support. A 1971 could have had one of three core supports. Alum SB 18", 26 SB, or 27.5 BB.
http://www.dewitts.com/collections/ls-modified
What you want to do is pick one that matches your core support. A 1971 could have had one of three core supports. Alum SB 18", 26 SB, or 27.5 BB.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
100%Knowing how to install the radiator is what makes the difference. I have installed SEVERAL of Dewitt's radiators with the twin Spal fans and never had a problem getting them in....and NOW with DeWitts offering their own cushions....having a problem with the factory top mounts is now working well and I am not running into a potential scrub area and ruining their radiator.
The ONLY time it gets a bit 'tricky' for me...is when the car is equipped with A/c and the condenser limits the tilting of the radiator support.
DUB