Replacement Radiator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 205
Likes: 4
Replacement Radiator
I had to replace the radiator support on my 75 because it was really rusted bad. Taking out the radiator and shroud to get the support out was a royal pain - the first time.
Took the radiator and had it repaired - my bad. I have a new leak and there is no way I'm going to repair the original again.
During reassembly the hard part (for me) was replacing the bottom radiator hose.
So round two begins. Since I'm going to be replacing the radiator, I was wondering what "aftermarket" would be the best "fit" for my 75?
BTW - I also added Vintage Air when I replace the support, so I'm hoping the front A/C condenser will hang in there so I don't need to evac the A/C system. The Vintage system is COLD COLD COLD.
Thanks for any leads on the radiator.
Took the radiator and had it repaired - my bad. I have a new leak and there is no way I'm going to repair the original again.
During reassembly the hard part (for me) was replacing the bottom radiator hose.
So round two begins. Since I'm going to be replacing the radiator, I was wondering what "aftermarket" would be the best "fit" for my 75?
BTW - I also added Vintage Air when I replace the support, so I'm hoping the front A/C condenser will hang in there so I don't need to evac the A/C system. The Vintage system is COLD COLD COLD.
Thanks for any leads on the radiator.
Last edited by lsintampa; Sep 11, 2018 at 12:03 PM.
Racer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 297
Likes: 43
i had too many beers while replacing all my rad hoses and crushed the intake nipple on my oem rad (81) i bought a aluminum rad from champion auto (o'rieleys) and it dropped right in and worked perfectly, i did use the old rad hose cut into strips to line the bottom as a cushion becaue the oem seals were disintegrating and i didn't want to go back to the parts store. but i would def get the seals if oem or ncrs is a consideration.
also i did not have to change anything other then rad and rad lines. the replacement dropped tight in and i didn't have to remove the hood, however get an assistant to help u pull and place the rad as its almsot impossible to work around the hood and get the rad to remove and reinstall evenly
also i did not have to change anything other then rad and rad lines. the replacement dropped tight in and i didn't have to remove the hood, however get an assistant to help u pull and place the rad as its almsot impossible to work around the hood and get the rad to remove and reinstall evenly
Last edited by sambrand; Sep 11, 2018 at 12:14 PM. Reason: added text
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
You want to order a radiator that would be for a 1975 car with A/C, so that it has enough capacity for your engine, A/C (and auto trans, if that's what you have). If you go with Champion, you will need a 3 or 4 row radiator (rather than a 2-row for a non-air car).
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,173
Likes: 7,960
From: Napa Valley California
Dewitts is a favorite here on the forum and my research shows they are top quality and a direct fit for a C3.
Griffin also makes a top quality radiator for our C3's and I've heard nothing but good reviews from racers and hot rod guys.
Both are available with electric fan set ups and shrouds and can be used with the OEM fan set up.
Both are a bit pricey but if you don't want to do this again soon, stick with quality.
Griffin also makes a top quality radiator for our C3's and I've heard nothing but good reviews from racers and hot rod guys.
Both are available with electric fan set ups and shrouds and can be used with the OEM fan set up.
Both are a bit pricey but if you don't want to do this again soon, stick with quality.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 504
From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,398
From: SW Florida.
there is a sort-of cut out on the right side of the rad support the 2 hoses go to the AC condenser. indent not cut out. so you can lift rad support up and down with connected hoses riding along.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 205
Likes: 4
Was able to get the radiator out without removing condenser from the A/C. Thanks!
So looking at champion, dewitts, and griffin as replacements, which is the best fit? It's hard enough to get the thing in or out, and the last thing I want is to make it more complicated than it is by needing to make modifications.
ALSO, has anyone mounted the radiator to the support and put them both in together????
Seems silly, but it may be easier to do???
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 504
From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Was able to get the radiator out without removing condenser from the A/C. Thanks!
So looking at champion, dewitts, and griffin as replacements, which is the best fit? It's hard enough to get the thing in or out, and the last thing I want is to make it more complicated than it is by needing to make modifications.
ALSO, has anyone mounted the radiator to the support and put them both in together????
Seems silly, but it may be easier to do???
So looking at champion, dewitts, and griffin as replacements, which is the best fit? It's hard enough to get the thing in or out, and the last thing I want is to make it more complicated than it is by needing to make modifications.
ALSO, has anyone mounted the radiator to the support and put them both in together????
Seems silly, but it may be easier to do???
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 331
From: Clear Lake Shores Texas
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
One more vote for Dewiit’s. I replaced the original radiator in my 69 with one of their direct fits and it was perfect. You’re 100% correct in the it is a difficult enough job without having to fight with an ill fitting radiator.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
i had too many beers while replacing all my rad hoses and crushed the intake nipple on my oem rad (81) i bought a aluminum rad from champion auto (o'rieleys) and it dropped right in and worked perfectly, i did use the old rad hose cut into strips to line the bottom as a cushion becaue the oem seals were disintegrating and i didn't want to go back to the parts store. but i would def get the seals if oem or ncrs is a consideration.
also i did not have to change anything other then rad and rad lines. the replacement dropped tight in and i didn't have to remove the hood, however get an assistant to help u pull and place the rad as its almsot impossible to work around the hood and get the rad to remove and reinstall evenly
also i did not have to change anything other then rad and rad lines. the replacement dropped tight in and i didn't have to remove the hood, however get an assistant to help u pull and place the rad as its almsot impossible to work around the hood and get the rad to remove and reinstall evenly
I found having the shroud in place really helped slide the radiator in. I lowered it in with the passenger side down a bit to clear the A-arm. Big lesson was the lower hose at radiator... I royally scraped my left wrist on the trans line clamps. Big lesson was to do the trans lines last. I just had to loosen the shroud so it was AWAY from the radiator at base (gave some wrench clearance). It is all a tight fit in there. I reused the seals I had installed from Dr Rebuild. I'm not an NCRS rebuild but his product is top shelf quality/durability.
Interesting, I bought a replacement and did not realize it was one of the aluminum/plastic jobs. It is sitting in its box on a shelf in my garage in event the brass/copper radiator I am running now finally gives up and I can't have re-cored.
Last edited by TedH; Sep 16, 2018 at 08:21 AM.
