Coolant Overflow Reservior Upgrade
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
Coolant Overflow Reservior Upgrade
I’m still looking at ways to upgrade my 73 as part of my restomod project.
I would like to replace the plastic radiator overflow reservoir with something aluminum.
I’ve found several nice polished aluminum cylinder types and many fabricated types as well.
This needs to be a overflow reservoir type for a 73 or later that is unpressurized and not an expansion tank type for a 68-72.
I’m concerned about the capacity of the cylinder types and was wondering if anyone has replaced their plastic reservoir with the cylinder type?
If so, what did you replace it with and have you had any issues with the capacity?
Thanks,
Greg
I would like to replace the plastic radiator overflow reservoir with something aluminum.
I’ve found several nice polished aluminum cylinder types and many fabricated types as well.
This needs to be a overflow reservoir type for a 73 or later that is unpressurized and not an expansion tank type for a 68-72.
I’m concerned about the capacity of the cylinder types and was wondering if anyone has replaced their plastic reservoir with the cylinder type?
If so, what did you replace it with and have you had any issues with the capacity?
Thanks,
Greg
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
Here's a suggestion. If your not liking a plastic o/f that shows the coolant level, how about an aluminium o/f but put a sight glass on the side of it to indicate coolant level. I would be looking at a tank that could hold at least 2 quarts of coolant and another 2 quarts of "air". Cap will need two hoses - one for coolant moving to and from tank and one for venting and o/f to atmosphere.
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From: FL
Start here.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...recovery-tanks
I am replacing the earlier style overflow in my 75 with the late 77-82 part. Ether design that doesn’t leak as much.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...recovery-tanks
I am replacing the earlier style overflow in my 75 with the late 77-82 part. Ether design that doesn’t leak as much.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
Here's a suggestion. If your not liking a plastic o/f that shows the coolant level, how about an aluminium o/f but put a sight glass on the side of it to indicate coolant level. I would be looking at a tank that could hold at least 2 quarts of coolant and another 2 quarts of "air". Cap will need two hoses - one for coolant moving to and from tank and one for venting and o/f to atmosphere.
I think we are on the same page.
This is the one I’m looking at unless someone comes up with a better suggestion.
Last edited by OldCarBum; Feb 21, 2021 at 01:26 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,406
Likes: 8,212
From: Napa Valley California
Start here.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...recovery-tanks
I am replacing the earlier style overflow in my 75 with the late 77-82 part. Ether design that doesn’t leak as much.
https://www.summitracing.com/search/...recovery-tanks
I am replacing the earlier style overflow in my 75 with the late 77-82 part. Ether design that doesn’t leak as much.
I like the suggestion.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
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From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Couldn’t you just use the early aluminum expansion tank with a non pressurized cap, and a vented cap on your radiator? I think those tanks are hard to beat for looks.
Last edited by 69ttop502; Feb 22, 2021 at 08:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
My only concern is the large hose bibs that come out the bottom of the early tanks.
What were they connected to and what would I do about those?
Last edited by OldCarBum; Feb 22, 2021 at 11:14 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Napa Valley California
When I do, I’ll be giving away or selling most parts and advertising them in the parts for sale section.
The oem reservoir currently on it is free of any leaks and looks great.
When I start my project, either watch for the reservoir for sale or send me a pm.
Sorry if my post seems short, but I was recently warned about breaking the rules, when I offered to give another member some parts I have sitting in my garage.
Only because I did not state the word free in my post.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
There is a heater hose connection under there. You could probably use that if you are going to run a heater. I am not running a heater in my car so I just had it brazed shut.
Last edited by 69ttop502; Feb 22, 2021 at 11:42 AM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Napa Valley California
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
I wouldn’t be surprised if the flat on the inner fender to mount it is there on your 73. All the vendors carrry the mounting bracket that is riveted, or in my case, bolted, to the inner fender.
Last edited by 69ttop502; Feb 22, 2021 at 01:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Napa Valley California
Thanks for the photos!
Just what I wanted.
I called DeWitts Radiator and they are going to manufacture a 68-72 surge tank for me without the radiator hose nipples coming off the bottom of the tank.
John at DeWitts said it will function like the overflow tank on my 73.
It’s always great working with DeWitts.
I’m calling Corvette Central now to order the mounting straps and bracket.
Thanks again.
Just what I wanted.
I called DeWitts Radiator and they are going to manufacture a 68-72 surge tank for me without the radiator hose nipples coming off the bottom of the tank.
John at DeWitts said it will function like the overflow tank on my 73.
It’s always great working with DeWitts.
I’m calling Corvette Central now to order the mounting straps and bracket.
Thanks again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
That’s great, never thought of Dewitt’s. I may get them to make me one too because mine isn’t in great shape. That will look and function great in your car. They are a terrific company!🤙😀
Thread Starter
Race Director
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From: Napa Valley California
When you call, talk to John.
He was the one who took my order and he’ll know what you want.
They will even date stamp one for you.
I thought it would be cool to get one date stamped for the build day of my 73 so it would throw off any of the NCRS types.
LOL
He was the one who took my order and he’ll know what you want.
They will even date stamp one for you.
I thought it would be cool to get one date stamped for the build day of my 73 so it would throw off any of the NCRS types.
LOL