C3 Radiator
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
C3 Radiator
I have the worst of all worlds - a 72 C3 with a 454 and air conditioning that now has a leak in the radiator. The original had marginal performance at best, so now I am looking to replace the old one with the best available. It appears that an aluminum radiator is the best choice, but there are so many replacement options that all promise easy replacement and great performance. I'm looking for a reality check - someone that has had an experience (good or bad) so I can narrow down the search. I understand that electric fans may be an improvement, but I don't want anything so complex that I have to hire Chip Foose to come to my house to sort it out. I have adequate mechanical skills so will tackle the replacements and upgrades if they are worth the effort. It is also helpful to purchase from someone that offers guidance (Wilcox?) so that when I have pieces scattered all over the garage and reach an impasse, I have someone to call to talk me down from the roof. I appreciate any guidance you all can offer. Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,539
Likes: 1,972
From: Temple Terrace Florida
Real easy choice. Go with a DeWitts. I installed them in my 66 and 68 L-79 cars and now sit at 180 degrees with the AC on here in Florida. Make sure you have the factory seals throughout. I added a pusher fan on my 66 just in case, but I have never had the cause to turn it on. Great product and great service. Jerry
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Wow - a very quick response AND a consensus. Seems like I have found a supplier - get radiator and all new seals. Clearly, anything I can do to assure the airflow is all directed through the condenser and radiator is worth the effort.
At the risk of putting a $20 saddle on a $10 horse, I'm inclined to go ahead and do the dual electric fans at the same time. I'm not looking to necessarily improve the value in the car, I just love driving the old beast. It's nearly the end of the driving season here in the Midwest, so I have the time available to make sure it is done right for longer trips next year. I appreciate the advice and hopefully will have a success story to share once this is complete. Thanks again!
At the risk of putting a $20 saddle on a $10 horse, I'm inclined to go ahead and do the dual electric fans at the same time. I'm not looking to necessarily improve the value in the car, I just love driving the old beast. It's nearly the end of the driving season here in the Midwest, so I have the time available to make sure it is done right for longer trips next year. I appreciate the advice and hopefully will have a success story to share once this is complete. Thanks again!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,227
Likes: 7,824
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
If you decide to go with the electric fans, (I have). Keep in mind that your factory alternator may not be up to the task. A alternator upgrade and the wiring necessary to go with it will add to the cost. You can check out "mad electricals" Web site to learn about charging systems and proper fan wiring.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,731
Likes: 2,582
Before going electric fans consider a Flowkooler pump. Have a member in a club I belong to with a 71 BB w/AC went with a 180 thermostat and a Flowkooler no more problems.
https://flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/
https://flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 11,284
Likes: 2,094
From: Grapevine Tx
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
2016 C3 of the Year Finalist
Before going electric fans consider a Flowkooler pump. Have a member in a club I belong to with a 71 BB w/AC went with a 180 thermostat and a Flowkooler no more problems.
https://flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/
https://flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
C5 fan and shroud. And life is way easier to get in and out once that huge shroud is not in the way of everything. The C5 shroud adapts to the aftermarket rad with a couple of pieces of aluminum angle from Lowe’s and you can extend the sides of the shroud the needed couple inches with a black plastic storage bin lid. https://www.ebay.com/itm/15434915300...gAAOSwWENgOoh6
Last edited by derekderek; Oct 23, 2021 at 09:28 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 923
Likes: 155
From: North Port, FL
C5 fan and shroud. And life is way easier to get in and out once that huge shroud is not in the way of everything. The C5 shroud adapts to the aftermarket rad with a couple of pieces of aluminum angle from Lowe’s and you can extend the sides of the shroud the needed couple inches with a black plastic storage bin lid. https://www.ebay.com/itm/15434915300...gAAOSwWENgOoh6
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 319
Likes: 125
From: Midwest
Real easy choice. Go with a DeWitts. I installed them in my 66 and 68 L-79 cars and now sit at 180 degrees with the AC on here in Florida. Make sure you have the factory seals throughout. I added a pusher fan on my 66 just in case, but I have never had the cause to turn it on. Great product and great service. Jerry
To drive the point home, 1979 cars with L-82 and AC had overheating issues from the factory. So much so that Chevy installed auxiliary electric fans and special fan shrouds in such Corvettes. Both are still present and function in my car. Nine years ago I had my shop install a DeWitts radiator in my '79 and it has performed flawlessly ever since. I also agree about making sure you have all your factory seals in place. And make sure you have a good radiator cap.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
Just a quick follow-up to my post. First, thanks to all that responded - this forum is a great resource when embarking on a new project. It is all possible due to your participation and I very much appreciate the advice. I was able to get a radiator from the very helpful folks at Dewitts. They answered on the first ring and I found a inconspicuously damaged (but fully warrantied) direct-fit radiator for $400 (as opposed to the $639 list). I found the needed bits and pieces (hoses, cushions, seals, etc.) at Corvette Central. They, too, answered immediately and had someone who helped me sort out what I needed and transferred me to place the order - the whole call was maybe 5 minutes. Both companies were beacons in a storm-tossed sea of understaffed competitors. I appreciate very much all the help given to get this project going - if only the actual work goes as smoothly...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,785
Likes: 2,327
From: Central UT
Great choices. We have a '68 L71. Put in a direct fit DeWitts, correct fan clutch, correct seals, rebuilt water pump (stock), new hoses, 180 stat, etc. That thing runs 180 on 95-100 degree days in traffic no sweat. DeWitts fit perfectly and rocks. Best, Paul
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,654
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
Just a quick follow-up to my post. First, thanks to all that responded - this forum is a great resource when embarking on a new project. It is all possible due to your participation and I very much appreciate the advice. I was able to get a radiator from the very helpful folks at Dewitts. They answered on the first ring and I found a inconspicuously damaged (but fully warrantied) direct-fit radiator for $400 (as opposed to the $639 list). I found the needed bits and pieces (hoses, cushions, seals, etc.) at Corvette Central. They, too, answered immediately and had someone who helped me sort out what I needed and transferred me to place the order - the whole call was maybe 5 minutes. Both companies were beacons in a storm-tossed sea of understaffed competitors. I appreciate very much all the help given to get this project going - if only the actual work goes as smoothly...
while apart, verify fan clutch operation
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...re-79-l82.html
Last edited by interpon; Oct 25, 2021 at 07:48 PM.