1969 radiator
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 63
From: new ulm mn
1969 radiator
Don't drive the car enough and sure enough the radiator is leaking. Believe it to be original. Car is L68 matching numbers. What is the best replacement to maintain originality?
thanks,
thanks,
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,639
Likes: 3,101
From: Shamong, NJ
The original radiator was copper. There are copper replacements available that look correct, but if it were my car I would be looking at the DeWitts aluminum reproduction of the original copper radiator.
https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...minum-radiator
https://www.dewitts.com/collections/...minum-radiator
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 1,576
From: los altos hills california
Where you live there are probably many radiator shops. Take it to have it recored, that way your end tanks will retain their originality. Might help to measure their end-to-end distance just in case.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,590
Likes: 830
From: PA
If originality is your goal, get the correct core from DeWitt’s and have a reputable radiator shop take the original end tanks off of the original and put them on the new core. I believe that the DeWitt’s core has a higher fin count than the original, but it isn’t really noticeable… Plus you’ll have the correct top/bottom plates and end tanks.
That is going to be the most original looking option available.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
That is going to be the most original looking option available.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,639
Likes: 3,101
From: Shamong, NJ
If originality is your goal, get the correct core from DeWitt’s and have a reputable radiator shop take the original end tanks off of the original and put them on the new core. I believe that the DeWitt’s core has a higher fin count than the original, but it isn’t really noticeable… Plus you’ll have the correct top/bottom plates and end tanks.
That is going to be the most original looking option available.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
That is going to be the most original looking option available.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 3,590
Likes: 830
From: PA
To be honest, you may be right. I purchased a core from them about three years ago for my 1970 LT-1… If I recall correctly, I had to call and request it as it wasn’t being advertised at that point either.
You can always order a copper/brass core from another supplier in the correct dimensions. Gary (gbozz on this site) has correct top and bottom plates available… Combine those with the correct end tanks and you’re back in business.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
You can always order a copper/brass core from another supplier in the correct dimensions. Gary (gbozz on this site) has correct top and bottom plates available… Combine those with the correct end tanks and you’re back in business.
Regards,
Stan Falenski
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 571
But seeing as how OP located at Minnesota, perhaps he should also consider Northern Radiator at Willmar, MN ?
Also, there should be a few trustworthy radiator repair shops in OP's general area; where they could probably both recore & restore his OE radiator to as-new condition and functionality.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 524
From: Ventura California
I just did this recently with my 69 BB and my 68 BB.
Bought the cores from Dewitt’s and then paid a local radiator shop to put the original tanks on my new core.
The cores were about $800 and the radiator shop charged me $235 for the work.
Dewitts does make an aluminum drop in radiator too.
Check the Dewitt site and look at the garage sale section. I bought a drop in radiator that had a small dent for a substantial savings.
Bought the cores from Dewitt’s and then paid a local radiator shop to put the original tanks on my new core.
The cores were about $800 and the radiator shop charged me $235 for the work.
Dewitts does make an aluminum drop in radiator too.
Check the Dewitt site and look at the garage sale section. I bought a drop in radiator that had a small dent for a substantial savings.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 720
From: Marietta GA
Most good radiator shops can clean out and solder your old radiator providing the rust is not extensive. The cost should be less than $ 250 and you keep everything original. Yo want to find a shop that does trucks and heavy construction equipment as they know they are doing.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 571
Most good radiator shops can clean out and solder your old raThose are being repaired.diator providing the rust is not extensive. The cost should be less than $ 250 and you keep everything original. Yo want to find a shop that does trucks and heavy construction equipment as they know they are doing.
The commercial rads are Heavy and most are bolt-together and Expensive. Those are being repaired.