I have a 69 BB with the original style 27.5" brass radiator. The core is in good shape but the tanks are rough. Cooling is not that great- slight overheating problem. I was considering an aluminum replacement. Dewitt's offers a "direct replacement" as well as a Griffin replacement... Anyone have any experience with these products?

Thanks


[Modified by Red69, 8:52 PM 11/12/2003]

 

I got the Griffin replacement through Tom Dewitt & I highly recommend it. It dropped my temps a solid 30 degrees. Before the swap I had been running a thermostat w/ 3 holes drilled into it to crutch my cooling problem. After the swap I had to change to a new 180 degree thermostat because the engine couldn't even reach full operating temp due to the improved cooling.

The only warning I need to issue is that the drain petcock isn't quite in the stock position & can't be turned due to lack of clearance, so to drain the fluid you have to remove the bottom part of the lower hose. Kind of a pain but on the whole well worth it.

Actually, one more thing just came to mind- at the base of the radiator near the corners on both sides of the car there are 2 metal edges(1 per side) below where the radiator mounts. It's too late for me to go out & get under the car but as you drop the radiator into place you should be able to see what I'm talking about. Before you bolt the radiator in you'll need to find these & trim them back slightly to keep them from digging into the softer aluminum. I noticed 2 small grooves worn into the radiator tanks some time after the install. I ended up having to use a handheld hacksaw blade due to cramped quarters to make the cuts- it's do-able if you don't mind sore fingers & a few muscle cramps but it should be a piece of cake if done w/o the radiator in place.

That's all I can think of- again, well worth the cost & effort. Let me know if you need any specifics or photos to explain this.

:cheers:

 

My 69 BB was also overheating anytime I could get in ANY traffic for even a couple of minutes, forget about doing a parade or anything of the likes. It had a stock style radiator with a single fan.

I just put in a aluminum radiator from Dewitts with the dual Spal fans and hooked it up to the existing wiring for the old fan (always on). My temp gauge never got off 100. Now I have to hook up the temp sensors to make the fans cut on and off so it will warm up. Also, it looks really cool. Highly recommended upgrade. Will definately solve any cooling issues you have.

 

I'm running an aluminum Griffin rad w/ a 16" perma-cool electric fan and so far so good.

:cheers:

 

I'm running a stock copy radiator and 16" permacool fan, and Hi-flow 185 thermostat, and it stays at 185... even in a parade!! :cheers:

 

I'm running a aluminum Griffin rad also but the one with the larger tubes. I think 1 1/4 inch is standard and I am running the 1 1/2 or something like that. I am also using the universal one, not the one designed for the vet. Other then the lower rad hose that required a little ingenuity it fit fine.
I also run twin 16 inch fans but only use one most of the time.

 

Norval, you are correct it's 1 1/2 tubing, I'm running the same Griffin Universal rad.

:cheers:

 

Good info... Sounds like an aluminum RAD is the way to go!

How stock looking does the Griffin look?

DeWitts has a "direct fit" (A69M) that looks real close to the stock config.... is this the one your using 69RAT?

Did any of you guys paint it, or did you just leave it natural?


Thanks
:smash:

 

I sent you an e-mail that you may want to check out before shelling out big bucks for an aluminum radiator. Take a look!

Eric (lemansblue68) :thumbs:

 

Eric - sent one in return!!

 

I left mine natural, bit since it's aluminum it can be polsihed to almost a chrome-like finish.

:cheers: