84 Dewitts Radiator Install
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
84 Dewitts Radiator Install
I had done some searching thru the site on the install for a dewitts radiator. I didn't find much for the 84, so I decided to create this thread about the installation.
First removal of the old
Side by Side
The only problem
This little plug doesn't fit into the new radiator. I'm going to either have to get thinner O-rings or maybe use a vac cap and hose clamp to seal it off.
The cushions they give you will work, but are a PITA to get into place!
It will push into place but it is tight. You'll find the drain **** to be a PITA also. Be sure to have it all the way screwed in when pushing it in. Once in place you'll have to fight it thru the hole when closing it. When you get a few threads past your golden. Reassemble and fill her up!
Total install time was less than 3 hours
First removal of the old
Side by Side
The only problem
This little plug doesn't fit into the new radiator. I'm going to either have to get thinner O-rings or maybe use a vac cap and hose clamp to seal it off.
The cushions they give you will work, but are a PITA to get into place!
It will push into place but it is tight. You'll find the drain **** to be a PITA also. Be sure to have it all the way screwed in when pushing it in. Once in place you'll have to fight it thru the hole when closing it. When you get a few threads past your golden. Reassemble and fill her up!
Total install time was less than 3 hours
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,413
Likes: 2,745
I didn't think the '84 had the probe so the radiator that you replaced had been previously replaced? For the '86 - '89 it was a GM # 10054615 and I'd think likely still available BUT if it wasn't OE it was only along for the ride anyway. I'd think an appropriate cap would do if you can find one for 'coolant' specs.
I'd say judging from your comments "it's a fit". I believe I've seen others comment about the coolant probe and I'd think NEW would likely be the best solution if there was any doubt regarding the fit. Some silicone maybe and a NEW part.
I'd say judging from your comments "it's a fit". I believe I've seen others comment about the coolant probe and I'd think NEW would likely be the best solution if there was any doubt regarding the fit. Some silicone maybe and a NEW part.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Aug 1, 2015 at 08:05 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
I didn't think the '84 had the probe so the radiator that you replaced had been previously replaced? For the '86 - '89 it was a GM # 10054615 and I'd think likely still available BUT if it wasn't OE it was only along for the ride anyway. I'd think an appropriate cap would do if you can find one for 'coolant' specs.
I'd say judging from your comments "it's a fit". I believe I've seen others comment about the coolant probe and I'd think NEW would likely be the best solution if there was any doubt regarding the fit. Some silicone maybe and a NEW part.
I'd say judging from your comments "it's a fit". I believe I've seen others comment about the coolant probe and I'd think NEW would likely be the best solution if there was any doubt regarding the fit. Some silicone maybe and a NEW part.
I'm gonna run over to the parts store and see if that have a coolant probe that would fit, or just try some smaller o-rings on it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
They didn't have anything which was no surprise. So I did get a thinner o-ring which still didn't work. So I pushed it back as far as I could onto the plug and was able to get it in there and clip. I then took a coolant rubber cap and hose clamp and went over top of it. Until I get in touch with Dewitts to see what they recommend this seems to work.
Once I new my coolant level was filled I got the car up to 235 by disconnecting the fan to see how my "fix" would hold. Seemed to be fine with no issues. Again, this is only temporary until I get the correct fitting I want.
Other than just a couple of minor issues the fit was fine and can easily be done in just a few hours.
Once I new my coolant level was filled I got the car up to 235 by disconnecting the fan to see how my "fix" would hold. Seemed to be fine with no issues. Again, this is only temporary until I get the correct fitting I want.
Other than just a couple of minor issues the fit was fine and can easily be done in just a few hours.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
As far as the sensor fitting in, we have that nipple cnc machined to the same ID dimension as the plastic version and sometimes the sensor is pretty tight. A little oil helps get the oring to push in. On the cars that didn't have the level sensor you could just cap it like the OP did here or tap the ID with a pipe tap and plug it forever.
