radiator removal
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 268
Likes: 6
From: Barstow Ca
radiator removal
I just got my dewitts radiator and wonder if there's anything that I might need to know that is hard with removing the old radiator. I tried to search for any reference but really couldn't find anything. I'm going to take my time putting it in. I ordered the radiator from A & A Corvette in Oxnard Ca. Great service and the radiator came very quickly since Dewitts had to build it for me. I just wanted to say thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 30
From: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
The swap out is very easy without any real problems. If you are using the stock fans, you will have a small bit of trimming to do. Near one of the bottom brackets you will have to remove a small bit of the fan plastic for clearance - approx 1/4" X 1/2". I think it was the lower left hand bracket. Trial fit and trim before installing in car. While you have it torn apart, consider replacing the hoses and clamps. Get rid of the compression clamps that lose tension and use some good stainless screw band clamps. Also replace your AC and serpentine belts while everything is apart, it's very easy then.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 268
Likes: 6
From: Barstow Ca
Well I put the radiator in yesterday. I drove it about 45 miles since and temps are running at 205. It is about 100 degrees here so I think the temp is good. I just want to give a tip to help bleeding the air out quicker. When you have the car on jackstands remove one of the right top small radiator hoses and fill till you get coolant coming out. Without removing one of the hoses the air can't escape and it takes longer. When I did this I didn't have to add much at all. Now it's time to take another ride.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 268
Likes: 6
From: Barstow Ca
Well in Toms defense the radiator is about 2 thirds bigger than the stock one width wise. You have to trim the left top and right top of the fan assembly but it's not much. Not hard and he sends a diagram that shows what you need to trim. Other than that the radiator fits perfect. Mine slid right in just like the stock one. Maybe it went in too easy because it was harder taking out the old one than putting in the new one. I now have about 80 miles on it and on the highway my temps are 199.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 268
Likes: 6
From: Barstow Ca
The fans were designed for the single core radiator. Like I said the radiator is wider than the stock one. I don't know why they put such a crappy single core plastic end radiator in a corvette. Mine is a 2004 and you would think it would have lasted longer.
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Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 1
From: st.louis mo.
spal fan kit
Tom has said on here a few times that no trimming is required but just like the OP I had to make a few minor adjustments. Very happy with the radiator just sharing my experience. I have seen a few other posts like this. BTW I also have the SPAL fan kit which I just added a few months ago fits like a glove and does a great job although on the hottest days I can still see my temps climb to 230-235 if
I am running my AC....keeping these Maggie cars cool is a real challenge
I am running my AC....keeping these Maggie cars cool is a real challenge
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I modified my own thermostat and my car with the DeWitts cruises at 180. The motor temp only goes up when I stop at lights or am moving real slow. However, it drops right back down again. On cold days it runs at 178.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 1
From: Ca.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
Well I put the radiator in yesterday. I drove it about 45 miles since and temps are running at 205. It is about 100 degrees here so I think the temp is good. I just want to give a tip to help bleeding the air out quicker. When you have the car on jackstands remove one of the right top small radiator hoses and fill till you get coolant coming out. Without removing one of the hoses the air can't escape and it takes longer. When I did this I didn't have to add much at all. Now it's time to take another ride.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
If you don't want to make this minor adjustment, why not leave in the GM "drop in"radiator?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,593
Likes: 631
From: Brighton
You should have gotten a sheet on trimming the corners, obviously we didn't do that. If you email me I can send you one. The ABS fan shroud can be installed onto the radiator without trimming the corners but they will hit the top rail and bend back. If you trim out a 1/2 x 1" piece, it lays flat. We designed it this way to keep the shroud as tight as possible so it would seal up against the radiator.
Last edited by Tom@Dewitt; Aug 11, 2012 at 09:35 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,642
Likes: 1
From: Ca.
You really seem to have an ax to grind over the DeWitts radiator, not only here but in other threads as well. I can't think of very many mods I have done where some changes were not required to put things back together. The DeWitts radiator was the most minor of any of them, the FAST was major rework. If you find the trimming of the fan shroud such a hassle, better not do any more mods to the car.
If you don't want to make this minor adjustment, why not leave in the GM "drop in"radiator?
If you don't want to make this minor adjustment, why not leave in the GM "drop in"radiator?
What des an intake have to do with a radiator ?
I already have the Dewitts , reading is fundamental
I don't consider a radiatior a "mod" either
Thanks to Dewitts for the pics.
Last edited by slant; Aug 11, 2012 at 11:01 AM.