I just removed the radiator from my 69BB (L36)/w/AC. The radiator seems to be the original. It is Brass/copper Harrison with no cap, 27 1/2" core. The tag reads MJ9. (the 9 is smaller than the letters) The part number on the tag is 3018571. My car is a mid Oct. 69 build. Is that the correct radiator?
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Re: 69 radiator ID
Larry-----
Yes, your radiator is very likely original and it's quite a rare one. In fact, I've recently done some research on this one and learned something that I was previously unaware of. It seems that for 1969 only, 2 different radiators were used on L-36, L-68, and L-71 big blocks. The first was GM #3019190. This radiator has oil cooler provisions and was used on all THM-equipped versions of the aforementioned engine options. I used to think that this radiator was used for both manual and THM-equipped 69 big blocks (except L-88/ZL-1).
The second radiator used was GM #3018571. This radiator is identical to the above, except it has no oil cooler provisions and was used on manual trans-equipped versions of the above-referenced engine options.
For 1970-72 big blocks, I believe the 3019190 was used for all applications (except 1971 ZR-2) and for both manual and THM trans. For manual trans applications, the oil cooler lines were left plugged. In March, 1970 when SERVICE stocks were exhausted, the 3018571 radiator was discontinued and replaced by the 3019190 to SERVICE all 1969 applications originally using the 3018571.
It is POSSIBLE that the 3018571 was used in PRODUCTION after 1969 for manual trans-equipped big blocks. I don't think so, but it's possible. I'd be interested to learn of any known original examples of this radiator on 70-72 manual trans-equipped big blocks.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Thanks Joe (read)
Thanks. I knew you would probably know the answer. I am going to hav it recored at THE best place around here. The tech. says they like to put a 16 fin per inch core in vettes as opposed to the 12 per inch of the original. Maybe I should restore this correctly? What do you think? I try to keep my car as original as possible but I do drive it more than most. AND I do live in a hot climate and use the A/C most of the summer. With the stock set-up it did not overheat but ran just a little warm in lots traffic on a hot day. (190-210)Comment
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Addendum/Correction
I did a little further checking and I was incorrect regarding the use of the GM #3019190 for all 1970-72 big block applications (except ZR-2). The GM #3018571 (without oil cooler) was used in PRODUCTION for all manual tranmission big block applications (except ZR-2). The GM #3019190 (with oil cooler) was used for all THM big block applications.
In any event, the GM #3018571 was discontinued from SERVICE in March, 1970 and replaced by the GM #3019190. So, the only GM #3018571 radiators in existence are those originally installed in PRODUCTION in 69-72 Corvette big blocks with manual transmission and those SERVICE units sold between September, 1968 and March, 1970. It's probably unlikely that very many SERVICE units were sold during this period except for cars involved in front end crashes.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Thanks Joe (read)
Larry-----
It's unlikely that any of the aftermarket SERVICE cores are going to be correct, so if I were going to use one of them, I'd probably go with the higher capacity unit (16 fins/inch). However, I think that your best bet would be to obtain a reproduction core from DeWitts and have this installed between your original tanks. This will provide excellent cooling efficieny AND correctness.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Thanks Joe. Good Idea*NM *NM*
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Re: 69 radiator L46 With A/C (Joe L)
Joe
I realize this is off the BB subjuct, but, perhaps you can answer some questions regarding the radiator in my 69 L46 4-spd with A/C . I had the radiator recored about 3 years ago reusing the original side tanks and now the top of the core looks different from the original, but this is not my question. The question(s) are were is the date codes located on the radiator and the second question involves a brass tag supposedly attached to the radiator. When I was having it flight judged I was told it was missing. What is on it and where is it located?
ThanksComment
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Re: 69 radiator L46 With A/C (Joe L)
George-----
I've not seen a date code on these radiators, but there may be one located somewhere on them.
The ID tag is a small tag which is about 1-1/4" X 2" and is usually soldered to the rear of the right side tank.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: 69 radiator L46 With A/C (Joe L) *TL*
In my experience there is some inconsistency, and it is difficult to see the tag(s) when the radiator is installed. I have seen both one and two tag installations, but I would not rule out the chance that the one tag situation is a matter of a lack of visibility. Tag(s) are on the passenger side - crimped in the header tank to core flange. One tag (the one most often seen) has the broadcast code on it - a two letter code that identifies the radiator, and is generally on the rear side of the radiator. Kind of by eyeball the letters are one half inch high and embossed into the tag. The second, less often seen, tag has the part number (may be only a partial part number, my memory is bad this late at night) and a Julian date code. This tag faces the front of the radiator, and these numbers are simply stamped in the tag - not very deeply usually. Of course if the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning one is not likely to see a front mounted tag.
TerryComment
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Re: 69 radiator L46 With A/C (Joe L)
Mine was a small right angle "snap-on"(not soldered)with MJ9 in big letters and a lightly stamped on the short leg..3018571. So light in fact I almost missed it and had to scrape the surface rust away. If anyone wants a picture let me know.Comment
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Re: 69 radiator L46 With A/C (Picture)
Larry
If you have a picture that would be terrific. You know the old sayng "A picture is worth a thousand words". If you can't post it here could you e-mail it to me?
Thanks to all,Comment
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Re: 69 radiator L46 With A/C (Picture)
Sure ... I will get a picture tonight andsend it to you. How do I find you E-mail address?Comment
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Re: to Larry Rad Tag Picture
Larry
You can look up my name in the user profile and can send an e-mail to me using the private e-mail function.
Thanks,Comment
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Re: to Larry Rad Tag Picture
George... I had a little password problem... OK now.. I have the pictures of the tag, I just don't know how to do it in this format. Check your E-mailComment
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