C2 Repro Aluminum Radiator

[George C.]

I have taken the radiator and support etc. out of my 65 Roadster, part of a cleaning, repainting, detailing engine compartment project. After removing the radiator, which is a copper/brass replacement, I see the tell-tale green signs of leaks or almost leaks. So now I have the perfect excuse to go order up a repro aluminum one. This brings up two questions, 1 is it worth the money to go with the detailed, painted, and dated option that is offered? The car runs 180 degrees all the time now, what can I expect by going back to the aluminum radiator? Anyone who has installed one have any suggestions??

Thanks,

George

#36809

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Repro Aluminum Radiator

George-----

1) The aluminum radiator is the ONLY way to go; if you take care of the cooling system with proper maintenence, it will also be the last radiator you'll likely ever need to buy for the car;

2) If you are planning to have the car judged, now or in the future, the detailed radiator with date coding, etc. is the best way to go. If you're just after functionality, go with the "bare-bones" version, then clean and paint it with black radiator paint yourself;

3) Installation is very straight-forward; follow the procedure in your factory service manual.

[George C.]

Re: C2 Repro Aluminum Radiator

Joe
Thanks for the rapid response. Do you have any feel for how much "detailing" would have to be done to make the radiator look right? I guess I am trying to justify the added cost for having them do it.

Thanks again,

george

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Repro Aluminum Radiator

George-----

I think that it's pretty much impossible to date code it yourself. As far as I know, this service only comes with the fully detailed radiator. Also, I'm not sure if the part number is stamped on the "bare bones" version. But, either way, you need the detailed version if you want the date code. You'll need that for maximum judging points.

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Repro Aluminum Radiator

George, Joe hit the nail right on the head, as usual. If your intent is to show the car, even if far down the road, go with the proper radiator and all the bells and whistles. If your car is truly a driver and will never be judged, then buy the bare bones version, paint it black and enjoy the driving.

My 66 used to overheat only on the highway. I chased all the gremlins, hoping it wasn't the radiator. I finally took the plunge and bought a proper date coded repro Harrison radiator. What a joy to finally be able to drive my car whenever and wherever I wanted to.

Gary

[George C.]

Re: C2 Repro Aluminum Radiator

Thanks to all who responded. I still don't plan to have the car judged, at least not at this point as someone put it. However, my new dated coded and detailed radiator is on the way. I spoke with Tom Dewitt today, had a nice conversation, saved a few dollars and went for the whole package. After talking with Tom, I think the extra cost for their expertise in detailing is well worth it.

Thanks again,

George
#36809

[Gary S.]

You won't regret it.

Tom does great work and the radiators are almost undetectable.
Gary