Just got word from the radiator shop that my 69 BB radiator needs a new core. I'm undecided on whether to have the core replaced, buy a replacement/reproduction, or by and aluminum replacement. I have been doing a lot of research on aluminum radiators. Does anyone have recommendations on this, replacing BB copper/brass radiator with an aluminum one.
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Re: Aluminum Radiator for my BB
Dick-----
It depends upon what's most important to you---originality or functionality.
For originality, the best thing to do is to have your original radiator (asuming that it is original) re-cored. It's not a bad way to go for functionality, either. The GM #3019190 is a great cooling radiator.
You can achieve some improvement in cooling performance by going with an aluminum radiator, though. For a direct fit use either the DeWitts aluminum replica of the 3019190 or a Griffin direct fit for your application. Both of these are available from DeWitts (www.dewitts.com). The DeWitts 3019190 replica is very close to the original in configuration, too. Paint it black and you'll have near-original configuration. It's not going to fool any judges, but 99.9% of the folks won't notice the difference.
Either the DeWitts replica or the Griifin are direct fit. This means that they'll bolt into your existing radiator support, will work with your existing radiator shroud, will use the original-configuration radiator hoses and will require no modification to any existing components for installation. If one is going to use a non-original radiator, a direct fit is the ONLY way to go.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Aluminum Radiator for my BB
Thanks, Not sure if the radiator is original, any way to tell? I know it was out once as there was only one seal on the passenger side. All other seals were missing. Also, my vette was built in June 1969 and the seals in front of the radiator do not have PIF. It is my understanding that 69's built after december 1968 had PIF and a longer air dam. Does this mean my support was replaced?Comment
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Re: Aluminum Radiator for my BB
Dick-----
The early 1969 style upper radiator support seals were used intermittently into later PRODUCTION. Your car may have been originally so-fitted.
As far as the radiator goes, check the right side tank. If there is a Harrison logo on it, then there's a good chance that it's an original or an original replacement. There may lso be a part number on a tag. If the number is 3018571 and your car is a manual trans, then the radiator is almost certainly an original. If the car is a THM-400 and the number is 3019190, then the radiator could be either an original or an original replacement.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Aluminum Radiator for my BB
Thanks, I'll check it out. Mine is a manual trans but I don't recall seeing a tag. It is at the radiator shop I'll stop by and see if it has the Harrison logo. Where where would I find the logo?Comment
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Re: Aluminum Radiator for my BB
Dick-----
It's usually on the upper portion of the right side tank, but it's possible that it could be on the left side tank. If it's there, it will just take a quick glance to see it on a radiator that's out of the car.
The part number tag, if present, is usually soldered to the right side radiator tank.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Aluminum Radiator for my BB
Why the rush to get rid of the original? As long as you have the seals present, use the correct fan shroud, and have the air dam under the front end your brass radiator should work great. I've had great luck with my '69 and it has a nasty L89 that's been stroked to 489 cu in.Comment
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Re: Aluminum Radiator for my BB
I checked it out today and it had the Harrison logo as you described. I have decided to have it re-cored. Thanks for the info and advise.
DickComment
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