I just received a DeWitts aluminum radiator to replace the copper/brass aftermarket radiator currrently in my 1964 coupe. Hopefully, I will soon be able to run the a/c without further constant temp. guage monitoring and related paranoia. Speaking of paranoia, I read in the factory service manual that use of a non-aluminum radiator cap or drain plug, particularly those containing brass, could result in severe damage to an aluminum radiator. I do NOT plan on having the car judged anytime soon. Would I be able to find a cap and plug from the local auto parts store that would work, or is it parts catalog time?
-
-
Re: Aluminum Radidator Question
Bruce - if you get a current AC RC-26 cap, it will look different but will be application correct with no improper brass parts. You can also get a good repro from Paragon of the original RC26, but it will be judging detectable from originals... I am guessing that the local auto parts stores will not worry about the construction materials, only the pressure rating etc......Craig -
Re: Aluminum Radidator Question
Bruce,
I just installed a new Dewitts aluminum rad in my 68 and I decided to try a radiator cap w/sacrificial anode, from Paragon. It is not of the "original" varity, but the claim is that it will extend the service life of your alum rad by stopping electolytic metal erosion.
I suppose time will tell if it works or not. It is safe for use on all 64-82 copper and alum radiators.
See link for more details.
If you wanted to go with a more garden varity version, they should be available locally, as well as from the mail order companies.
And also, the Dewitts rad should already have the proper drain plug installed I believe. At least mine did when I recieved it.
Dan
http://www.corvette-paragon.com/cata...D-B68BEBCE67F5Comment
-
Re: Aluminum Radidator Question
Dan,
I did not receive a drain plug with my new radiator from DeWitt's. I am going contact them today and see if it was an oversight.
Just curious, did you notice a big difference after installing your radiator?Comment
-
Re: Aluminum Radidator Question
I just installed a Dewitts aluminum radiator in my BB 67. Haven't had any problems, but I am using the same original radiator cap from the original radiator. Is this a "no-no"??? ThanksComment
-
Drain valve & cap
Bruce, we sell the 3155316 in two forms. Detailed and non-detailed. The detailing ($75) includes painting, dating, stickers, inspection stamp, and the reproduction aluminum drain valve. You ordered the base model and therefore did not get the drain valve.
As far as the Cap compatability issue goes, there isn't any issue. The warnings GM used 40 years ago do not apply today. Back then, you needed a "special" coolant for aluminum. Today all the coolant are compatable with aluminum radiators. Using brass and/or copper in a system which uses an aluminum radiator is not a problem, including a brass drain valve. Heater cores have brass end tanks and copper cores and these were used with aluminum radiators throughout the sixties.
The sacrifical annode caps should not be required and should not be used to solve an electrolosys problem. If you have a coolant system that presents an electrical charge, then something is wrong with the electrical(short)system.
I'm not saying these are bad, just not required. After all, I still get guys replacing the original radiators that lasted 35-40 years without one and marginal maintenance.
Comment
-
Re: Aluminum Radidator Question
Bruce,
I have only had the car out once since the new rad install. It consisted of about 1/2 hour with the outside temp in the mid 80s.
With the old copper rad, I would begin to see the temp slowly rise if the outside temp was in the 80s or higher, generally only during extended highway(above 60 mph) driving or idling/stop and go.
During the 1/2 drive, the temp held steady at 180.
I'm not getting too exited yet, as 1/2 hour isn't a very long drive.
DanComment
-
Re: Aluminum Radidator Question
I believe C60 cars also had a higher flow rate fan. The AIM C60 section will list the part number if it was different from regular production.
DukeComment
-
Re: Aluminum Radiator Question
Dan,
I drive my 1964 coupe daily here in Houston where the temperature has been in the 90's lately. My current copper rad. cools reasonably OK until I switch on the a/c and idle in traffic for more than a few seconds. It's amazing how quickly the old temp. gauge moves up after that. I'm hoping the aluminum radiator comes to my salvation when the mercury starts rising even more. Hey, if it cools in Houston it should cool anywhere.
So far I have been very pleased with the service from DeWitts. My order arrived on time and was accurate. Based on Tom's earlier post I am just going to use my existing drain plug and cap and not worry about anything. I now plan on installing the aluminum radiator tonight and hope it will bring peace and harmony to my air conditioned world.
BruceComment
-
Car run a lot cooler
Bruce,I put one in my 65.It still had the orignal rad but was in bad shape car used to overheat in traffic. I wouldn't drive it anywhere if I thought I'd end up in stop and go traffic. I'd put it in a parade at 110 outside now and not worry. Car runs cooler around 180 on a 90 degree day. MikeComment
-
Re: Aluminum Radiator Question
Bruce,
Sounds like there shouldn't be any worries with the rad cap you end up using.
I too have been pleased with the service I have received from Tom.
I think his radiator products are a work of art.
Heck, if I had money to burn, I might just buy a second one to hang on the wall and look at!
DanComment
-
Re: Aluminum Radiator Question
the older copper/brass rads have the problem with the finning losing contact with the tubes and therefor no heat transfer even if the tubes may be free and clear internallyComment
-
Re: Aluminum Radidator Question
Bruce-----
If the DeWitts reproduction 3155316 radiator does not solve your cooling problems, then NO radiator will. Their radiator will give you more cooling capacity than any other unit available for your application. As I've said many times previously, it's a Godsend to have these radiators available; 63-72 Corvettes originally so-equipped REALLY need them to have a properly functioning cooling system. When the GM units were discontinued in the mid 80s, I thought that we'd never see them again. Thanks to DeWitts we have a perfect reproduction, full functionality compared to originals and a unit even more durable than the originals. "Our cup runeth over"In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
Comment