1965 396/425 radiator

[Louis F.]

Does anyone know if there are any differences between an ORIGINAL 1965 396/425 radiator and the reproduction made by De Witt? Thanks, for any help.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 396/425 radiator

Louis-----

There were TWO different radiators used for 1965 Corvette L-78 applications. Very early cars used the GM #3005936. This radiator had a straight upper hose fitting. Later cars used the GM #3007436 which has a curved upper outlet fitting. Otherwise, the radiators are the same.

I believe that DeWitts reproduces both of these, but I'm certain that they do the 3007436. Based upon my inspection of the DeWitts reproduction, I would say that they are absolutely identical to the original in every discernable nuance of configuration. "Under the skin", they're a LOT better than the originals were when they were new. Truly, the best of both worlds. In my opinion, ABSOLUTELY THE ONLY WAY TO GO. I have 3 NOS examples of the 3007436 [none for sale]. However, if I were going to use a 3007436 in a car, I would not use any of these. I'd get a DeWitts reproduction, FOR SURE. After all, the first priority in a car as far as I'm concerned is RELIABILITY. 25 year old NOS units built with old technology are not going to be as reliable as a brand new, DeWitts reproduction built with modern alloys and construction technology.

[Louis F.]

Re: 1965 396/425 radiator

Joe, your the best!
The reason for my question, is because someone wants to buy the 396/425 second design that i took out of the car.I replaced it with a De Witt's radiator.It had a small leak near the upper neck.I don't want to deceive the buyer.He wants to buy it for a "survivor". He asked me if i was positive that the radiator, he would like to buy from me is ORIGINAL.I looked at the two radiators prior to the swap and they looked identical.But its' been a while and i can't honestly remember if they were exact or if there were subtle differences.Installed in the car i can't see to much.

[Michael F.]

Re: 1965 396/425 radiator

Joe, why do you keep the stuff if it isn't for sale??

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 396/425 radiator

michael-----

Just a little "quirk" of mine. Some folks collect stamps, some folks collect coins, I collect NOS Corvette parts. Plus, I want to ensure that some original parts survive in unused form for future historical reference and bemusement of future generations.

[bob ward]

Re: 1965 396/425 radiator

Here's my opinion on this: I have a NCRS 99.1 national car I bought out of the otis chandler collection. It is beyond real and is documented. I did have a wee bit of an overheating problem with this car, so in the process (long story short it was the fan clutch went bad), I replaced it with a $900 dewitts exact reproduction. Long short is they are not the same. There are imperfections or aspects in the original that are not in the repro. I like the dewitts, but don't let anyone tell you a good judge can't tell a repro from a real one that was original to a car.

bob ward

[Dick W.]

Re: 1965 396/425 radiator

Louis, I think that you will find that DeWitts radiator would be very hard to distinguish from one out of a Delco Harrison box. Very good repro.