69 BB L-71 Rad Restoration

[Wes G.]

From reading some of the previous posts (Joe Lucia-2003/2006 & others)and having a Corvette used parts vendor view pictures of the rad, it appears that the radiator which I removed from my 69/L-71/4-speed Corvette is the original rad (Part # 3018571)-271/2" copper core-no oil cooler provisions-no integral filler neck on right tank/has tube connection going to tank. It appears the core has been replaced before. The plan is to remove the 'tanks', tap out some of the dents, silver solder where required, replace core with another copper core but with 16 fin/inch as opposed to 12 fin/inch used in original (some say this is only a good idea if you plan on doing a lot of highway driving), transfer the top support bracket to new core. The plan is to keep the car as near as original as possible for judging purposes (NCRS, Bloomington). I would apprecaite hearing from anyone who has tackled such a job or has any advice to pass on. Any suggestions for purchasing a new core-DeWitts?

I have a couple of questions relating to the NCRS judging Manual:
1) According to the manual,there is a tag attached to the passenger's side header tank (contains two embossed letters/broadcast code and stamped part #). Question: Does anyone know if this is a 'clip on tag' or is it a 'square plate' soldered onto the side of the tank?
2) According to the manual,the original radiators have two to three squares punched out of the top support near the end caps. Question: Can anyone elborate as to what is meant by 'two to three squares'?
Thanks
Wes
NCRS # 33239

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 BB L-71 Rad Restoration

Originally there was a broadcast tag clipped to the rh tank somewhere between 1/2 and about 2/3's of the way down. This tag was on the engine compartment side. They have a tendency to get lost over the years.

The holes referred to are on the top reinforcing bar on the core. They will be approximately 1/2"-3/4" square. I believe that DeWitts core already has these holes.