Would anyone know where I could get information on the which version of the Harrison aluminum radiator would be correct for a late July '60 270hp car?
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Re: '60 Radiator
Dale Pearman is the resident expert on this subject. There was a thread on this subject in the past few weeks. You can probably find it in the archives pretty easily. My memory is that there were several radiators configurations in use in early 60, but later would probably be a top tank with the 270. Dale made the statement that almost any of the engine-radiator combos had been observed in original cars thru some time frame, but I don't remember exactly what it was. -
Re: '60 Radiator
The beginning of 1961 production used the left-over supply of 1960 copper-brass as well as top tank aluminum radiators.
Dale.Comment
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Re: '60 Radiator
I'm not sure on a 60. If you don't hear from Dale, give DeWitt's a call. He'll set you in the right direction.
Good luck,
Ron
23246Comment
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Re: '60 Radiator
On 6-14-60 the top tank radiator was revised to incorporate an extention on the drain thereby eliminating the rubber drain hose. The radiator was re-numbered to 3151116 from 3147516. Your Corvette should have a 116 top tank unless an old 516 surfaced from the back of St. Louis inventory. (unlikely but possible).
All the production top tank radiators were unpainted. The 116 has a sight plug marked "clover" as well as reinforcing ribs on the tank top.
I'm not sure this information is included in the 58-60 Judging Guide. The data came from Harrison archives.
Dale.Comment
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Re: '60 Radiator
Terry, I did pull out my info on this and I am going to disagree with my friend Dale on this one. I believe all 60's used a part number 3147516. The change dated 6/14/60 was the when the "engineering dept" made a correction on the drawing and revised the number to 3151116. I would have taken weeks for that changes to filter down to Harrison and then production. With only a couple weeks left in production, I doubt that GM used two different part numbers in the same model year. So I'm going with 3147516, but I know that's not your question. You were wondering which 3147516 you should have. The flat top, ribs, or ribs and site plug. I'm going with the latter. That late in the year the rads all had ribs and site holes. Paul Erdman wrote a very nice article on this issue a couple years ago in the ncrs restorer. He clearly outlines the dates and sequence that these changes were made. Keep in mind that the top tank radiator was very weird and anyone disputing the originality of any version should be very sure of their research. Until last week I would have told you I was impossible to have a flat top with a site hole, since the ribs came first. But I just bought one at a swap meet and it's original. If you look at the picture of a top tank in noland adams book, he has a radiator with an upper casting I've never seen before, ever. I'm sure it orginal but just how many versions of this thing can we come up with for 1 1/3 years. Judges, be nice!Comment
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Re: '60 Radiator
If a person bought a replacement top tank radiator,for their 1960 Corvette,in Dec.1961 or Jan.1962 what would the part number and date code be on the Harrison tag?Comment
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Re: '60 Radiator
I would agree with Tom that you need ribs and sight plug. The blueprint calls out the addition of the "water level plug" on 1-7-60. As to flattops with plugs, I know of one, but it was not factory. In March 1960 at Sebring, one of the Cunningham cars was early enough to have a flattop and the other had a ribbed tank with a plug; Ed Cole cornered the St Louis Plat Resident Engineer, Paul Passon, and asked what was going on? Passon reported that it was a running change that Harrison liked and Cole liked it; that afternoon Passon and Cole toured hardware stores in Sebring and bought a plug and a holesaw. Maybe you need to call Chip Miller and tell him you have his original radiator!!!Comment
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Re: '60 Radiator
Boy, I just know I'm going to get corrected but, In my opinion: The Radiator purchased in say dec61 would be dated about a month earlier or 61L and would have this date and 3151116 part number. The service part would have the ribs and site plug for sure. It may or may not also have saw cuts for expansion and it might be painted black instead of the original raw aluminum finish. Just my opinion, be nice.Comment
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Re: '60 Radiator
I installed one of Tom DeWitts top tanks in my car. I have an early '60, which may have even had a brass rad. I don't know. The original owner said it never had a top-tank, but the specs call for it? But I liked the look of the alum. Top tank. Mine should not have the ribs or sight plug technically, but I wanted the extra cooling so I went for it. I installed it myself without too much trouble. One thing to check is the clearance. If your body has been off, the shims might have been removed. I only have 3/8 in clearance between the top of the rad. and the hood. I was lucky not to have had to lift the body. My rad support also had the hole for the drain on the passenger side and the top-tank was on the driver side. I had to drill a hole. From what I read, you should be ok with the current model top-tank. However, it sure does look slick. Much better cooling too. Tom was very helpful with my questions.
DonComment
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