C3 Radiator Rebuild

[Robert H.]

Need to re-core the radiator on my 71 350 AT Coupe. Plan to reuse the original tanks (yes I have the tag). Have found few suppliers that carry the core. Dewitt can build one, but may take couple months. Have a local supplier who can build a core but the upper and lower plates (called spreader bars in the NCRS manual) are not stamped with the square holes like original. Supplier could reuse my plates if I get them to him. So my question is, how important are those square stamped holes to the flight judging of the radiator? Thanks for the advice!

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

In addition to what passes judging you should be concerned with heat transfer performance. Check the AMA specs. They may have some radiator data like total area, rows, tube diameter and density, and fins per inch count. You should be sure that any new core is the same or better.

There are many cases of "repro parts" that pass judging, but fall way short of OE performance.

Duuke

[Edward J.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

Duke bring up good points, As far a judging goes those bars are judged and they are worth about 2 points. ask me how I know.

[Mark E.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

I had the original radiator on my '70 454 re-cored by a local shop. I asked them to use my original tanks and spreader bar. It cools like a new radiator but looks original. It took them a few days to turn it around.

[Robert H.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

Thanks Guys. I elected to have mine re-cored utilizing the old tanks and spreader bars. Should have it back soon. Hope to have my work-in-progress car judged at the Sept Chapter meet in Fitchburg Ma. Hope I can make 3rd flight which will help me towards flight judging next year at the National here in Rhode Island. It's a frame-on, driver, but trying to bring it back from near-dead! Cheers!

[Mark E.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

I think that was a good approach.

[Robert H.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

Thanks for the advise Guys. Came out nice.Old Rad.jpgRecore.JPGReinstalled.JPGunnamed.jpg

[Mark E.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

Clean looking engine! Should the bolts for the upper radiator brackets be painted?

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

FYI, bolts/washers in photo 3 should be plated, not painted black.

[Robert H.]

Re: C3 Radiator Rebuild

Thanks Guys. Can remedy that. Really appreciate the bowtie photos! As they say, pictures are worth a thousand words!