67 big block Dewitt Radiator

[Dave K.]

How many points does one lose for not having the original or original reproduction radiator? I see a lot of cars having the dewitt aluminum radiator. I'm doing a frame of restoration on my 67' 427 390hp and wondering if it is worth the effort of using my original radiator. I was looking at a Dewitt Aluminum model # 1239066M. Does anyone have any experience with this particular radiator?

[Gary J.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

No experience myself, but on the score sheet it is 15 pts.for originality and 10 points for originality for radiator and mounting so I would figure about 12 points on originality and 8 points on condition, for the radiator only, as long as you use the original mounting hardware. If not using the original mounting hardware in additional to the radiator it would be a full deduct on the orginality and condition.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

I believe your car originally used a copper/brass radiator, not aluminum.

http://www.dewitts.com/collections/corvette-aluminum-radiators/products/1967-1968-bb-copper-brass-radiator

You could also have your original end tanks used, and have your radiator recored. Note, however, that the upper and lower channels of yours should be re-used, as they have square and rectangular cutouts that the judges will look for. You can just see them on the top of the radiator shown on the DeWitts page.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

How many points does one lose for not having the original or original reproduction radiator? I see a lot of cars having the dewitt aluminum radiator. I'm doing a frame of restoration on my 67' 427 390hp and wondering if it is worth the effort of using my original radiator. I was looking at a Dewitt Aluminum model # 1239066M. Does anyone have any experience with this particular radiator?

Dave------


The radiator you mention is the DeWitts "Direct Fit" aluminum radiator. It's configuration is quite similar to the original radiator but it's not going to fool any judges. However, painted black, it looks very similar to the original. If you plan to mostly DRIVE the car, I highly recommend this radiator. It will provide about 30% better cooling than the original copper brass radiator used for your application.

If judging is the most important thing for you, then I'd go with the DeWitts reproduction of the original radiator installed in your car. This is the radiator that Patrick mentions in his post. This is a VERY good reproduction of the original. However, it will only cool as well as the original. Ever hear of anyone with a 1966-68 big block that was unsatisfied with the cooling performance of their cars with original radiators? I have.

[Rich G.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

My 68 427/435 runs cool (max 210 in traffic) with the original radiator. The car is completely stock with 38k miles. My radiator end tanks are starting to to develop some pin hole leaks. I know I can probably find somebody to fix it, but for arguments sake, should I expect the De Witts copper/brass replacement to work as well as my original?

I put a De Witts radiator in my 66 small block several years ago and it's probably the best thing I ever did to that car. It had an incorrect replacement in it when I bought it and it had cooling issues.

Rich

[Frank T.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

I've used the Dewitt's on a few 67 big blocks with no issues aswell as judging with it no deductions

[Patrick H.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

I've used the Dewitt's on a few 67 big blocks with no issues aswell as judging with it no deductions

Have they added the square and rectangular cutouts in the lower channel?
When their reproduction first came out it had the cutouts on top but not bottom, and a savvy judge knew to look.

Patrick

[Richard M.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

Have they added the square and rectangular cutouts in the lower channel?
When their reproduction first came out it had the cutouts on top but not bottom, and a savvy judge knew to look.

Patrick

This one came from Dewitt's a few months ago.

P2190032.jpgP2190033.jpg

IIRC it's mentioned in their description now also.
P2190036.jpgP2190037.jpg

[Jim H.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

I have used the DeWitt Direct Fit black ice #1249066M aluminum radiator w/two rows of 1.25" tubes for extra cooling in my 66 427/390. DeWitt claims a 35% improvement over original brass radiator. Cost me about $700 plus shipping. Installation was a breeze (it is direct fit) and the radiator keeps my BB cool. It lacks the rectangular cut-outs of the original radiators, however. Couldn't get the picture to download this morning but will try again later.


JCH

[Edward S.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

I can tell you this - I had a 65 425 and as I was restoring it I ordered a new DeWitt unit - I had the car for 12 years and took it to Duntov, Triple Crown status without ever losing a point on the radiator. Another big plus was the car always ran 20 degrees cooler then the original. Would highl get a new one in a heartbeat.

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

I can tell you this - I had a 65 425 and as I was restoring it I ordered a new DeWitt unit - I had the car for 12 years and took it to Duntov, Triple Crown status without ever losing a point on the radiator. Another big plus was the car always ran 20 degrees cooler then the original. Would highl get a new one in a heartbeat.

Ed------


Are you talking about a DeWitt's reproduction radiator or the Direct Fit?

[Daniel Y.]

Re: 67 big block Dewitt Radiator

The Brass Radiator for late 66 and 67 big blocks #BC67M is perfect for judging just make sure you tell them holes on the bottom as well as the top.