1961 Radiator finishes

[Arthur T.]

I have read that radiators were installed in early production 1961 Corvettes finished in bare aluminum and sometime around mid-year, radiators were supplied finished in black paint. Can anyone confirm this and supply the approximate date the line cut over to the black painted radiators?

[Terry D.]

Re: 1961 Radiator finishes

What does the new Judging Manual say?

[Arthur T.]

Re: 1961 Radiator finishes

What does the new Judging Manual say?

I personally don't own a current '61-'62 judging manual. I've only had this '61 for a little over a year and I know enough about the '61 cars to know it has neither the original nor a correct replacement radiator.

[John T.]

Re: 1961 Radiator finishes

Per the Judging Guide. Prior to approx. VIN 3000 - unpainted. Between VIN 3000 and VIN 5000 either. After VIN 5000 painted black.

Hope this helps

[Joe R.]

Re: 1961 Radiator finishes

The early top tank radiators were not painted but later second design were painted black.

JR

[William M.]

Re: 1961 Radiator finishes

Arthur,
i am a new member that just joined in order to get the answer to the same question. I've only had my 61 for a month and want to put the correct radiator in it. I have read that top tanks stopped around 1700 and mid year they started painting them. If the judging guide says unpainted to 3000 they must know for sure but 3000 to 5000 they are not sure. Mine is just over 3800 so with no further information I will probably go with black just so it will look darker behind the silver grill.