Dewitts Restoration Radiators

[Jim S.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Wonder if anyone has brought this up to DeWitts? On the score sheet under orginality the radiator is worth 15 points. So with that being said configuration part would be a 3 point deduct.

The DeWitts are dated but would the lack of 'clamp marks' indicate a deduction for correct date should also be taken?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Wonder if anyone has brought this up to DeWitts? On the score sheet under orginality the radiator is worth 15 points. So with that being said configuration part would be a 3 point deduct.

The DeWitts are dated but would the lack of 'clamp marks' indicate a deduction for correct date should also be taken?

Date would be fine. See Dave Brigham's column in the new Restorer for confirmation.

In addition, there would in theory be 3 points available for configuration as Gary mentions, but the clamp marks are only a portion of the configuration of the entire radiator. I would personally put it at a 1 point deduction; other judges may vary.

[Michael J.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

I had an older DeWitts on my '64, and got docked for no saw mark on the bottom center (it was on the left side but covered). I ordered a new one and it had the saw mark on the bottom in the correct place, so they do improve them.

[Tony S.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Date would be fine. See Dave Brigham's column in the new Restorer for confirmation.

In addition, there would in theory be 3 points available for configuration as Gary mentions, but the clamp marks are only a portion of the configuration of the entire radiator. I would personally put it at a 1 point deduction; other judges may vary.

I agree with Patrick's reference to Dave Brigham's latest column. We have to be careful about pulling the date trigger too eagerly. I usually give a 2 point deduct for the DeWitt radiator on the '65 team. In my years of judging, I can say that many owners are not just about the points. I see beautifully restored surge caps that sell for $200 to $250 when a $35 Dewitt cap may only get a 1 point deduct--but the visual difference between the original cap and the Dewitt cap is pretty obvious. I think many owners are just passionate (my wife calls it craziness) to bring his or her car as close to a production appearance as possible--not just for the points but also because we just want it that way. So I don't think that the Dewitt's radiator is just about the point or two. I think it's also a challenge to every owner to get his or her car as close to production original as possible. I always appreciate seeing the effort and giving positive feedback when I see that the owner really gave it his or her best shot.

[Michael J.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

I have not had even a single point deduction on my '64's DeWitts radiator (after the saw cut was corrected) at Regionals or Nationals, they are that good.

[Joe R.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

You can cry all you want about DeWitt's radiators but its not going to do any good. He is the only game in town. He has no competition and never will.
Finding an NOS radiator with the correct clamp marks is possible but finding one with the correct date would be nearly impossible.

JR

[Thomas S.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Well it took all of 2-weeks for the restoration radiator to arrive. Elsewhere in the thread were comments about some of the incorrect attributes of the radiator but I didn't find anything that jumped out at me. The crimp shape and forming of the side tanks were identical, all connections looked good. Yes, the number stamp is crisper and font differs but I'm perfectly fine with it.

I have dozen of photos but didn't want to post too many of them.

[Gene M.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Question, as I don't recall but is not the nipple on early 65 welded?

[Joe R.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Anything after 63 should be welded. The reason they were welded is GM just hated replacing the POS.

JR

[Chester K.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Hello Tony, can you please supply some pictures of the production clamp marks, on a small block,....appreciate your information and pictures. Chet

[Richard G.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Pictured are some differences in the labeling. At least in the case of the 63 radiator.
It was difficult to get decent pictures because of the reflections on the DeWitt's radiator tag.
The original is of course on the top of the picture.
Two other areas that differ on the 63 art the top inlet has some differences and the upper tab where it fits into the upper support.
I suspect later cars have fewer differences. We all know the 63's took the short bus and are our special children.
I didn't know about the saw marks. Will someone post a picture so I know what they look like?
Rick

DeWitt has a great product and great service. Typically they have a once a year sale around the first of the year.


Below is a picture of the GM part number and date on the DeWitt. I was lucky enough to have retained the old leaking radiator, with the date on the top. I just ordered a replacement with the same date. I used the same date for the expansion tank, of course I didn't have the original. I could only guess how long the original tank had lasted by the 1972 date on the replacement. My 63 is a late December build.



Below are pictures of the top where the hose slips on. The original has the chevron shape on the hose bib. The DeWitt lacks the feature.

[Tony S.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Here are a couple photos of original radiator clamping marks.

[Richard G.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Here is the best picture I could get of the clamping marks on my original 1963 radiator. I may have to strip the paint if I wanted to get a good look.
Rick

[Andy C.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Here is a sample of the clamp marks re-created.IMG_2865.jpgIMG_2865.jpg

[Gary J.]

Re: Dewitts Restoration Radiators

Nice job how did you do it?