1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

[Daniel S.]

Hi Gents, what does not radiator decode as? Supposed to be a big block/manual trans, late 68 unit for an early 69.

Does this appear to be correct?

Thanks,
Dan

[Russ S.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

What is the number after the L? That would be your year.

[Daniel S.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

3... I assume 1973?

That's a shame

Dan

[Russ S.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

That's what I thought it looked like.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

Hi Gents, what does not radiator decode as? Supposed to be a big block/manual trans, late 68 unit for an early 69.

Does this appear to be correct?

Thanks,
Dan

Dan------


This is not a 1969-72 big block radiator, either by code or configuration. For one thing, 1969-72 big block radiators had no provisions for a filler cap.

My best guess is that this is a later C3 small block radiator.

[Daniel S.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

You're 100% correct Joe. I did not even realize that until last night when I looked at the pics again.

Thanks for your confirmation too

Dan

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

You're 100% correct Joe. I did not even realize that until last night when I looked at the pics again.

Thanks for your confirmation too

Dan

Dan------


"ML" coded radiators of this general configuration were used for many 1976-79 Corvettes

[Russ S.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

Joe, Why then would a ML tag have a date of 3 if they weren't used in or by 1973?

Dan------


"ML" coded radiators of this general configuration were used for many 1976-79 Corvettes

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

Joe, Why then would a ML tag have a date of 3 if they weren't used in or by 1973?

Russ-----


It could have been a SERVICE radiator manufactured in 1983. It's also possible that the original 1973-75 radiator, GM #3027967, carried the "ML" code. I doubt the latter but I don't have any info on that radiator.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1969 Corvette Big Block Radiator

It could have been a SERVICE radiator manufactured in 1983. It's also possible that the original 1973-75 radiator, GM #3027967, carried the "ML" code. I doubt the latter but I don't have any info on that radiator.

In my survey of buildsheets, the ML code is prominent in 1978 and called out when heavy-duty requirements were needed like C60, M38 and ZN1 (trailer package).

I don't see a use of ML prior to 1978 but do see MK and MI codes on 76-77 Corvette buildsheets. I wouldn't be surprised to see ML used during these years for heavy-duty requirements.