69 Radiator Support Seals

[Greg L.]

Hi Guys,
First I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope 2019 will be filled with peace and joy for everyone and their loved ones.

Now I was wondering if someone could set me straight with what would be the proper radiator support seal arrangement for my 69. It was built towards the end of January, 69 and is an L36 with no A/C. I've always been a bit confused about what the proper configuration is. I've heard of one piece and three piece. My original shroud still has a couple pieces on each end(see the one pic) so that would have me believe it should have the three piece version. I also tend to think that there should be a piece between the top of the radiator core and the support, correct?

If someone could help me out with this and maybe even post a pic or two of what I should have I would really appreciate that.

Cheers,

Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Radiator Support Seals

Hi Guys,
First I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope 2019 will be filled with peace and joy for everyone and their loved ones.

Now I was wondering if someone could set me straight with what would be the proper radiator support seal arrangement for my 69. It was built towards the end of January, 69 and is an L36 with no A/C. I've always been a bit confused about what the proper configuration is. I've heard of one piece and three piece. My original shroud still has a couple pieces on each end(see the one pic) so that would have me believe it should have the three piece version. I also tend to think that there should be a piece between the top of the radiator core and the support, correct?

If someone could help me out with this and maybe even post a pic or two of what I should have I would really appreciate that.

Cheers,

Greg

Greg------


I don't think the 3 piece seal was ever used on any 1969 big blocks and the 3 piece seal was never retained by any push-in fasteners as can be seen in your photo. In addition, the end configuration of this seal in your photo is not at all like the 3 piece seal. This was once a single piece seal of GM #3954582 with contoured ends as used on early 1969 big blocks. Dr. Rebuild offers a perfect reproduction.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 Radiator Support Seals

Thanks Joe,
I checked Doc's site and according to this page, https://shop.docrebuild.com/1969Corv...GM3966392.aspx I should have one rectangular strip across the top with no contours at either end. It's not consistent with what my car had but I suppose someone may have "upgraded" to what now looks to me, to be a 72 style seal. The AIM also calls for a 3966392 so that must be right. Do you agree?

Now I'm still not sure if there is supposed to be a seal between the top of the radiator core and the bottom side of the top of the support or is it open like in my pic? I've see some cars with a seal in this area but I'm not sure if that is correct or if it was owner added...

If someone could post a pic or two of an original seal configuration that would be appreciated.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Radiator Support Seals

This one should have all the ones you need:

https://shop.docrebuild.com/1969CorvetteLate427SealKitRadiatorandFanShroud.aspx

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Radiator Support Seals

Thanks Joe,
I checked Doc's site and according to this page, https://shop.docrebuild.com/1969Corv...GM3966392.aspx I should have one rectangular strip across the top with no contours at either end. It's not consistent with what my car had but I suppose someone may have "upgraded" to what now looks to me, to be a 72 style seal. The AIM also calls for a 3966392 so that must be right. Do you agree?

Now I'm still not sure if there is supposed to be a seal between the top of the radiator core and the bottom side of the top of the support or is it open like in my pic? I've see some cars with a seal in this area but I'm not sure if that is correct or if it was owner added...

If someone could post a pic or two of an original seal configuration that would be appreciated.

Greg------

GM #3966392 was the late 1969 427 seal; GM #3954582 was the early style. Your car should have been equipped with the early style but, indeed, it does appear that the early style was "flat", with no contoured ends.

It's quite clear to me that your car had the "contoured end" style seal and, based upon it's condition, I have no doubt that what you have are remnants of the original seal. So, assuming that this radiator support (and seal remnant) is actually original to your car, I'd say your car was originally fitted with some other seal than what was intended.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 Radiator Support Seals

Sorry guys but I'm still confused.

The way I read it, page J377 of the 68-69 assembly shows the #3954582 seal was replaced with the #3966392 seal on 11-13-68. With my car being built at the end of Jan 69 would that not mean it should have the later seal?

Also on page 187 of the 68-69 TIM&JG it says that all 427s had a thee piece seal however going back to page J377, it only shows a one piece seal...

I found some pics to try and learn what is correct and it looks like it's just one strip across the top, short or long depending on early or late. Some have a seal between the rad and support and some don't so what is correct? I assume it should have a seal because why seal from the support to the hood and then allow air to pass under the support and over the rad

Anyways here are some pics that I found. If someone would be able to confirm what I should have I would appreciate it.

https://cdn.barrett-jackson.com/staging/carlist/items/Fullsize/Cars/202101/202101_Engine_Web.jpg

https://cdn.barrett-jackson.com/staging/carlist/items/Fullsize/Cars/117309/117309_Engine_Web.JPG

http://images.gtcarlot.com/pictures/90646283.jpg

https://cdn.barrett-jackson.com/staging/carlist/items/Fullsize/Cars/201753/201753_Engine_Web.jpg

https://cdn.barrett-jackson.com/staging/carlist/items/Fullsize/Cars/64374/64374_Engine_Web.jpg

Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: 69 Radiator Support Seals

Install on your car what you think came with your car, no matter what the JG says.
There comes a time when you have to trust what the car is telling you.

The 11-13-68 date could be before it was changed, or after it was changed on the production line. It's the date that the notation was made in the AIM, not the date that St Louis changed their procedure.
If the AIM change date occurred prior to production then it might take weeks for new design parts to arrive in St. Louis and be installed on cars.

We did a good job on these manuals but they still aren't perfect.