1973-76E Radiator Caution

[Thomas R.]

I'm the original owner of this 73 Corvette and had to replace the radiator.
Just finished installing a supposed correct (other than no Harrison stamped tank from Corvette-Mods) Radiator. I want to alert; the C3 early (73 to 76E) Vette folks to several non mentioned issues with the radiator by this vendor. Issues:

1) The radiator came without a drain plug just an open drain hole.
2) The lower hose tube is not curved as much as original and an inch+ longer, makes a tough fit for lower hose next to cross member.
3) The radiator came with a radiator cap however; the keying of the radiator cap filler neck is 90 degrees off so, the correct 73 cap fits but the arrows are 90 degrees off.
4) The Vendors advertising Ad has a picture of a nice replacement but, that's not what came.

It is what it is. I hope, this does not violate any NCRS Rules if so, it can be removed with my apologies.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973-76E Radiator Caution

I'm the original owner of this 73 Corvette and had to replace the radiator.
Just finished installing a supposed correct (other than no Harrison stamped tank from Corvette-Mods) Radiator. I want to alert; the C3 early (73 to 76E) Vette folks to several non mentioned issues with the radiator by this vendor. Issues:

1) The radiator came without a drain plug just an open drain hole.
2) The lower hose tube is not curved as much as original and an inch+ longer, makes a tough fit for lower hose next to cross member.
3) The radiator came with a radiator cap however; the keying of the radiator cap filler neck is 90 degrees off so, the correct 73 cap fits but the arrows are 90 degrees off.
4) The Vendors advertising Ad has a picture of a nice replacement but, that's not what came.

It is what it is. I hope, this does not violate any NCRS Rules if so, it can be removed with my apologies.

Thomas-------

What you describe are just the kind of problems one often finds with "reproduction" parts.

However, why did you replace the entire radiator? You should have been able to just replace the core and save your original tanks. That would have avoided the problems you encountered with the "reproduction". Any good radiator shop should have been able to do this for you as long as your original tanks were in good condition.

[Mark E.]

Re: 1973-76E Radiator Caution

Thomas,

Feedback about parts and vendors is a valuable part of this board. Thanks for your post.

I echo Joe's comment. If your tanks are in good shape, recoring is less expensive and causes fewer surprises like you experienced. If I had this experience, I would probably return the new radiator and try a different option.

[Thomas R.]

Re: 1973-76E Radiator Caution

I had a time constraint to get it on the road. You are right; taking it to a radiator shop would have been done but, their time quote was 3 + weeks was to far out. I really thought; the repro would have been a better product. I will take your advise and get the tanks pulled for use on the car in the future. Appreciate your thoughts.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973-76E Radiator Caution

I had a 73 radiator recored about six years ago and the recore comes with the wrong top bar. What I did was have the radiator shop remove my original top bar and they sent it to the recore outfit who then made me a new radiator with my top bar.