72 BB Radiator Options

[Anthony D.]

[Mark E.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

If the tanks are original, recore it after repairing the dings and fixing the drain.

[Duke W.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

If you can find a core with the correct width, height and rows make sure it has a least the same tube and fin density or even denser. If less it might not have adequate heat transfer capacity. The AMA specs might list the tube and fin count. Check it out.

...suggest you talk to DeWitt's as they are likely aware of what's available, and if they know of an appropriate core it may be worth sending your tanks back to them and letting them restore it.

It's getting tough to find traditional radiator shops than can rod out and recore copper radiators because late model cars going back at least 30 years have aluminum cores with plastic side tanks that are generally not reparable.

Duke

[Justin S.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

Duke,
Not to mention the regulatory requirements for a full service radiator shop.
The other 48 states usually have less stringent programs.

[Joseph W.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

I just went thru this on my 1969 BB car.
David Sokoloski found me a nice BB Harrison radiator but it needed re coring.
Dewitts sold me the core and I took it to a shop that used my tanks and soldered them together.
I don’t think Dewitts manufactures the cores, I believe they get it from somewhere else.IMG_3938.jpg

[Anthony D.]

[Joseph W.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

Anthony,
I paid $700 for the core from Dewitt’s and I believe I paid $200 to the radiator shop. The guy at the radiator shop was great, he tapped out all the small dings the best he could. I had them leave it unpainted so I could paint it myself the correct sheen of black.

[Duke W.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

OE brass radiators have a thin spring steel tag with stamped data that includes the two letter production code and, I think, the manufacturing date. Radiator shops usually throw these away, so if your radiator still has its tag remove it before turning over to a radiator shop for service and reinstall it when you get it back.

Duke

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

Anthony------

It's like this: the DeWitts Direct Fit aluminum radiator for most 1969-72 Corvette big block applications does appear a little different than the original radiators. However, in my opinion, it's very close and definitely close enough for me. Also, consider this: the aforementioned Direct Fit radiator has a greater cooling capacity than any radiator ever originally installed in any 1953-2019 Corvette. I like cooling capacity and the more the better. That's exactly why I used the Direct Fit radiator in my "ZL-1" even though I have 2 NOS GM #3018802 and 2 NOS GM #3007436 radiators in my collection [none for sale].

[Anthony D.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

Thanks all for the feedback. I decided to go with a dewitts direct fit in black. I will get the other one rebuilt at some point but I hear so many good things about the modern aluminum radiators, including my brother who recently installed one on his 72 and runs nice and cool. I agree with Joe, Ive made decisions on reliability over originality, ie painted some natural surfaces, etc.

I really want to enjoy and drive the car on long trips.

cheers!

[Mark E.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

Not an expert but doesn't an aluminum radiator introduce the problem of galvanic corrosion? Perhaps prevented by using an additive or different coolant?

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

Not an expert but doesn't an aluminum radiator introduce the problem of galvanic corrosion? Perhaps prevented by using an additive or different coolant?

Mark-----

Yes, it does but it's very manageable. The radiator must not contact other metals. However, the stock mounting system of the 1969-72 Corvette big block radiator is, as it turns out, perfect for preventing this. The stock fan shroud is non-metallic so no problem there, either.

In addition, most 1963-67 Corvettes, except most big blocks, were equipped with aluminum radiators. Many 1968-72 Corvettes were also originally equipped with aluminum radiators. In addition, C4 and later Corvettes all had aluminum radiators. So, there's nothing unnatural about aluminum radiators in Corvettes.

In my opinion, Zerex G-05 is the best coolant for Corvettes with aluminum radiators and copper/brass heater cores or all aluminum systems. However, old fashioned Prestone or, even, Dexcool is fine

[Anthony D.]

[Duke W.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

Not an expert but doesn't an aluminum radiator introduce the problem of galvanic corrosion? Perhaps prevented by using an additive or different coolant?

No, but you must ensure that the radiator is electrically isolated from ground, otherwise you have an active galvanic cell - brass and iron immersed in an electrolyte.

Use a 50-60 percent Zerex G-05 (HOAT type) with distilled water. Don't use a modern OAT antifreezed like Dexcool. OAT types don't provide the best protection for solder because modern cooling system components like radiator and heater cores are aluminum with plastic side tanks... no solder in most modern cooling systems.

Duke

[Mark E.]

Re: 72 BB Radiator Options

No, but you must ensure that the radiator is electrically isolated from ground, otherwise you have an active galvanic cell - brass and iron immersed in an electrolyte.

Duke

So does this mean aluminum isn't a good idea for a car with auto transmission cooling lines?