Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

[Ian G.]

My radiator core support for my 59 has rust through on the bottom welded plate and the bottom of the support frame itself, so I'm thinking I should get a new one. All the ones I've seen on ebay also have moderate to heavy pitting or are just questionable either way. Who makes the best radiator support among the vendors? I checked Dr. Rebuid and he doesn't sell rebuild pieces for C1 radiator supports

thanks!

[Dick W.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

I suspect that the repo core support that you will get from any vendor will come from the same manufacturer. I know who makes a lot of the repros but only have an educated guess on that one.

Have you taken your support to a good fabricator to seel if it can be repaired? Over the years we have repaired quite a few with good results. You have to be careful though to be sure you do not spend more to repair than replace.

[Ian G.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

I haven't really investigated getting it repaired. Maybe I'll look into that first...

[Stewart A.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

Ian, does your radiator support line up with all the radiator holes. If it's real difficult getting them to line up you might be better off getting a repo. My original has sent me insane trying to get all the bolts in the radiator. I think over the last 50 years it's been bumped a few times and is not real straight.
Can you line all the holes up. If so keep it and get it repaired if it's not to dear.

[Ian G.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

yeah it should be fine, it was mounted in the car. I broke one of the bolts removing it though. I'll see what it'll cost before deciding...

[Ian G.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

What sort of business would I look for the fabricate the part? I looked for "metal fabricating" and really just found prcision outfits that only work with other businesses. I'm going to have a mobile welder come to my house to fix my frame. I'm sure I could have him do it, but any ideas of where I should look would be appreciated...

[Stewart A.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

Ian I presume you have the typical rust from water sitting in the bottom of the support from when the drain cock is used. There is another piece of metal spot welded to the lower area of the support. If you can separate the two you can do a repair. I'm thinking it will be quiet time consuming but hey it's a resto there not meant to take 5 minutes. If I remember the bottom piece is pretty thick steel you could media blast it clean, cut a section out and weld in a plate then grind it up to look spot on. Paragon charge around $279 plus freight for a repo so you have around $300 bucks to play with.

[Steven B.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

Ian, I see you are in California. It is likely someone in the CA. group is familiar with a good fabricator in state. If no luck there try asking some of the good resto. (Corvette, custom, and classic) shops/people many who are in NCRS and also try aircraft shops.

Steve

[Pierre J.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

There is one on eBay now - item# 180241349195

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/61-62-Corvette-CORE-SUPPORT-Original-radiator-shroud_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247QQcategoryZ10076QQihZ008QQitemZ180241349195QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

[Ian G.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

Mine is a 59, that one is for 61-62 with aluminum (or aluminium if you're british lol) radiator...
I think I could definitely get the bottom refabricated for less than $600 though :P

but its the thought that counts, so thanks!

[Jim H.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

Mine is a 59, that one is for 61-62 with aluminum (or aluminium if you're british lol) radiator...
I think I could definitely get the bottom refabricated for less than $600 though :P

but its the thought that counts, so thanks!

The other thing to keep in mind is avaliability... I had a 62 support on back order from CC for almost a year. I found out other vendors like Dewitts were waiting for almost 2 years. So my advice is to shop around if you plan on replacing yours. Eventually, gave up on CC and I found a used one from Keen. Sometimes, it is worth to call around and see who has it in stock before ordering a part.

[Ian G.]

Re: Who makes the best reproduction radiator core support for C1?

very good point. I seem to remember reading a thread about that. For myself I've had a repop jack on backorder from CC for over a month and its not supposed to be ready until March.