C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

[Greg G.]

I'm planning to replace the original weeping radiator in my 65 (L79 non-a/c) with a new DeWitts aluminum model and I was wondering if any who has experience performing this procedure might chime in with any 'gotchas' to be aware of. I plan on replacing all of the hoses (upper/lower/overflow/heater), clamps, rubber stand-offs and overflow tank cap while I'm at it. Seems like the Zerex coolant is recommended from searching the archives.

If anyone knows of a good step by step procedure outside of what's in the factory assembly manual I'd love to hear it. If there's one thing I've learned working on my vette, it's that there's an easy way and a hard way to do everything, and going by the book is not always the easy way. Thanks in advance for any guidance you guys may be able to provide

[Don H.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

Greg,
It has been a while since I did it. Some suggestions are to have the lower hose attached when you lower the radiator into the support. It is easier to have help - one on each side as you lower it in. Having the hood off helps but is not manditory. Good luck, Don H.

[Greg G.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

Thanks Don, that sounds like good advice and one of those things that a first-timer like me wouldn't find out until it was too late... and then I'd have to pull it back out.

-Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

I'm planning to replace the original weeping radiator in my 65 (L79 non-a/c) with a new DeWitts aluminum model and I was wondering if any who has experience performing this procedure might chime in with any 'gotchas' to be aware of. I plan on replacing all of the hoses (upper/lower/overflow/heater), clamps, rubber stand-offs and overflow tank cap while I'm at it. Seems like the Zerex coolant is recommended from searching the archives.

If anyone knows of a good step by step procedure outside of what's in the factory assembly manual I'd love to hear it. If there's one thing I've learned working on my vette, it's that there's an easy way and a hard way to do everything, and going by the book is not always the easy way. Thanks in advance for any guidance you guys may be able to provide

Greg-----


I'll offer a somewhat contrary opinion on the Zerex HOAT formula coolant. First, let me say that I think that this coolant will work just fine. However, it's not what I use. Here's why: all Corvettes from at least 1963 through ABOUT 1995 (i.e. beginning of the Dexcool era) have been spec'd by GM to use coolant meeting GM specification 1825M. In my 1969 I have used coolant meeting GM specification 1825M since day-one. Its aluminum radiator is now almost 40 years old and does not leak. Yes, I've replaced a few heater cores but I don't think that any of these have required replacement due to corrosion or deterioration of the solder.

So, I still use coolant in my 1969 and my 1992 which meets GM specification 1825M. Prestone is a coolant that meets GM specification 1825M. Zerex HOAT formula does not meet GM specification 1825M.

[Jeff S.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

Greg

You should get John Hinckley's article "Out with the hot - in with the cool" from about a year ago in Corvette Enthusiast magazine. (I think I have it somewhere, if you're unable to locate same.) Read it through a couple of times & gather ALL the tools, parts, fluids, bits & pieces before you start. Plan on needing an assistant or helper for the radiator/shroud R&R portion as a minimum. You will only want to do this job once ... plan it carefully.

Jeff

[Larry M.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

The current on-line Zerex G-05 Product Specifications and Product Data Sheets from the Valvoline Website indicate that G-05 meets GM 1825M specifications in addition to others.

However, Zerex offers all three formulations (IAT, HOAT, and OAT) so folks can select the one they feel most confortable with. Many folks (myself included) have been running the G-05 for 7-10 years without issue in our vintage cars. Corrosion data with the G-05 shows outstanding protection for all metals. It is also recommended/endorsed by Tom DeWitt for use with his reproduction radiators.

Larry

[Harry S.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

Greg, your getting great advice on the install. While the old one is out take a look at the shroud and the support. This would be a good time to do any media blasting and repainting if you see any rust.

[John H.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

That article was published in the January '04 issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine, and thanks to Barry Kimmelman, you can download it here:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/cooling%20system/Radiator_Swap.pdf

[Greg G.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

Greg, your getting great advice on the install. While the old one is out take a look at the shroud and the support. This would be a good time to do any media blasting and repainting if you see any rust.

Thanks all - And thanks Harry, I was just thinking that I'd give the shroud and upper bracket a gentle steel wool massage and respray with the appropriate paint.

-Greg

[Greg G.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

That article was published in the January '04 issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine, and thanks to Barry Kimmelman, you can download it here:

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/cooling%20system/Radiator_Swap.pdf

Thanks John this is a terrific article (I'm going through my check list now - and adding all the items recommended) and thank Jeff for the advice above as well. I may have to postpone a week to ensure I have a helper available

I appreciate all the great advice - thanks again.

-Greg

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Radiator Replacement Procedure

The current on-line Zerex G-05 Product Specifications and Product Data Sheets from the Valvoline Website indicate that G-05 meets GM 1825M specifications in addition to others.

However, Zerex offers all three formulations (IAT, HOAT, and OAT) so folks can select the one they feel most confortable with. Many folks (myself included) have been running the G-05 for 7-10 years without issue in our vintage cars. Corrosion data with the G-05 shows outstanding protection for all metals. It is also recommended/endorsed by Tom DeWitt for use with his reproduction radiators.

Larry

Larry-----


In the past, I have checked the specifications for the Zerex G-05 (HOAT) formulation and I could find no reference that it met GM 1825M. However, as you mention, I do now note that it does meet this specification. So, either I missed that when I checked previously or that specification has been added.

Nevertheless, you will note that Valvoline recommends their original "green" coolant (i.e Prestone equivalent) for all pre-1996 GM products.