Lower Radiator Gasket on SB AC Car

[Mark P.]

I am struggling during the install of a lower radiator gasket for my small block AC 67 car. I am rebuilding the AC system and the radiator support and radiator are not installed in the car.

I purchased a gasket from Paragon item # 3011. The gasket is approximately 5/8 inch thick and the gap between the radiator and the radiator support frame is 3/8 inch. I am unable to compress this gasket and still use the two rubber grommets that center and support the base of the radiator. If I remove the grommets I am able to compress the gasket and insert the radiator.

The radiator #s are 3155316 and dated 74J. When I disassembled the radiator there was no lower gasket present. It does appear that there is glue in place on the radiator frame and I surmise that when the radiator was replaced the installer faced the same issue and elected to not install the gasket and opted for the rubber grommets.

Has anyone else dealt with this issue? Short of fabricating my own foam gasket does anyone have any other suggestions? Lastly, is this even the correct radiator?

Thanks for your assistance----Mark

[William C.]

Re: Lower Radiator Gasket on SB AC Car

Mark..That is the correct part number for a SB radiator. I had the same problem on a BB and if memory serves me I just cut the foam gasket to fit. I am assuming the SB gasket is foam like the BB..Bill

[Scott S.]

Re: Lower Radiator Gasket on SB AC Car

The radiator #s are 3155316 and dated 74J. When I disassembled the radiator there was no lower gasket present. It does appear that there is glue in place on the radiator frame and I surmise that when the radiator was replaced the installer faced the same issue and elected to not install the gasket and opted for the rubber grommets.

Has anyone else dealt with this issue?

I haven't dealt with this issue yet, but based on the comments in this Thread, it looks like I'm going to

Your radiator has the same part number (3155316) as the original (dated 66M) in my 1967 L79 with C60. Since you bought the gasket at Paragon, you might call their tech support (available between 5pm and 6pm, IIRC) and ask them how they install this part on their restorations.

[Brian M.]

Re: Lower Radiator Gasket on SB AC Car

The original sponge seal on my 67 #7471 is 3/8" thick and about 1 " wide. .