69 SB Radiator with A/C

[Erv M.]

My core has given up the ghost and needs replaced. Who manufactures the best reproduction out there?

[Paul H.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

Dewitt's is the way to go.

[Erv M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

I see that Dewitt has aluminum radiators but the sb is brass. Anyone make a brass reproduction?

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

I see that Dewitt has aluminum radiators but the sb is brass. Anyone make a brass reproduction?

I thought DeWitt had a copper core and you re-use your end tanks, but WTFDIK. Maybe that was then and this is now. Drop them a dime because vendors do not always update their webb site as products change.

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

DeWitt's # BC 3 is a copper core replacement, 26" end of core to end of core. Big blocks are 27.5" http://bit.ly/JeUhPL

[Erv M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

Is it possible to remove radiator without removing the A/C?

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

Is it possible to remove radiator without removing the A/C?

I have no experience with C60 equipped C3s, however I would wager that once the hood is removed the radiator will come out without removing the AC components. I was once told the best way to remove a C3 radiator (regardless C60) is to remove the hood, stand with one foot on each fender and pull up on the radiator. That image haunts me regularly.

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

Never done it this way, but I understand if you remove the RH upper control arm you can get the shroud out. If the shroud is out, the rest is a piece of cake.

[Erv M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

Dick,

My radiator leaked diluted transmission oil from the front drivers side, probably a couple of ounces then stopped. It has never done this before. Is the tank for the tranny oil on that side?

I checked the anti- freeze and transmission oil and they are fine, not contaminated. This is a good thing!

I will purchase the brass core and take my old one to a radiator shop to be switced out. What is the going cost to have it swapped?

Thanks

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

Dick,

My radiator leaked diluted transmission oil from the front drivers side, probably a couple of ounces then stopped. It has never done this before. Is the tank for the tranny oil on that side?

I checked the anti- freeze and transmission oil and they are fine, not contaminated. This is a good thing!

I will purchase the brass core and take my old one to a radiator shop to be switced out. What is the going cost to have it swapped?

Thanks

Yes, it is. Just look where the transmission cooler lines go into the end tank -- that tells you where the transmission cooler is. If the transmission cooler has cracked that side tank will not be useable. I don't know what the supply is for another. Slim, I would think -- but perhaps others who have experience with a shiftless Corvette will offer a suggestion. Every radiator with automatic transmission cooler I have dealt with had issues disconnecting the transmission cooler lines from the radiator. I usually resorted to cutting and splicing the lines, but that is probably not the way you want to treat your Corvette, unless your real name is Bubba.

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

Yes, it is. Just look where the transmission cooler lines go into the end tank -- that tells you where the transmission cooler is. If the transmission cooler has cracked that side tank will not be useable. I don't know what the supply is for another. Slim, I would think -- but perhaps others who have experience with a shiftless Corvette will offer a suggestion. Every radiator with automatic transmission cooler I have dealt with had issues disconnecting the transmission cooler lines from the radiator. I usually resorted to cutting and splicing the lines, but that is probably not the way you want to treat your Corvette, unless your real name is Bubba.

I have patched cracked tanks by using thin sheet copper and silver solder. You have to be careful not to overheat the brass as it will tend to crack if it done.

[Erv M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

The lines go into the right side by the cap and it is leaking from the other side. Do both sides have cavities that the transmission oil travel to cool?

If side tank is beyond repai might have top go with the Dewitt aluminum and paint it black, yuck!

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

The lines go into the right side by the cap and it is leaking from the other side. Do both sides have cavities that the transmission oil travel to cool?

If side tank is beyond repai might have top go with the Dewitt aluminum and paint it black, yuck!

Lines and M40 cooler are on the right (passenger) side. No transmission cooler on the left side -- just the end tank there. After installing the new core the shop should pressure test the radiator for leaks. If original save/reuse the top spreader bar. Generally new ones do not match the configuration of the originals, but check DeWitts'. Tom usually does a pretty good job on his products.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

The lines go into the right side by the cap and it is leaking from the other side. Do both sides have cavities that the transmission oil travel to cool?

If side tank is beyond repai might have top go with the Dewitt aluminum and paint it black, yuck!

Erv------

The DeWitts Direct Fit aluminum is a great way to go. Painted black its appearance is very close to original. The primary visual difference is the welds between the core and the tanks. In exchange for this you get much better cooling capacity, always a good thing to have with a Corvette.

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 SB Radiator with A/C

If side tank is beyond repai might have top go with the Dewitt aluminum and paint it black, yuck!

Have a DeWitt's aluminum in Kermit. Unless you get down and really inspect the radiator it looks original. Plus it cools that 9.25-1 compression big block very well