Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

[Dan H.]

I got a foam seal kit from Dr Rebuild and am having trouble getting the radiator to fit properly. It seems like the foam is to thick to get the radiator in and get the top clamps back on.

I was going to try a different kit and would like to know if anyone has a recommendation. Looking for a kit that fits better than the one I have. The one I have doesn't seem to fit right. Before I lay out another $50 to a new vendor, thought I would ask you guys.

Car is a 71 LT-1. This is a copper radiator car.

[Joe L.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

I got a foam seal kit from Dr Rebuild and am having trouble getting the radiator to fit properly. It seems like the foam is to thick to get the radiator in and get the top clamps back on.

I was going to try a different kit and would like to know if anyone has a recommendation. Looking for a kit that fits better than the one I have. The one I have doesn't seem to fit right. Before I lay out another $50 to a new vendor, thought I would ask you guys.

Car is a 71 LT-1. This is a copper radiator car.

Dan-------


The Dr. Rebuild radiator seal kits are the best ones on the market. Make sure you're installing them according to the instructions.

[Sal C.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

The Doc's should be right on the money. I sent him some originals many, many, many years ago.

[Ron G.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

I am no ta fan of Dr. Rebuild on a personal level, but back in the day I provided him all of my original radiator seals from my 71 LT-1 that I know were the original ones. So, I am with Sal in saying contact Dr. Rebuild as they were made from my originals.

[Barry K.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

this response is from Dr. Rebuild himself since he is no longer able to post here on the forum although he saw the thread - I was asked to post his answer/reply up for all:

[Mike F.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

I just installed a Dc Rebuild radiator seal kit on my 70 copper radiator, no problems.

Can you post some pics of your problem?

[Dan H.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

I just installed a Dc Rebuild radiator seal kit on my 70 copper radiator, no problems.

Can you post some pics of your problem?

[Mike F.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

Not sure I understand your problem? When I replaced mine I removed the hood (4 bolts), pulled the radiator/support (9 bolts), assembled the foam/radiator/support as one unit out of the car, then re-installed the radiator assembly. The new seals aren't compressed like the old one's, so it does take a little work to get it all to fit properly.

In your picture it looks like the fan shroud isn't installed correctly (orange arrow) and the seal doesn't look correct either (yellow arrow). Was it cut? It should be square or rectangle when viewed from the end. If your radiator won't go down far enough, it may be a problem with the lower seal/shroud fit & alignment or the lower support rubber insulators.

[Paul Y.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

The Doc's should be right on the money. I sent him some originals many, many, many years ago.

1971 base engine, AC, brass radiator, Dr Rebuild seals right on the money!

[Patrick H.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

Not sure I understand your problem? When I replaced mine I removed the hood (4 bolts), pulled the radiator/support (9 bolts), assembled the foam/radiator/support as one unit out of the car, then re-installed the radiator assembly. The new seals aren't compressed like the old one's, so it does take a little work to get it all to fit properly.

In your picture it looks like the fan shroud isn't installed correctly (orange arrow) and the seal doesn't look correct either (yellow arrow). Was it cut? It should be square or rectangle when viewed from the end. If your radiator won't go down far enough, it may be a problem with the lower seal/shroud fit & alignment or the lower support rubber insulators.

I agree with Mike. Your seals are not installed correctly.

Patrick

[Dan H.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

Thank you guys

Yes, I had to cut the top seal to get the top radiator clamp on. The shroud is just hanging there. I'm not happy with how this turned out. I ordered a new kit to try this again. I'm going to trim a small amount off the top to bottom side seals to help the radiator seat easier. I think I'll also try to install the top and bottom foam after the radiator is sitting in the car so they line up better. I lined them up with the holes in the support, but the rad was pinching against the core and foam which doesn't seem right to me.

I'll post up how round two with this goes, it may be a little bit since my wedding is 30 days away
THank you for your help

[Mike F.]

Re: Best place to get a radiator seal kit?? '71 LT-1

Thank you guys

Yes, I had to cut the top seal to get the top radiator clamp on. The shroud is just hanging there. I'm not happy with how this turned out. I ordered a new kit to try this again. I'm going to trim a small amount off the top to bottom side seals to help the radiator seat easier. I think I'll also try to install the top and bottom foam after the radiator is sitting in the car so they line up better. I lined them up with the holes in the support, but the rad was pinching against the core and foam which doesn't seem right to me.

I'll post up how round two with this goes, it may be a little bit since my wedding is 30 days away
THank you for your help

Are you trying to do this with the core support still in the car? If so, that is most likely your problem. With everything out of the car it goes together without needing to cut anything.