Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

[Daniel S.]

Hello, I am a new Corvette owner and recently bought a 63 SWC. It is a gold certified car and it in really nice shape. The engine compartment looks fantastic. I went to change the battery and there was some corrosion on 2 of the male ends on the Radiator Supply Tank. One broke off when I pulled the hose off and it looks like the end part of the other one just eroded partially away. It eroded far enough up so I can clean it and put a hose on it. I was thinking i could get the other one welded back on. However, the tank has a few dings in it. I was thinking about buying a new one, but the guy I got the car from said I shouldnt as the current tank has the date on it of 63A. Can I get a new one with the 63A date on it. I dont want to do anything that will hurt the value of the car as it is really origional. I would appreciate any insight that you can provide.

Thank you,
Dan

[Dale M.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

There is one company, Dewitt, that produces Corvette Surge Tanks that are very close to the original. They will date code them. This will not be the "original" on the car. The surge tanks had these nipple attached with a pressed fit and are very easy to break. Here is the link to their WEB site; http://www.dewitts.com/collections/a...ank-date-coded

I am not sure if anyone can repair yours without welding it back in. The Dewitt reproductions actually have the nipples welded on the inside to make them stronger, but still look original. Good luck. Get involved in this club and you will get a lot of good advice.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Thanks Dale! Great advice. Do you think I might be better off gettting mine welded and trying to polish it? Also do you think that the dents can be removd from it. It doesnt look terible, but the dents bother me and it isnt as nice as everythign else under the hood. You dont know of a company that restores them do you? Thanks! Dan

[Donald H.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Why not buy a Dewitt and use it and keep your old one. You may be able to find someone who can restore it. You can always go back to the original if you get it repaired.

[Dale M.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Here is what I feel, there are many correct answers. If you have it welded, it will have to be done on the outside around the nipple and all the NCRS people will immediately detect it. This is a common repair and we all are aware of it. I also feel removing the dings is difficult or maybe impossible without getting inside3, but this depends on where they are and how deep they are.

I am not aware of anyone repairing these, but I would look into the Driveline. There are a lot of people (companies) that can recondition the aluminum.

I believe the closest way to get it back to original as can be is a new one from Dewitt.

I want some others to respond and see if they have other suggestions.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Great point. I am sorry for what proably seem like stupid questions. I have had several Mopars and Jags but am just getting into Corvette's and love mine. Could putting the Dewitt one one effect the gold certification? Do they also sell origional looking caps as mine likey wont have the same luster as a new tank? Thanks again! Dan

[Dale M.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Great point. I am sorry for what proably seem like stupid questions. I have had several Mopars and Jags but am just getting into Corvette's and love mine. Could putting the Dewitt one one effect the gold certification? Do they also sell origional looking caps as mine likey wont have the same luster as a new tank? Thanks again! Dan

If you have an original cap be sure not to get rid of it they are very valuable. There are reproductions and most all of them are not exactually like an original. There are several vendors for reproduction corvette parts and a lot of discussion of which one is the best. Sometimes this depends on the part you are looking for. I had a very bad looking, local parts store radiator cap on my '64. My car is not a Bloomington Gold car. I purchase a repro from Paragon in Michigan. I can attest that they have the best radiator caps. You will find that many times all the Vette Rrepro Parts Companies get their parts from the same manufacturer.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Dale, thanks again. You guys are so helpful. I believe I have the origional cap and will just polish it. I think I can get it to look pretty nice, although it wont be as nice as the new tank. I cant wait to get the new tank.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Daniel,

Consider purchasing a new tank from Dewitts and just keep the old tank. If you want to drive the car it needs to be reliable and making a proper repair with a excellent replacement part is the best way to approach this, chances are the tank has other issues after all these years.

You can have your radiator cap restored, info should be in the archives somewhere, I would recommend you doing this then put it back on the new tank. Don't ever throw anything away from your car.

[Donald H.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

As mentioned above, the original radiator caps are valuable. Joe Perri in Chicago 312-307-1977 can restore it to look like new. He just did my fuel filler cap on my 66. Get a reproduction for everyday use. I'm not sure if having the original restored will affect the Gold award. If it does, keep it original and use a repro cap for every day use.



Don

[Joe R.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Daniel,

Welcome to the asylum! My advise would be to keep the original tank and cap. Contact Dewitt and purchase a tank (dated) and cap for your 63. Keep the original but please don't polish anything. That would destroy the original finish if there is any left and leave the items in worse shape than when you started.
Hang around here and go to some NCRS judging events! Soon you will be informed how everything is suppose to look and get a feel to accomplish that task.
Good luck and you started with one of the all time classic Corvettes! The 1963 Split Window!

JR

[Harry S.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

As others have said replace the tank with a Dewitt. The Dewitt tank is stronger than the originals. Even though the 63 tank is a press fit and the Dewitt tank is a press fit I believe that the Dewitt tank has welds on the inside for strength and to avoid leaks.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Thanks! Do you know who restores caps?

[Harry S.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Thanks! Do you know who restores caps?

Peter Lindahl, he is in the member list.

[John H.]

Re: Help Radiator Supply Tank Question

Do you think I might be better off gettting mine welded and trying to polish it?

Daniel -

Don't polish the tank - it wasn't polished to start with, and polishing it will earn you a "Finish" deduction in judging.