[Elduderino]

I just pulled the old toasted rad out of my 79 L-82... THere are two sizes for replacements, one is a 3 core and the other a 4 core. I have NO ROOM in there as it is and Im worried I will get one too big. How do I tell which I have??? When I measured, none of the dimensions are the same? I measured 32 inches across and the ones at the parts store say 27 inches etc.?

My car has an L-82 with a/c, a 5 blade pully fan, and an electric helper fan.

Thanks in advance
Dude

 

[TimAT]

The parts store radiators are fine, but look at DeWitts before you drop the $$$..

 

[lsejlowe]

hey man, I'm looking at replacing my blown rad here in the next couple weeks as well. Dewitts is the one these guys recommended the most as being truly "direct fit." I'm gonna go for the Al one, but they've got the old copper core ones as well.

 

[Elduderino]

I just dont know which one. There are 2 sizes, and they dont have them in stock for me to view. So I am tryiong to figure out which one to order. How do I measure?

 

[rjent]

I just dont know which one. There are 2 sizes, and they dont have them in stock for me to view. So I am tryiong to figure out which one to order. How do I measure?

Dude,

My suggestion is just to call DeWitt. You can usually talk directly to "the man" and just tell him what you have. He will send you what you need. Believe me, you want to go Aluminum and you want to go DeWitt .... :thumbsup:




DeWitts
11672 Hyne Road
Brighton, MI 48114

Phone: 810-220-0181
Fax: 810-220-0182

 

[lsejlowe]

I just dont know which one. There are 2 sizes, and they dont have them in stock for me to view. So I am tryiong to figure out which one to order. How do I measure?

that is tough if they don't have them in stock. I was looking at Speedway Motor's alum. radiators and they're under $200. When I get mine pulled out I plan to head down there and compare measurements.

The primary measurement should the be the width of the radiator, including the end caps. So you want to match your 32" width as closely as possible. Speedway offers them in 19x31" for chevy applications. The other consideration will be the depth. You want to make sure it'll fit in the original mounts with little or no modification.

 

[Elduderino]

Thank for the help. I ordered an el cheapo for now. When I do the frame off next year, Ill use DeWitt for sure.

Preshadit

 

[lsejlowe]

Thank for the help. I ordered an el cheapo for now. When I do the frame off next year, Ill use DeWitt for sure.

Preshadit

let me know some of the dimensions when you get it and how it fits/what you had to modify.

 

[Elduderino]

Update

Ok the jobs done. I used an Advance Auto "Ready-Rad" 4 core radiator. $260 bucks and what a bargain. It fit perfectly and works great.

lsejlowe, you can do this no problem. Here are the things to look out for.

The only obstacle is the spout for the lower hose. IT gets in the way big time. First, there are only the obvious rad hoses, and trans colling lines to disconnect. Then its just a matter of the two brackets on the top and its out. But, to make things easier:

1) take out the fan. Only 4 nuts holding that thing on.
2) take out the electric fan with shroud. (sounds harder than it is)
3) take out the 4 bolts holding in the rad support bracket. These are located in the fender well. YOU WILL NEED TO REMOVE ONE OF THE HOOD BRACKET BOLTS ON EACH SIDE TO DO THIS, YOULL KNOW WHAT I MEAN WHEN YOU GET THERE.

Now you should have plenty of room to work with the lower hose pipe.

Re-use the brass fittings for the trans colling lines, and just buy a new valve cock for the drain in the bottom. Other than that, its a direct bolt on.

Good luck and dont hesitate to ask me if you run into problems.

Dude

 

[lsejlowe]

Ok the jobs done. I used an Advance Auto "Ready-Rad" 4 core radiator. $260 bucks and what a bargain. It fit perfectly and works great.

lsejlowe, you can do this no problem. Here are the things to look out for.

The only obstacle is the spout for the lower hose. IT gets in the way big time. First, there are only the obvious rad hoses, and trans colling lines to disconnect. Then its just a matter of the two brackets on the top and its out. But, to make things easier:

1) take out the fan. Only 4 nuts holding that thing on.
2) take out the electric fan with shroud. (sounds harder than it is)
3) take out the 4 bolts holding in the rad support bracket. These are located in the fender well. YOU WILL NEED TO REMOVE ONE OF THE HOOD BRACKET BOLTS ON EACH SIDE TO DO THIS, YOULL KNOW WHAT I MEAN WHEN YOU GET THERE.

Now you should have plenty of room to work with the lower hose pipe.

Re-use the brass fittings for the trans colling lines, and just buy a new valve cock for the drain in the bottom. Other than that, its a direct bolt on.

Good luck and dont hesitate to ask me if you run into problems.

Dude

awesome, glad to hear it worked well for you! I've got a manual trani, so no cooling lines for me to worry about or electric fan since it's a '69, so it sounds like I'm almost there without having even started! :laughing:

I'm anxious to get in the garage this thursday and dig in!