Aluminum Radiator

[Rainer S.]

I am restoring a 63 SWC. Found an original,used radiator with the correct dates and numbers. What is the best way to clean the outside of the old paint, without harming the aluminum webbing ? Also, any suggestions on how to clean the inside ?

Rainer

[Mike M.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator

i wouldn't waste my time trying to refinish a 40 year old harrison radiator unless the car is to be a trailer queen or museum piece. if you're gonna drive it, go with a DeWitt repro. they are almost identical, you'll loos little or no points on the judging field, and they function bettter that the harrisons did in 63.good luck, mikep.s. dewitt advertises in the driveline mag.

[Duke W.]

Re: Aluminum Radiator

Agree with Mike. There's no way to inspect the tubes or check the entire radiator for heat transfer performance. I recommend you order a new DeWitts with the proper date code.

If you use a 50/50 mix of Dexcool and distilled water and change it every two years a new DeWitts will probably last at least 30 years.

Duke