My restored '69 doesn't have a radiator overflow container--only a hose. It's a 350/350. I'm told that some had 'em and some didn't. How do I determine what's correct?
-
-
Re: radiator overflow
Marc-----
No Corvette prior to 1973 ever had an "overflow" or coolant recovery tank. However, many pre-1973 Corvettes had an external supply tank. For 1969 with L-46, the cars were built both ways. Some cars with L-46, primarily early but continuing, I believe, throughout the year were equipped with an aluminum radiator GM #3155316 and an aluminum external supply tank, GM #3016340.
Other 69 L-46s, including ALL those manufactured with A/C, had a copper brass radiator of GM #3018803. This radiator uses NO external supply tank and has an integral filler cap on the right side tank top.
Although your car is likely original in this respect, there are are a few things to look for. First, does it have the GM #3018803 radiator? If so, it's likely original to the car, especially if the car has A/C. Also, this is a very difficult radiator to locate; I doubt that one would have "accidentally" ended up in your car or a conversion made from the aluminum radiator. There are just too many other components that have to be changed too, including the radiator support and radiator shroud---both are different for the aluminum and copper brass installations.
Second, check the right side inner fender well for the presence of a bracket or holes indicating that a bracket was once retained there. Cars with the aluminum radiator and external supply tank had the holes; cars without, did not.In Appreciation of John Hinckley
Comment