Repro Big Block Rad Support (1969)

[Greg L.]

Well I just found out today that my rad support lower section is so rusted that it's not really worth fixing. I've check some of the more common suppliers for prices but now I'm wondering if anyone can suggest who has the most authentic repoductions or are they all about the same? Also, A good original support would be my first choice so if anyone could suggest where I might find one I would really appreciate it. Thanks again guys,your knowledge has been invaluable to me with my resto project.

[Joe L.]

Re: Repro Big Block Rad Support (1969)

Greg------

I believe that all of the reproductions come from the same source which is Coffman Corvette of Mansfield, OH.

Keep in mind that there were 2 different design supports used for 1969; an early and a late design. Early was GM #3952980 and late was GM #3966596. The later design had a bolted-on "baffle plate" across the top of the radiator opening; the early design had no such "baffle". The early part number won't show up in the AIM, but, believe me, it existed and was used in PRODUCTION and was available in SERVICE (until July, 1970). I don't know when the changeover from early to late style occurred, but I think that it was likely about mid-year, perhaps March or April.

The GM #3966596 was discontinued in March, 1974 and replaced by the 73-E76 support, GM #339176. The latter support will function perfectly in place of the 69-72 big block supports except that there is a difference in various holes at the top area of the support, none of them consequential for 69-72 big block applications.

The GM #339176 was actually still available from GM until a few years ago, but it's now discontinued.

For good used or NOS you might try eBay. The GM #339176 show up once-in-awhile. Pacific Corvette of Puyallup, WA or America's Finest Corvettes of Ramona, CA might be able to provide a good used original support. West Coast cars have a lot less trouble with corrosion of the support so they can provide some good "donors". However, believe it or not, this support is one of the very few items that even west coast cars can lose to corrosion damage.

And, that's the story!

[Greg L.]

Re: Repro Big Block Rad Support (1969)

Thanks Joe, That's interesting...wish I could download your Vette knowledge! My car was built Jan 31 and it does not have the baffle plate that you mentioned but hopefully it's not an odd ball support. I e-mailed the two places that you mentioned so hopefully they can help. If not,then I guess I'm looking at a repro. Thanks again.

[Dick W.]

Re: Repro Big Block Rad Support (1969)

Greg, I have used the Coffman support for the '69. Fits very well. Could not find any obvious difference in the one that I replaced.