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Today is my lucky day as I contacted the second owner of my '64 and during a very pleasant conversation he remembers he has a copy of the original title and the original radiator that he pulled from the car when it ceased to function. He was kind enough to agree to send me both. The question is can a good radiator shop resurrect the old aluminum one, and as importantly, is it a good idea? Thanks, David
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Re: '64 radiator rehab
David-----
For at least a couple of reasons, I seriously doubt that this old radiator can be "rehabilitated". First, the fact that it was once-upon-a-time removed from the car for functional deficiency indicates that the radiator had a problem. Second, the fact that the radiator has been sitting around DRY for so many years could mean that it has suffered further deterioration. The radiator used for all 1964 Corvettes was aluminum radiator GM #3155316. This radiator cannot be "recored" and is difficult or impossible to "rod out" without further damaging it.
In my opinion, once these aluminum radiators have been installed in a car and used, they cannot be DRY stored without suffering from "terminal corrosion". Remember, aluminum is a VERY reactive metal. If I were storing an original-type 1961-72 aluminum radiator(and I soon will be)I would store it full of a FRESH mix of 60/40 coolant/water and cap the outlet/inlet tubes with radiator shop test caps. Then, I'd seal the external supply tank tube(on the top right side of the radiator) with an appropriate size rubber cap. Others may differ with me, but what I describe is what I'm going to be doing.
In answer to your last question, I wouldn't use an old radiator like you've described for a driven car. I'd replace with a modern-day reproduction of the GM #3155316 as manufactured by DeWitts from original GM tooling. The original would be great to have, though, if you were to decide to make a "Trailer Queen" out of the car; cosmetically restored, original radiators work great on "Trailer Queens".In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: '64 radiator rehab
David --- Joe offers sage advice; nevertheless, accept the old radiator from the second owner; at least you'll see what the stamped year/month was, and can reproduce this on the new DeWitt, if you decide/must to go that route.
However, all is not lost -- depending on the details of the reason for replacement by that owner (ie. small / large leak / external damage), it's amazing what a little 2-part epoxy can do, and even if you have to repeat the fix several times to catch them all. Then, using fresh 50/50 antifreeze mix, and changing it every two years or so will ensure that further corrosion has been minimized. Plus, you will have the satisfaction of having resurrected a part of your original car.Comment
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Re: '64 radiator rehab
I took the radiator out of my '63 in 1965 due to a small leak in the side and in the core. I was lucky to save it in my dry basement. I was able to repair it using a product called Lumie-Weld. You use a propane torch to meld an aluminium rod that solders the metal together. I practiced welding coke cans together before trying the radiator. The orginal radiator has been back in the car since 1982. It does not leak anymore and I have been driving the car since I stopped showing the car. The will be at Orlando next week in the Field of Dreams display. Try to repair it and see what happens.Comment
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Re: '64 radiator rehab
I appreciate the responses. I'll see what kind of condition it's in when I get it. Hopefully it will be repairable. It would be nice to get it back into reliable service but I'm not holding my breath at this point. Thanks, DavidComment
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