'66 SMALL BLOCK ORIGINAL RADIATOR

[Rob A.]

I drive my '66 small block on a daily basis. I have no overheating problems. It runs cool even in hot temperatures. The only item in the engine compartment that is not original is the radiator itself. I don't exactly what type it is, other than it's not original. I've been keeping my eye out for a correctly dated original. Would I be wise to leave the one in it now because of the frequency with which I drive the car, or would an original one in good shape(or cleaned and tested) provide the same trouble-free driving.

[Rich G.]

Re: '66 SMALL BLOCK ORIGINAL RADIATOR

I have a De Witt in my 66 327/350. I had problems before with the old, non orig rad. Now it is perfect. I drive it a lot. I am sure you would have no problems and the De Witt radiator is as close to original as it gets.

Rich

[Scott G.]

Re: '66 SMALL BLOCK ORIGINAL RADIATOR

I would not purchase an original dated radiator. The reliability is just not there. A 40 year old aluminum radiator is a leak waiting to happen. In addition, there could be significant deposit build up in the radiator which will limit its cooling effectiveness. If you want an original looking radiator I recommend you go with a DeWitts reproduction. I have had one in my 1966 327/350 for four years with no issues.

[Craig S.]

Re: '66 SMALL BLOCK ORIGINAL RADIATOR

I agree - DeWitts is the only way to go....even a NOS Harrison (doubtful the date would ever be right) would not be as good an option and not worth the extreme price difference you would pay....Craig

[Rob A.]

THANKS FOR THE RESPONSES *NM*

[Mark W.]

Re: '66 SMALL BLOCK ORIGINAL RADIATOR

Rich, I also have a '66 327/350, which runs cool until I drive in stop and go traffic and the warmer the day, the worse it is. Since it runs cool at normal to above normal speeds, even on hot days, I have been trying to decide on an auxilary fan or just spring for the new DeWitts. My guess is the fan will only delay the inevitable and I should just get the new radiator now. I believe DeWitts has different types of radiators. Which do you recommend?

[Craig S.]

Re: '66 SMALL BLOCK ORIGINAL RADIATOR

Mark - get the one that is a direct reproduction of the original Harrison......if you don't care about dates, stampings, or judging....you can get it a bit cheaper......Craig