1969 L36 radiator ID

[Joe T.]

I researched this in the archives section, but the posts didn't seem to answer my question(s). Can someone help ID this radiator? 1969 L36 speed with service replacement engine with 4speed. Brass tags soldered to top rear of right tank with what looks like 59770 stamped into it. No THM oil cooler fittings in the raditor. I am planning on keeping the car as original as possible, in spite of the service replacement engine and would like to repair or replace this radiator if necessary. Would a re-core of this preserve the radiator configuration or should I just replace it with an aftermarket higher capacity, since the car had a propensity to run hot?
Thanks for you attention...I have a ton of questions on this car to follow

Joe #46448

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 L36 radiator ID

Maybe Joe Lucia will chime in on this one. My guess by what you have told us is that you probably have your original radiator. DeWitt's has a correct core for your car. Most, if not all the radiator shop cores will have an incorrect top bar.

[Joe T.]

Re: 1969 L36 radiator ID

Thanks Dick. I couldn't find any parts numbers mentioned in the earlier archive posts, so I thought it might not even be a Chevy radiator, just an after-market replacement. I appreciate the response...Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 L36 radiator ID

Joe-----

The number that you mentioned does not sound like a GM number or a derivative of a GM number. On the other hand, I was not aware that any aftermarket-type SERVICE radiators were ever available without transmission oil cooler provisions (unused for manual trans applications). Perhap, once-upon-a-time they were, though.

Anyway, there's an easy way to tell if the radiator could, possibly, be original. All original radiators (and most earlier GM SERVICE radiators) have the "Harrison" brand name embossed on one of the tank (usually, the passenger side tank). If yours has this embossment, then it may be an original radiator. If it lacks it, then it's NOT an original, radiator.

[Mark #28455]

aftermarket won't say Harrison

The original end tank was stamped Harrison. In addition, the original radiators worked fine. Over years, corrosion and precipitates from the antifreeze decreased the cooling efficiency. There is a huge amount of aftermarket hype that the original radiators are inadequate. I have a 489 cu in L89 with a stock recored radiator and it runs fine in Orlando even with the daytime temps in the 90's.

Mark