1969 BB radiator

[Rick M.]

Restoring a 1969 L71 4spd car. Need a radiator and judging manual does not offer the GM part number. Does anyone know what it is and a good source to obtain. Dewitts doesn't have a copper resto rad.
Thanks,
Rick

[Jack H.]

Confused...

There was no LT1 in 1969... First instance was 1970 running through 1972 and these cars used a Harrison aluminum radiator. Now, there was an L46 engine in '69 (350/350) and the MT configuration of this power plant used an aluminum Harrison radiator that DeWitts should be able to supply (see your copy of the AIM for the specific PN).

It was when the L46 engine was equipped with either AT or AC options that the radiator changed to a Harrison brass unit.

[Rick M.]

Re: Confused...

Jack,
not LT1, L71 (435HP). Sorry for the confusion. Also, forgive my ignorance but what is my AIM and where do I find it?
Thanks,
Rick

[Bill M.]

Re: Confused...

Rick
Assembly manual most parts suppliers have them
Bill

[Rick M.]

Re: Confused...

Thanks Bill, that I have. Just didn't understand the acronym

[Dick W.]

Re: Confused...

The Assembly Information Manuals are also available from our sponsor, NCRS, at the online store.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 BB radiator

Rick-----

The original radiator for your application was of GM #3018571. This radiator was discontinued from SERVICE in March, 1970 and replaced by GM #3019190 which is the radiator used in PRODUCTION and SERVICE for 1969-72 big block with THM-400 (i.e. it has oil cooler provisions on the right side tank). That radiator was available in SERVICE until about 10 years ago.

Until DeWitts comes out with a reproduction of this radiator, the only source is going to be good used tanks with a reproduction core. I really doubt that you'll find an NOS 3018571 although 3019190 might still be found.

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 BB radiator

I have made a few of these radiators by ordering a correct core, using the old tanks for patterns, raiding the local radiator shops, looking for a comparable tanks. The last one that I fixed I silver soldered copper patches inside the tanks, filled the cracks with lead solder and then dressed down. You can come up with a radiator like this, but it is a very time consuming project.

[Rick M.]

Re: 1969 BB radiator

Thanks Dick,
Joe suggested same. I'm pulling rad tonight. If it's correct will try to get the dings out and use mine. Otherwise will be searching for tanks per your suggestion.

[Rick M.]

Re: 1969 BB radiator

Dick,
The tag on the rad is MJ9. Can you decode?
Thanks,
Rick

[Dick W.]

Re: 1969 BB radiator

That is the broadcast code that the assembly line used. Save the tag and re attach

[Rick M.]

Re: 1969 BB radiator

So MJ would be the application and not the date?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 BB radiator

Rick-----

Yes, and "MJ" is the correct code for your application.