69 radiator query

[Mike E.]

Since this isn't a '62, I need some help, guys. I just looked at a 69 350/350, no air. 2nd owner--since 1971, all paperwork, etc., never modified, 43,000 miles. According to my judging manual, ( bought it 2 years ago, but it's not the newest edition) that should have an aluminum radiator with an aluminum expansion tank. The radiator is copper (wasn't able to check for dates because of cardboard boxes against the car), and not only is there no expansion tank, but there are no holes in the inner fender where the expansion tank bracket would mount. The car appears to be unhit with no indication of inner fender replacement. Am I missing somehting? Is it an anomaly? What do you think?
Mike Ernst #211

[Shannon Burgess]

Re: 69 radiator query

I'm no judging expert, but here goes. As I understand it, the L46 cars could be configured with one of two different cooling system configurations. First was the base system as you described. The second is a 26" brass/copper radiator with no expansion tank. Rick Bizzoco's 1969 Stingray Guidebook lists a number of original '69 L46 cars by VIN and their respective cooling system configurations. Judging from the list he compiled, there seems to be a huge running variation in how these cars were configured. Differences in the hood blanket (or lack thereof), radiator, core support-to-hood seals, etc. seem to have been phased in and out throughout 1969 production across many different engines as well as the L46.

Shannon

[Shannon Burgess]

Re: 69 radiator query

I'm no judging expert, but here goes. As I understand it, the L46 cars could be configured with one of two different cooling system configurations. First was the base system as you described. The second is a 26" brass/copper radiator with no expansion tank. Rick Bizzoco's 1969 Stingray Guidebook lists a number of original '69 L46 cars by VIN and their respective cooling system configurations. Judging from the list he compiled, there seems to be a huge running variation in how these cars were configured. Differences in the hood blanket (or lack thereof), radiator, core support-to-hood seals, etc. seem to have been phased in and out throughout 1969 production across many different engines as well as the L46.

Shannon

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 radiator query

Mike-----

In addition to those 1969 L-46 built with the 3155316 aluminum radiator, many 1969 Corvettes with L-46 were originally built with a copper/brass radiator. This radiator used an integral filler cap and NO external supply tank. It was of GM #3018803. It is the same radiator as used with all 69 small blocks with A/C and, basically, the same radiator as used with small blocks with THM, except that radiator, GM #3018802, had fittings for the transmission oil cooler.

The GM #3018803 radiator was also used for most 1970 L-46 and LT-1 and it was used for all 1971-72 LT-1.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 radiator query

Mike-----

In addition to those 1969 L-46 built with the 3155316 aluminum radiator, many 1969 Corvettes with L-46 were originally built with a copper/brass radiator. This radiator used an integral filler cap and NO external supply tank. It was of GM #3018803. It is the same radiator as used with all 69 small blocks with A/C and, basically, the same radiator as used with small blocks with THM, except that radiator, GM #3018802, had fittings for the transmission oil cooler.

The GM #3018803 radiator was also used for most 1970 L-46 and LT-1 and it was used for all 1971-72 LT-1.

[Mike E.]

Re: 69 radiator query

Thanks for the help!! Now I know why I got such a strange look when I asked him "what happened to the original radiator"!

[Mike E.]

Re: 69 radiator query

Thanks for the help!! Now I know why I got such a strange look when I asked him "what happened to the original radiator"!

[Robert C.]

Re: 69 350 Automatic?

Mike, Does the 69 350hp have automatic trans? if so it should be copper rad. Alum. with alm. expansion tank for Manual trans.

[Robert C.]

Re: 69 350 Automatic?

Mike, Does the 69 350hp have automatic trans? if so it should be copper rad. Alum. with alm. expansion tank for Manual trans.

[Shannon Burgess]

Re: 69 350 Automatic?

L46 350hp was only available with manual transmission.

Shannon

[Shannon Burgess]

Re: 69 350 Automatic?

L46 350hp was only available with manual transmission.

Shannon

[Robert C.]

Re:69 350 Auto.is in the list in 2nd ed. JM,pg.74? *NM*

[Robert C.]

Re:69 350 Auto.is in the list in 2nd ed. JM,pg.74? *NM*

[Terry M.]

That is why there is a 3rd edition - Summer 2001 *NM* *TL*

[Terry M.]

That is why there is a 3rd edition - Summer 2001 *NM* *TL*