68 Big Block Radiator

[Rich G.]

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

My 68 BB had a corroded right tank that couldn’t be repaired so I bought a DeWitts Restoration Radiator which looks, fits and works fine. I’d like to repair the original but the shop that has it can’t find the correct tank with the embossed Harrison on the side.
Any suggestions? I have not contacted DeWitts yet.

Rich

Rich------

The tanks were never available separately from GM. So, NOS is out-of-the-question. I would say that a serviceable tank from a used radiator or a reproduction are about the only alternatives. However, how good is the core section of your original radiator? It might not be worth the effort and expense of installing a good tank on a radiator that might otherwise be on its last legs.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

Thanks Joe

Good point. The original radiator was cooling fine. The car has 39K miles on it so that’s why I thought it was worth saving to keep with the car for the next person who gets to take care of it. Even if I can’t find a tank, I’ll keep it around.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

Thanks Joe

Good point. The original radiator was cooling fine. The car has 39K miles on it so that’s why I thought it was worth saving to keep with the car for the next person who gets to take care of it. Even if I can’t find a tank, I’ll keep it around.

Rich

Rich-------


My thinking is that if the radiator had a corroded tank, that does not bode well for the rest of the radiator. Usually, the core suffers terminal corrosion damage before the tanks.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

Another good point Joe. I guess the only thing that defines the original Radiator is the right tank with the embossed “Harrison”. The core and the other tank could be replaced easier. I just hate to throw it out. I’ll keep it in the same place I keep the studded snow tires that were on the car when it was unearthed. :-)

Rich

[Russ S.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

Rich, Are the end tanks from a 69 BB 435 the same as your 68? I believe I have a pair deep in storage .

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

Rich, Are the end tanks from a 69 BB 435 the same as your 68? I believe I have a pair deep in storage .

Russ-----

The right side tank is definitely not the same. I don't think the left side is the same, either, but it's possible.

[Rich G.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

Russ.

Thanks but Joe is correct. The 67 BB rad is the same as the 68 or at least close enough for DeWitts to offer the same one for both years. I’m just going to save the original as is.

Rich

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Big Block Radiator

Russ.

Thanks but Joe is correct. The 67 BB rad is the same as the 68 or at least close enough for DeWitts to offer the same one for both years. I’m just going to save the original as is.

Rich

Rich------


The 1967 and 1968 big block copper/brass radiators are the same. In PRODUCTION and early SERVICE there were different radiators for manual trans versus automatics (no oil cooler versus oil cooler). Later, the version with oil cooler was the only version available in SERVICE for all applications.

1969-72 big block copper brass radiators are different in size and configuration.