correct radiator question
does anyone have pics of the correct copper radiator for a 71 LT-1 as well as the shroud? i read the tim & jg but some of the terminology is above my head. if the spreader bar is what i think it is then the dimensions are correct but the holes punched in the top are oval instead of square and rectangle. it looks like there was once a tag on mine but it is long gone. is it possible to get an accurate repro or nos? even used?
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Re: correct radiator question
Cleet-----
I don't have any photos for you. However, the correct radiator is not too hard to identify, even if the broadcast code tag is missing. It will have a CORE that's 26" wide. It will have a radiator filler on the top of the right side tank AND the filler will be on a surface that's very slightly angled to the outside edge of the tank. It will NOT be on a 45 degree angle. The right side tank will have the "Harrison" script on it. There will be NO fittings for a transmission oil cooler on the right side tank (however, tanks with the oil cooler provisions which are FAR more common than those without will be an "almost correct" replacement).
The shroud will be a 1 piece, very dark gray plastic shroud sometimes described as "fiberglass" (but NOT fiberglass). The shroud will have the number 3956109 embossed on the top of it.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: correct radiator question
Joe,
Thanks for the info. - mine was 26" wide with a slight angle on the filler as you described. I could not find the Harrison inscription (although it could be under a few layers of paint) and there are two female fittings on the right side tank which I assume are the oil cooler provisions you were talking about. My shroud is black plastic/fiberglass instead of dark grey and there was no # embossed on top.
So now that I'm pretty sure I have the wrong parts is it worth trying to find the correct ones and where should I look?
Thanks again,Comment
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Re: correct radiator question
Cleet-----
If the radiator right side tank has provisions for the oil cooler lines, it's almost certainly a replacement. Your original should not have had oil cooler provisions. However, MANY years ago, GM discontinued the unit without the oil cooler provisions, GM #3018803, and replaced it, for SERVICE, by the one with oil cooler provisions, GM #3018802. The latter was used on all 1969-72 Corvette small blocks with C-60. The radiators were identical except for the oil cooler provisions. I don't know that all of these ever made by Harrison had the Harrison script, but all originals that I have seen have had it on the right tank. The GM #3018802 was discontinued many years ago. Either the 3018803 or 3108802 are very hard to find, especially the 3018803. There is currently no reproduction I know of. However, DeWitts does have available a reproduction core for these radiators, so, if you have the tanks, you can make up an as-original radiator.
I braved my "warehouse" and dug out an NOS example of the GM #3956109 shroud [not for sale]. Attached are photos. You will note the part number embossed on the upper left side. I have never seen a GM piece that did not have this on it. This, particular, shroud was purchased from GM about 20 years ago. Earlier/original shrouds may have been a little bit lighter in color.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: correct radiator question
If you have the wrong outlet tank, this one would work.
Technically we offer this for the 66-68 BB but with the exception of the missing drain connection on the bottom, it is the same tank. If you pull the metal hose fitting from the old tank and have a rad shop sweat in a drain bung on the bottom it would work perfectlyComment
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