1963 Radiator Leak Repair

[Frederick H.]

After taking the original radiator (63C date) to a recommended local shop, they said it had a leak, not due to an external puncture, but from the inside (most likely due to corrosion. It was put away dry and remained so for years which is probably the cause. I will be contacting DeWitt's to get a dated replacement unless anyone has a recommendations for a fix. I am a little leery about taking a weekend drive with a 57 year-old radiator anyway. From a previous thread, I understand DeWitt's has gone back to reproducing the "clamp" marks but haven't heard anything about the "oval hump" on top of the upper neck (previous reproductions didn't have).

Thanks in Advance,
Fred

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Fred when your talking about such a old Radiator with internal corrosion any heat to repair will likely make it worst. Even if you got it repaired ,chances are it would be short lived.

[Frank D.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Fred when your talking about such a old Radiator with internal corrosion any heat to repair will likely make it worst. Even if you got it repaired ,chances are it would be short lived.

Its a "see me now, or, see me later deal"....
Just get the DeWitts and "buy once, cry once"...

[Joe M.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Get the dewitts.

If you want to experiment, try JB Weld, a small puncture has held for 15 years so far. put some air pressure in the radiator to find leaks. Likely other corrosion weak spots, but if you are feeling lucky...... you just may get lucky.
Buy the dewitts.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

The tag on the DeWitt's radiator is not correct for 1963's.
I would recommend getting the (more) correct replacement from LIC.
Possibly someone with experience with the replacement 63 aluminum tag will comment.

So far my experience is only with DeWitt's tag. The LIC tag is on my list.
There are other items that do not exactly match a 63, like the top outlet.
I was very happy with my DeWitt's purchase. Typically around this time of year they have their only sale.
I paid the extra for the GM part number and the dating.
I used the date from my old radiator. BTW my original was shot 40 years ago.
Getting one to last this long is nothing short of amazing to me.
I recommend purchasing the replacement rubber mounts at the same time if yours are original.
Rick

Below are pictures of the DeWitt's tag and an original.
My Radiator is dated 62F for a December Car.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

After taking the original radiator (63C date) to a recommended local shop, they said it had a leak, not due to an external puncture, but from the inside (most likely due to corrosion. It was put away dry and remained so for years which is probably the cause. I will be contacting DeWitt's to get a dated replacement unless anyone has a recommendations for a fix. I am a little leery about taking a weekend drive with a 57 year-old radiator anyway. From a previous thread, I understand DeWitt's has gone back to reproducing the "clamp" marks but haven't heard anything about the "oval hump" on top of the upper neck (previous reproductions didn't have).

Thanks in Advance,
Fred

Fred------

If the car were a "trailer queen" type car that is not driven, then you can repair and use the original radiator. If you actually want to drive the car, even a little, forget about repair. Buy a new DeWitts reproduction.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

this radiator is from a 66 car as you see this tag is different from the repro. I think I have a early 64 car which has a 63 radiator that and is like your post Rich. I believe the repro tags likely differ with all the mid years, but I do not know for sure.

[Ed S.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Buy from DeWitts now - DO NOT WAIT - they are having a super sale, 15% off of everything and free ground shipping.

Some rules apply: You must order on the internet, no phone orders. Enter the promo code "SUPER 15" in the discount field after clicking the checkout box. Allow 2 -3 weeks for delivery. If you are ordering a dated item be sure to enter the year and VIN of your car = they will calculate the date for you. If you want me to forward the email I got from Dewitts send me an PM with your e mail address, I will forward the e mail with the sale announcement in it to you.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Yep - more than likely.
Thanks.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Yep - I agree.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

That's true - the "shiny" tags are incorrect. I have a replacement radiator currently with a K2? and the correct part# but the length of the cushion/bracket mount is not 2 inches like the original.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Excellent - thanks for the info.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Ed, tried the PM but said it couldn't find user.??

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 Radiator Leak Repair

Unfortunately for a restorer the DeWitt is the only game in town. This problem with radiators and batteries has been here since the beginning of time as parts become older and either rot or break! The NCRS should come up with a statement to assign a standard deduction for these parts that cannot be replaced at 100%.
And everyone knows how opinions go in the real world!

JR