1964 Corvette Coupe Radiator Recommendation

[George B.]

Own a 1964 Corvette Coupe since September. Car runs and drives great. Noticed a slight leak in radiator. Believe it's the original radiator in the car. Looking for recommendation as to whether or not to have the original radiator repaired, get a new radiator (4 core, copper and brass) or get a new aluminum 3 or 4 core radiator?

Any insights would greatly be appreciated. The car does have factory air conditioning.

Thanks,

GB

[Arland D.]

Re: 1964 Corvette Coupe Radiator Recommendation

The best answer may be determined by knowing what your plans are for using the car.

[Leif A.]

Re: 1964 Corvette Coupe Radiator Recommendation

George,
Welcome to the TDB!! If you plan on enjoying/driving your car, I wouldn't even think about getting the original repaired. A new DeWitt's Restoration Radiator is state of the art and will cool your '64 better than the original. It is the radiator of choice for those in the hobby.
They, currently, have a 15% off and FREE shipping through today. These radiators aren't cheap but you definitely get what you pay for.

https://www.dewitts.com/products/1965-1972-restoration-radiator?variant=21235702792274

[Duke W.]

Re: 1964 Corvette Coupe Radiator Recommendation

All small block C2 models originally had a furnace brazed Harrison aluminum radiator. If your installed radiator is not this type it is NOT original. This type of radiator is NOT reparable, but an exact replica is built by DeWitts. You can special order one with the correct date code for your car. The code must be stamped on the top surface prior to furnace brazing, so delivery might take a little longer than an off-the-shelf product.

This type of radiator construction has considerably greater heat transfer rate than an equivalent area copper/brass radiator, and was very rare for an automotive radiator back in the day, but since the Corvette has a rather large engine relative to frontal area, the engineers deemed that premium radiator construction was necessary in addition to the "thermo-modulated" fan that was also very rare in cars of the era.

Many have opted for less expensive copper/brass radiators and this often results in "hot running" if not overheating.

Sage advice based on the experience of many, especially for a C-60 car, is to bite the bullet and go with DeWitts. Fill with a 50-60 percent blend of Zerex G-05 antifreeze and distilled water that you replace every five years, and the radiator will likely outlive all of us. A few C2s still have their original aluminum radiators, but it's rare usually because of periods of poor maintenance in the succeeding decades.

Since you are a new member and appear to have only owned your '64 since late last year, suggest your purchase a 1963 Corvette Shop Manual, 1964 Supplement, 1964 Assembly Instruction Manual, and download the 1964 Corvette Vehicle Information package from www.gmheritage.com.

If you want to have your car judged, procure the 1963-1964 TIM & JG, Judging Reference Guide and join your nearest local chapter.

You should also inspect the condition of the external aluminum expansion tank located along the RH side of the engine. (If the current radiator is copper/brass with side tanks the OE-type external expansion tank may not be there.)

Call DeWitt's today to get the discount deal, and welcome to The Asylum!

Duke

[George B.]

Re: 1964 Corvette Coupe Radiator Recommendation

I live in Atlanta where it gets hot in the summer. While it's not a daily driver, I do plan to put 6,000 to 8,000 miles on a year.

[Arland D.]

Re: 1964 Corvette Coupe Radiator Recommendation

Based on your intended use, it's hard to beat DeWitts. My midyear coupe 300hp, automatic with A/C never overheated driving cross country for years during the worst of the summer heat and the A/C worked very well.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1964 Corvette Coupe Radiator Recommendation

Own a 1964 Corvette Coupe since September. Car runs and drives great. Noticed a slight leak in radiator. Believe it's the original radiator in the car. Looking for recommendation as to whether or not to have the original radiator repaired, get a new radiator (4 core, copper and brass) or get a new aluminum 3 or 4 core radiator?

Any insights would greatly be appreciated. The car does have factory air conditioning.

Thanks,

GB