Thorson

I have a slow leak at the upper inlet nozzle on the rad in my '65 big block car. The radiator is a non-original brass/copper unit. The Dewitts resto- unit is apparently finished and not coming back. The newer "direct-fit" is available but, inexplicably to me, seems like it may be less efficient than the 45 year old original. (Re-Production costs maybe?) Ron Davis Radiators makes a unit for this application. Has anyone tried their product on a street driver type car. Any thoughts as to better or worse than a "direct-fit"?

MikeM

Why don't you take it to a radiator shop and get the neck soldered?

Thorson

I took it to a local rad shop and was told that it should be fixable but they would need to pull the radiator out to do the repairs. I thought if its coming out anyway, I'll look into putting in an aluminium unit before getting this one fixed. Engine stays @180*ish at highway speeds but climbs to 220*+ around town.

relics6067

Thorson:

I thoughr Dewitts posted a few days ago that they had enough parts to do a few more 65-396 radiators.

Might be worth a call............

HTH

Thorson

I called Dewitts about two weeks ago and was told that they had a few that were being tested and to keep checking the website if they were to become available. I asked if I could get on a waiting list for one and was told, nope. Kind of got the feeling that anything that might be coming is already spoken for.

0Tom@Dewitt

I believe we have a few upspoken for if you want the original unit. We don't have "waiting lists" but if you order one we'll make it.

As far as the why the Direct Fit is less cooling (10%) than the restoration radiator is because of the design differences. The original is stack plates with no end tanks. The Direct fit is two rows of 1" tubes and end tanks on both ends, which is exactly what the RD unit does.

Thorson

That's great news Tom, thanks. I tried to put an order in on your website but I couldn't create an account with a Canadian address. I'll call on Monday morning.

Thanks again.