Cliff63

A friend of mine is doing a "frame off" on a '69 coupe and we had a conversation today about replacing the radiator. The car has no signs of having an expansion tank. Is this correct? It is a 350/350 4-speed (no A/C). I have little knowledge of the C3 family and all comments are appreciated. Thanks. :cheers:

Clink69

My late 69 350/350 No AC has an expansion tank. It appears to be original. Where do I check for dates or ID?

sb69coupe

'69 was a really volatile year with regard to cooling system changes throughout the production run. Both the 18" aluminum core radiator with expansion tank, and the 26" core copper/brass radiator were used on smallblock cars without A/C. Rick Bizzoco outlines this in great detail in the 1969 Stingray Guidebook.

Cliff63

sb69coupe,
Great information. I will pass it on to my friend. Thanks, Cliff



[Modified by Cliff63, 5:34 PM 2/14/2003]

Larry B.

Mine has a 27 1/2 " core with no provisions for trans cooling lines and a long brass expansion tank. Correct for 427/390 4spd with A/C. There are several variations of shrouds too. Not to mention a whole lot of hose variations, most of which are not in stock at most auto parts stores and don't fit like the originals when you do find them.. :confused:

0Tom@Dewitt

My understanding of the radiators used is as follows:

68-72 (3155316) aluminum was used on all small block cars with no AC, manual trans, and base engine. This used the aluminum surge tank.

69-72 (3018803) 26" copper core was used on all L46 engines with manual transmission, or any 69-72 with AC. No surge tank, filler neck on rad.

69-72 (3018802) 26" copper core was used on all small block cars with automatic. Same as above but with trans cooler.

69-72 BB (3019190) was a 27.5" copper core and was used on all big block cars. (3019189 with auto) and the radiator did not have a filler neck. It used the same aluminum surge tank as the small block cars (3016340) unless it had AC, then it got the brass long can.

Does the book mentioned above agree with my research or is there any other feedback out there?

Larry B.

My radiator # is 3018571 Broadcast MJ9.. Oct. 69 build..427/390. 4spd. A/C.

sb69coupe

Tom,

Bizzoco has a survey which shows one350hp car w/o AC that has the small aluminum radiator. Otherwise you're in total agreement.

Shannon