69 Z28 Radiator Re-coring ?

[69Z28-RS]

I just spoke with my radiator shop.   I'm told my heator core is GOOD, but the original '69 Z28 (UH) Radiator core is bad (at the header at the bottom).   I'm told he can replace that with an *identical* core for $300.   I just told him to proceed, but I feel I should inquire here to make sure I'm doing the right thing.  I definitely need to repair this original radiator.   Should I be asking the radiator shop any questions re anything?  manufacturer, type, size, etc?
Thanks in advance for whatever suggestions you might make!
Gary

[Mike S]

  I had my core replaced but reused the original side tanks and mounts. I told them it was for a show car so they gave it the special treatment and had nice looking solder seams. The top square section of the replacement was missing a hole so the shop measured the original one and drilled it in the replacement. It looks exact including the fin density.
  

Mike

[69pace]

Make sure they Save the TAG!

[z28z11]

Make sure they Save the TAG!

Better yet, remove the tag before you send it out !

[z28z11]

Speaking of tags, do we have a listing anywhere in the site info of a breakdown of radiator tag info ? Specifically Z11 L48 auto A/C cars - both of my Z's have their original tags, but the Z11 is missing in action (probably from the apparent rework before I bought the car, hence my reference above to "remove it before you send it" post).

Regards,
Steve

[bertfam]

Speaking of tags, do we have a listing anywhere in the site info of a breakdown of radiator tag info ?

HERE you go Steve.

Ed

[68Zproject]

Beware of buying repro radiator tags that claim they are correct before checking this claim out completely.  The one HBC sells for the 68 Z radiator is incorrectly coded with a non-exisatant code.

[69Z28-RS]

I will call the radiator shop back tomorrow, and ask him to remove/save the tag.   he knows it's important to me but I didn't think about taking it off.   Is removing the tag and replacing it after the recoring, something I can easily do?  I've never seen one of these off before.

I will reuse the sidetanks and save/reuse the tag, but the core comes with the 'top' and bottom' braces.   The top brace has 'square' holes in it.   I asked him if the new core would duplicate that exactly and he wasn't sure; nor am I sure how one would 'drill' square holes if none are there in the new core... ? 

The original radiator is a 'three core', but when I asked the shop, they said the new one would be a three core, OR Equivalent 2 core (ie. larger holes?)...   that bothers me a bit.   Should it?   Is there a preferred source for radiator cores to ensure more exact duplication?

Gary

[z28z11]

Gary,

Tags are easily removed, with a little care. They grip around the edge of the tank, and have a couple of "spurs" that lock them on. If you're careful, they'll usually come right off without damage. Be careful of weakened (rusted) metal - it's pretty thin steel.

I have not had any of my radiators rebuilt as yet, but a fellow Z owner near me had his rebuilt by a shop in Nashville. Swears it's dead nuts, and knowing this owner very well, I'd take his word for it. His Z has been in his family since the early 70's, and he is very particular about it. I suppose it's too late to get the source for you, but according to him, the 3 row core, exact duplicate, is available. I intend on getting mine done at the same source he used (whenI can afford it).

Regards,
Steve

[z28z11]

Speaking of tags, do we have a listing anywhere in the site info of a breakdown of radiator tag info ?

HERE you go Steve.

Ed

Ed - just saved me a lot of heartburn. I have looked for this info for years, never realized it was right under my fingers. Another instance of why this site is soooo appreciated - and you guys that labor so diligently on it. Incidently, I bought the right GM UR tag (by accident) years ago - this just documented why I bought it !

Thanks and regards,
Steve

[69Z28-RS]

Gary,

Tags are easily removed, with a little care. They grip around the edge of the tank, and have a couple of "spurs" that lock them on. If you're careful, they'll usually come right off without damage. Be careful of weakened (rusted) metal - it's pretty thin steel.

I have not had any of my radiators rebuilt as yet, but a fellow Z owner near me had his rebuilt by a shop in Nashville. Swears it's dead nuts, and knowing this owner very well, I'd take his word for it. His Z has been in his family since the early 70's, and he is very particular about it. I suppose it's too late to get the source for you, but according to him, the 3 row core, exact duplicate, is available. I intend on getting mine done at the same source he used (whenI can afford it).

Regards,
Steve

Thanks Steve,

If you get the name of the ship or the brand/mfg of the core..  please let me know.. 
Gary

[z28z11]

Gary,

Will do. I'll try to get it tomorrow, BTW, look at the link Ed sent me for a good look at the tags and the tabs that hold them on - good pictures (great info !).

Regards,
Steve

[69ndpce]

I had my original 69 SS 350 radiator re-cored about 3 years ago.  I had it changed from a 2 to 3 core while he was at it.  He put all of the tags and everything back correctly.  It was pricey but I've been very happy with it and glad I did it and not install a new one.  Here is a picture of the main tags and info.  I did a poor job of painting the letters but I could see them better.

[jdv69z]

I had my radiator restored 30 years ago, before I knew anything about a tag. When I looked for it, it was missing of course. But then later I learned that the radiator was also identified by the side tank part codes and dating code. So, even without the tag, the radiator's originality can be verified.

Jimmy V.

[69Z28-RS]

Gary,

Will do. I'll try to get it tomorrow, BTW, look at the link Ed sent me for a good look at the tags and the tabs that hold them on - good pictures (great info !).

Regards,
Steve

Thanks Steve,   even though I'd verified my radiator *(UH) long ago from the site, in going there today, I noticed some additional information on specs for the radiator and core, and also additional data on fans and clutches.  
Note to Kurt:   The update did not include the *date codes* on both the fan (914087  H69, and 3947772) and fan clutch (EATON CV, and H21J) that my car has.   My car is a 09C production, and most of the parts on the car are dated 'H' for August).   I believe these fan and clutch H codes also represent August '69 in this instance.