Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

I presently dont have the correct rad in my nova. I have been looking on the internet at a few different sites to find a proper looking repalcement. Classic industries has two listed, a 3 row, and a 4 row. My GM docs dont list anything about a HD rad being installed, so am I correct in thinking that a 3 row, was installed in my car originally?? Any links or part numbers would help me out, so that I can get the correct looking rad for my Nova. Thanks in advance.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

If this is for a '69 M-21,pretty sure a 3 row is what yours originally came with.
<span style="font-style: italic">Harrison</span> part# 3017837,chevrolet suffix code ZD.The core holds 4.8 qts.&amp; measures out @ 16.97&quot; high X 23&quot; wide X 1.98&quot; deep.
Same one used in the '68-70 M/T 396 Nova &amp; '69 M/T SS camaro w/any 396cid.,but without A/C,or HD cooling.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

All 69-70 L78 Novas came with a 3 core rad, regardless if Auto or 4spd, there may be a couple of assembly line freaks out there with a curve neck or 4 core. I've never seen one

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

There are a few choices in the aftermarket for replacement radiators...prices vary with quality for sure.

Original units are hard to come by and command a premium if the seller knows what they have. If you go the OEM route you should know there is a date code on the pass. side tank that indicates the month of production. A real factory radiator is hard to find...the proper date for your car, even harder! Most survivor radiators have been re-cored at some time and may actually be a 4 core now...the tanks are where the money is and it is a bonus if the original ZD tag and top rail are in place.

Hope this helps..wilma

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

here is a pic of my assembly line &quot;freak&quot;, a late 69 production turbo 400 L-78 nova, born with curved neck radhttp://i617.photobucket.com/albums/t..._radiator1.jpghttp://i617.photobucket.com/albums/t..._radiator2.jpghttp://i617.photobucket.com/albums/t..._radiator3.jpghttp://i617.photobucket.com/albums/t..._radiator4.jpg

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Wilma

As you say, prices vary with quality. If you where going to purchase an aftermarket radiator, what would you buy, so that it had the correct look and proper fit?? And well I got you here, how about the proper bolts for the radiator support bracket?? Is there some where to get the correct bolts for this? I realize they are 2 different bolts with 2 different part #. I have put the part # in e-bay, and found them, but they want to sell you a hand full, and I only need 1 of each. Your help is always appreciated. And thanks to the replys on this subject. I will be ordering one once I have these questioned answered. Thanks again

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

http://www.usradiator.com/chevrolet-...-radiator.html

http://www.camaros.com/

I have purchased several units from US Radiator and they are first quality...made in USA. They have several options..all good values. Camaro Specialties offers the show quality &quot;Harrison&quot; imprint replacement...it is pricey, and I'm not sure if it is an exact duplicate...never did a comparison..perhaps others have. There are other low-grade replacement units available..but, I've never considered them an option. As for the hardware...I would check with Wayne Bushey at NNN...he can probably help you. www.nnnova.com 717-252-4192


wilma

FYI: I just saw an original ZD tag unit sell on Team Camaro for $500..that's a steal...it is worth twice that in my book...so, there are values out there.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Thats a bummer about the one on team camaro, I would of last looked on sunday, then traveled to camp on monday, and been real busy since!!

I see they have 3 different options to choose from. Please tell me which one you have purchased. All your hardware, fanshroud, etc just went right together with no problems? Thanks again for your time Wilma. You have been alot of help with this post, and with my Nova.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

I'm pretty sure I got the High Efficiency unit....but, I think it came in a 4 core style. The 1st gen Camaro is the same as Nova...they list a 4 core for Camaro...give them a call and discuss the details. As for the shroud and other items you will need...Wayne at NNN has all that stuff and it works fine with these radiators.

Hope this helps.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

I have everything else, fan shroud clips, shroud, etc for the BB set up, the rad and the 2 bolts are the last things for the proper details under the hood. I will call them tomorrow, and see what they have to say. I have a friend going to barrett jackson, maybe he can bring it back with him. If not I will get it shipped to Arizona, and my aunt can bring it back to canada when it warms up enough for her. Have yourself a good evening [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

They repop the ZD tag,as well as you can still find originals floating around that came on the following Manual Trans cars:
1968-69-70 Nova w/L-34 396/402-350HP.
1968-69-70 Nova w/L-78 396/402-375HP.

1969 Camaro w/L-35 396-325HP.
1969 Camaro w/L-34 396-350HP.
1969 Camaro w/L-78 396-375HP

Pontiac Aspen &amp; Firebird shared those Harrison tanks as well.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Anybody repop the &quot;UZ&quot; tag?...Joe

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Try &quot;The Parts Place&quot; and ask for Joe.I know they repop the ZD tags,maybe UZ also.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Both Jim @ Heartbeat City &amp; Joe @ thePartsPlace sell the ZD &amp; UZ repro tags.
Jim is asking for $69.95 shipped,and Joe for $29 + ship.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_kw=radi...=1&amp;_sop=12

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-Cama...sQ5fAccessories

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

OK. I looked at that &amp; according to Jerr McNeish's book it should be a CH &amp; IO for the UZ tag not the IE &amp; OO. This a 4 row automatic w/air &amp; automatic (goose neck type)...Joe

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

http://www.camaros.org/coolingsystems.shtml

Here is a link from the Camaros.org site...it appears CH IO is correct for 4 row curved neck auto application.

wilma

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

That would mean Heartbeat city is making them wrong...eh?
Joe

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

-----Big leap there,,,Huh!!!......Bill S

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Ordered my rad last week from heartbeat city, I have the correct replacement coming. It's expensive, but I heard good things about it. They say I will have it within 2 month. Car might be back together by the time it gets here, but won't take long to put it in when it gets here.

Does anybody have any opions on this radiator?

Thought I'd update ya all on what I finally ordered. I will let you all know what it looks like when it gets here. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Darcy, I hear this radiator is an excellent reproduction and built correctly.. It will look like crap when you get it so don't be surprised.. It's just &quot;raw material&quot; looking.. You will have to paint it...

Rich

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Darcy, I used one of Heartbeat City's radiators in my burgandy Nova and am very happy with it. It was a bit pricey but in my opinion a well done product.

Grady

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

I got one in my Camaro, Ok after 2 seasons.

Mike

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Sound like I made the right choice. I will invest in a can of paint and shine it up before I install it in the car.

Mike, do you have any video or links to utube of that camaro making a pass??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmx5gu0FiYM
This is a vid of my nova, just playing around.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Very nice Darcy. Your L78 engine sounds/looks strong!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/3gears.gif[/img]

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Darcy
That is a cool video of the Nova.. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]
That's about what I do in the first 60' lots of smoke, but still a blast. I do not have any good video making a pass.

Mike

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Shoulda dumped the clutch on the roll back. That makes really cool fish hooks. (big smile)

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Sounds fantastic, Darcy. Super cool car.

Re: Proper rad for L-78 nova
 

Finally recieved my rad from heart beat city. Took a lil longer then what I expected, but the wait was worth it. Was expesive, but to have the proper codes on the tanks is pretty cool. I gave it a glass beading, and a couple coats of paint. Got it installed with the proper matt for the top of it, shroud, clips, etc. It finally looks like a proper big block nova now when you open the hood. That small block rad cover was bugging me! The only problem that I'm having is the bottom fan shroud clip on the drivers side doesn't hold the shroud firmly in place, and the shrould like to move up a bit, and touck the fan. Any suggestions on how to fix this minor problem. I was thinking a small piece of machanics wire. Which would be virtually invisible to the eye. What have you gentlemen done in the past to remedy the problem?? Thanks for all the advice guys.