06
We grabbed a new radiator and
shroud center bracket (PN M-259)
from Zip, along with a new upper cush-
ion (PN WS-436). We slid the cushion
over the original-style tab on the radiator
and then loosely installed the two bolts
to hold the radiator upright.
09
After getting it dropped into
place, we installed bolts and
nuts in the factory positions. Make note
that the original steel shroud had built-
in nuts, while our J&D Corvette replace-
ment does not, meaning that it requires
pass-through bolts and attaches with
nuts and washers.
12
Our six-blade flex fan can be re-
installed using the existing hard-
ware. We removed the electric fan, as the
new cooling system is more than ade-
quate for this modified Corvette.
07
It would seem natural to install
the fan shroud next, but we found
that installing the lower radiator hose
is much easier without the shroud in
the way. The radiator hoses came from
RockAuto.com, but you can get them at
many Corvette parts suppliers.10
We tightened the side mounting
bolts and then tightened the radi-
ator and shroud center bracket bolts.
That allowed us to accurately drill the
hole for the only remaining fastener.
After it is drilled, we install the bolt, nut
and washers.13
Any time the cooling system is
taken apart it’s a good time to
replace the thermostat. It’s cheap and
easy to install since you’ve already
drained the coolant. We went with a
180-degree thermostat.08
Now we can lower the J&D Cor-
vette fiberglass fan shroud into
place. Before installation, we sanded it
and applied two coats of semi-gloss black
paint to match the rest of the engine bay.11
Final adjustments can be made to
align the center bracket and then
the bolts can be tightened.14
Our upper radiator hose was a little
long so we trimmed it with tin snips
until the fitment was perfect.15
With the upper radiator hose
installed—and the dust and our fin-
gerprints wiped off—the new DeWitts
radiator and J&D Corvette fan shroud
look like factory fresh pieces.26 VETTE 19.0 4
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