Harrison radiator questions
 

Questions for the Harrison radiator professionals here. The consensus is atleast for the 1970 model year that harrison radiator drain valves were painted with the radiators true or false. Also were there different vendors who supplied drain valves for rhe radiators? I have 2 of the same cars with the same radiators. One has a fluted drain with outward facing tabs to turn the other is not fluted with the same outward facing tabs to turn. Can anyone help with these answers with what's correct?"

Can anyone help me with this particular answer? Im sure someone here probably has experience with this answer. Thanks in advance.

Hi Ron,
My experience with survivor 1970 Chevrolet radiators is that the petcock or drain valve was installed after paint. This is due to not seeing any evidence of paint on this part on the 70 Chevelles I've had the opportunity to inspect and service.
Another part that i have had the opportunity to study was an NOS radiator for a 70 A body that although painted from the factory had a cardboard plug where the drain plug would be, so that could explain it if Harrison shipped the radiator to the assembly plants the same way? The only 70 Camaro radiators I've had the opportunity to inspect did not have the barrel feature that is typical on 70 A body radiators. Don't know why they would be different but appear that some at least were.
The flare on the handle of the valve should be facing the engine.
Hope this helps.

Thanks Chris.

Here's a picture from my 1970 big block Harrison radiator if it helps.

Thanks for your picture, Are you somewhat positive that's the original drain valve? I have 2 1970 L78 camaros both have the same forward facing valve tabs correct for a 1970. But one has the barrel flutted drain like yours and the other is without the barrel drain. Most likely there may have been different vendors for the valves. That one of the answers I'm trying to sort out. Also if they were painted. I feel they were installed when the radiator was installed in the car. So no paint should applied when properly restored. Also paint will prevent it from turning on the threads to open properly. GM always protected parts to prevent a service problems.

Here's a photo from a 22k original mile Norwood 04B 1970 Z28 formerly owned by Jack Seymour. Clearly has black paint on the petcock and the "ears" face the radiator. Original pic and zoomed-in pic.

I guess this throws a curve ball into this answer. So now we may be looking at 3 different drain valves for 1970. And a car that has one with black paint. Are there any pictures of Charley's former low milage 1970 Ls6 chevelle that show a drain valve?

I guess everybody commenting here is assuming that the radiators shipped from Harrison NY were shipped painted and NOT painted at the final assembly plant?

Multiple questions here Phil for the correct style drain valves. We're there multiple vendors since there are different types? Were they painted with the radiators? Were the drains installed during assembly line process and not painted.