After restoring a handful of 68's & 69's I realized I didn't know the answer to this. I have seen numerous 68's & 69's with a 4 core radiator but all have had the top plate modified on the drivers side. 68 top plates are different where the shroud mounts. 69 top plates do not have the 2 notches on the pass side. 70-72 top plates have the 2 notches on the Pass side and 4 cores have the special bracket spot welded on the Drivers side. I have never seen a 68 or 69 type top plate with the special bracket spot welded on the drivers side or a 68 or 69 core support with the special bracket like the 70-72's. Did 68-69 Chevelles have a factory 4 core radiator? My 68 L78 someone put a chrome top cover on it and an aftermarket radiator so I am looking to return it to original. Thanks Randy.

I'm fairly sure there weren't any 68 or 69 Chevelles with a 4-row radiator. They had a 3-row with extra fins in it, but I haven't seen a factory 4-row radiator even if it was a big block with A/C.
Maybe someone else can add to this.

Anyone have any other information about this?

I have to agree with Rick. Three core was the biggest radiator you could get in 69. Some, I believe the BQ's, got the extra fins for cooling, but still 3-core.

Woj

Thanks for the responses guys. The 3 core stuff would definitely be easier to find. :thumbsup:

Randy,I have 2 orginal GM nos 4 core top late for 69-70 chevelle and it has the the special metal tab spot welded to it.

There was a hd cooling 4 core rad opt offered in 69 & 70 for 396 with ac or L78 396-69 & L78 402-70 along with 1970 454 ls5/ls6 too as hd cooling opt which also inc a 7 blade 772 clutch fan too.

Also,i just got done working on a verified original #'s matching 70 chevelle ss 396 with hd cooling option that has ac and it too had the special top plate from factory with spot welded tab .

That car also had the special matel tab/plat attached to the lower part of radiator support on driver side of car too.

So yes i have seen both the real deal special spot welded tap on top plate and special tab on lower rad support too with hd 4 core cooling option so tyhey do exist.

I have also seen them on a few other 69/70 chevelles over the yrs too,but not that often,kinda rare.

BTW,i sent you pics of the top plate and lower rad support of the 70 chevelle i just worked on that had the optional 4 core rad with correct original special top plate with spot welded tab and also the special tab on lower rad support too.

I was doing a general clean up/repaint of the motor,all accessory brackets,ps pump,alt,battery box,upper hood latch,touched up frame rails & upper cont arms,master cyl,brack lines going to master cyl,power brake booster,steering box,chips in under hood paint,installed new 4 core rad,new belts,new hoses & wytech clamps,new inner fender splash gaurds,etc. I spent many many hrs under that hood,was back breaking but result was very nice,owner was very happy with end result.(PHEW!!!)

I always try to document this kinda rare stuff you dont see often as i run into it which is why had the pics .

You can now buy the correct lower rad support baracket for a few $ which is a snap to install and you can also find the 4 core original top plates on ebay for sale too from time to time.

Scott