Rob1972 Posted April 19, 2017 Share #1 Posted April 19, 2017 My aluminum three row doesn't have a draincock installed (???). Rather than pulling the lower radiator hose every time, and making a mess, I'd like to install a draincock. I figure this will involve drilling / tapping which is fine, but I foresee tiny shards of aluminum making their way downstream. Suggestions? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/57535-radiator-needs-draincock/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hardway Posted April 20, 2017 Share #2 Posted April 20, 2017 You will have to take it out and have a radiator shop or someone that can tig weld aluminum. Regarding the fear of metal shavings I am sure the shop would thoroughly flush it out as part of the repair. Shocking that it does not have a drain **** on it. Who is it made by? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/57535-radiator-needs-draincock/#findComment-518647 Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwri8 Posted April 21, 2017 Share #3 Posted April 21, 2017 My 77' with original rad (I think) didn't have a draincock. I took it to a rad shop and had one installed along with a good flush. Then I finished it out with black paint and a coat of clear. Having to pull the lower hose was never a fun job. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/57535-radiator-needs-draincock/#findComment-518669 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colbino Posted April 21, 2017 Share #4 Posted April 21, 2017 The first time using the petcock (insert joke here) in two years, it failed. Petcocks are usually made of crappy brass! The lower radiator hose method is the safest way if you don't want to risk having any issues. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/57535-radiator-needs-draincock/#findComment-518680 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zed Head Posted April 21, 2017 Share #5 Posted April 21, 2017 Install a pet/drain-**** in the lower hose. 1 Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/57535-radiator-needs-draincock/#findComment-518681 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob1972 Posted April 21, 2017 Author Share #6 Posted April 21, 2017 Thanks Hardway, yeah I'll probably take it out as you suggested. This radiator is from Arizona Z Car 11 years ago, and it is considered a racing radiator even though I don't race. I just gave them a call, I think I talked to the owner, and he said they do not install a draincock because they feel that it could get knocked off since the bottom of the radiator is 2 inches lower than a stock radiator. I think one could easily be installed because it still sits higher than the oil pan. Thanks! Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/57535-radiator-needs-draincock/#findComment-518725 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob1972 Posted April 22, 2017 Author Share #7 Posted April 22, 2017 If anybody else is interested: A little research turned up an aluminum bung to weld to the bottom of the tank: http://www.jpcycles.com/product/721-343 And an all aluminum draincock from the Corvette guys: http://corvettespecialty.com/corvette-aluminum-radiator-draincock-1960-72 I haven't checked on sizing yet but I imagine 3/8 being standard. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/topic/57535-radiator-needs-draincock/#findComment-518759 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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