Correct 73 Cuda Front Valance Color

[RDF]

240* is really hot there bob, careful running it for that long. May be helpful to pull the lower radiator hose and check for junk that comes out (from the radiator). If there are signs of stuff you may be able to clear some of it out over the course of a couple days. What I have done before is sat the radiator on its back and filled it as high as i could with a full bottle of "coolant flush" and water, and basically just let it soak for a few days before washing it out. Worked decently and was cheap..

It also wouldn't be the first time a faulty "new" thermostat was sold. That is a possibility as well.


There is a thoery behind running no thermostat can cause overheating in some vehicles. The system is designed to have that restriction of coolant where the thermostat is. The restriction helps keep the coolant in the radiator long enough to disappate the heat, coolant flowing too fast will no be able to lose enough heat. 'Possibly'. This was the case with my '70 Dart at one point, with no thermostat.

I agree about the 240 being hot.....hence the reason I usually try to avoid lights and get on some open road to get the air flowing....once driving, it drops to about 205-215 depending on speed.....but as soon as I hit a red light, bam, it'll climb to 240 just about the same time the light turns green.....and you know the lights down here, some of them are red for a good 2-3 minutes before turning.

I'll try the radiator idea you suggested....at this point I have nothing to loose.  One thing that makes me think the rad. is clogged is when I changed the thermo, I noticed a BIG chunk of sealant (RTV Blue) floating in the block.....I took it out, but it had me thinking, WTF else is in that rad..

[jeryst]

I've run several cars without a thermostat, for one reason or another, and never had one overheat. The purpose of a thermostat is to let the water out when it gets too hot. As long as the water is hot, the thermostat will remain open, and, in effect, you are running without a thermostat.

[RDF]

Getting back to the color....LOL.....is this what you were talking about as far as Argent Silver? 

http://www.lategreatchevy.com/product.asp?pf_id=563583&dept_id=122&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Car+Care+%26+Tools+-+Paints-_-563583-_-X

[hooD]

The front valance is not argent silver.  It is a different shade and texture than the argent grill. 

My valance could use a good cleaning with some 409 or simple green.  It has over 30 plus years of road grime on it.  It may clean up to be a shade lighter.