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69 GT500 fuel pump and radiator replacement?

Started by Brian350, May 07, 2026, 12:42:24 AM

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Brian350

Recently bought a 69 GT500. Tons of problems, knocking them down one by one. ($$$$$) Looks like I either need my fuel pump rebuilt or replaced. Maybe a vapor lock issue. So, question. Better to rebuild the fuel pump? Replace it, but with what? Or do the dirty deed and go with EFI? Thoughts? Advice?

Overheating problems. Already have a clutch fan. Radiator looks pretty rusty inside. Repair or replace? Replace with what?

Thanks in advance for all the input, it's greatly appreciated!

Bob Gaines

Quote from: Brian350 on May 07, 2026, 12:42:24 AMRecently bought a 69 GT500. Tons of problems, knocking them down one by one. ($$$$$) Looks like I either need my fuel pump rebuilt or replaced. Maybe a vapor lock issue. So, question. Better to rebuild the fuel pump? Replace it, but with what? Or do the dirty deed and go with EFI? Thoughts? Advice?

Overheating problems. Already have a clutch fan. Radiator looks pretty rusty inside. Repair or replace? Replace with what?

Thanks in advance for all the input, it's greatly appreciated!
The short answer is to rebuild components if they are original assemblyline type.  Mods like efi on these cars typically are frowned at and diminish the value of the car by the amount in labor and materials to return it to stock.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

roddster

  "If" the radiator looks rusty inside, you can bet so are the water jackets.  Rust is an insulator.
     Look up cooling system cleaning on the internet.

Brian350

Quote from: Bob Gaines on May 07, 2026, 11:25:12 AM
Quote from: Brian350 on May 07, 2026, 12:42:24 AMRecently bought a 69 GT500. Tons of problems, knocking them down one by one. ($$$$$) Looks like I either need my fuel pump rebuilt or replaced. Maybe a vapor lock issue. So, question. Better to rebuild the fuel pump? Replace it, but with what? Or do the dirty deed and go with EFI? Thoughts? Advice?

Overheating problems. Already have a clutch fan. Radiator looks pretty rusty inside. Repair or replace? Replace with what?

Thanks in advance for all the input, it's greatly appreciated!
The short answer is to rebuild components if they are original assemblyline type.  Mods like efi on these cars typically are frowned at and diminish the value of the car by the amount in labor and materials to return it to stock.

Understood...

Brian350

Quote from: roddster on May 07, 2026, 12:12:59 PM"If" the radiator looks rusty inside, you can bet so are the water jackets.  Rust is an insulator.
     Look up cooling system cleaning on the internet.

Roger that...

Brian350

Ok, so the shop is going to rebuild the fuel pump and add a vapor return line. They're going to pull the radiator for either rebuild or replacement as well as the water pump and thermostat. We'll see how all that goe$$$$$$$$$...

Bob Gaines

Quote from: Brian350 on May 08, 2026, 04:43:53 PMOk, so the shop is going to rebuild the fuel pump and add a vapor return line. They're going to pull the radiator for either rebuild or replacement as well as the water pump and thermostat. We'll see how all that goe$$$$$$$$$...
Could you elaborate on the purpose of the vapor return line and where you are adding it? You had best do your research so that you can determine if the radiator is original or not. An original 69 GT500 radiator is a valuable and rare part. The top tank ,the side straps and the bottom tank are all valuable components in their own right. Typical shops replace radiators with generic replacements instead of rebuilding because it takes too much time and trouble. A generic radiator can be easily identified by a knowledgeable enthusiast.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby