Radiator Options

[tnguy68]

I have 64 shortbed I'm restoring. I went from the L6 engine to a 350/350 turbo combination. Body is off the frame getting blasted, painted and new panels welded in. The old radiator won't be enough to cool my engine so I'm looking for suggestions on what will fit. Measuring between the frame rails it looks like the widest I can go is about 23 3/4" but am wondering if I can really go that wide or if the inner fenders would interefere. The original radiator measures 18 3/4" wide by 23 1/2" tall. Since I don't have the body, radiator support, etc. back on the frame yet I can't get a true measurement. I also would prefer to have a radiator with the transmission cooler built in.

Anybody know if a radiator from another vehicle will fit this truck or will I have to just fork out the $$$$ to get a new one. Or, can someone take a measurement on their truck to see how wide and tall I can go so I can go to the local pull-a-part and search? If I have to purchase new would like to know if anyone has found an aluminum radiator that fits and doesn't cost a weeks salary.

[tnguy68]

Guess everyone is stumped on this one?

[raphyel]

I saw a guy on here who modified the radiator mount panel to fit a larger radiator. Also, several restoration companies have extra duty radiators for 327/350. Look at GMCpauls or brothers trucks. I'm sure one of them have a standard sized extra duty radiator that will work. Else, look on here or ask around to find out that post of the guy who cut the mount and countersunk a later model radiator in.

[kwkenuf]

Here's a pic of my aluminum job. It's a Be Cool unit for a 66 GTO with tranny cooler. It was a blem I picked up on Ebay. I modified the lower bracket on the radiator and the upper mount on the truck to lower the top edge of the radiator to be in line with the top of the core support. I always though stockers look funky with the top tank above the core support.... I still need to seal the openings around the radiator to force more air through it but that hasn't mattered as the truck hasn't gone over 195 degrees (with a stock 5.3L 192 tstat) in July, in traffic, in 112 degree ambient temps.... that may change when I put the A/C condensor in front of it but then I'll be swapping to a 160 degree tstat at the same time. Any way here's a pic...

[tnguy68]

Thanks for the replies guys.

KWKENUF: looks great and is exactly the kind of info I was looking for!

Thanks.

[flynj1]

If your looking a yards look in some 70s dodge PUs. I used one in my 55f100 with a sbc. Some have the right outlets for sbc and some dont

[rodnok1]

I used a Modine 1R347. It's a 4 core. You have to change the upper and lower mounts. It fits perfect width wise and has kept my engine mighty cool for 3 years+.

[tnguy68]

Thanks Rodknock1...good info!

[19GMC63]

I actually bought an aluminum radiator from Summit Racing for my 63 gmc. Its not nearly as pretty as that be-cool one, but for 170 bucks, it works, and fits perfectly.... the top of the radiator sits flush with the top of the core support. I had to custom fab the upper brakets tho, but it fit perfectly in the lower mounts.

[kwkenuf]

Originally Posted by 19GMC63

I actually bought an aluminum radiator from Summit Racing for my 63 gmc. Its not nearly as pretty as that be-cool one, but for 170 bucks, it works, and fits perfectly.... the top of the radiator sits flush with the top of the core support. I had to custom fab the upper brakets tho, but it fit perfectly in the lower mounts.

Got a part number or pics of that rad?

[19GMC63]

No pics, but here's a link.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

[leftcoast66]

Originally Posted by 19GMC63

No pics, but here's a link.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku

That's similar to the one I ran as well. It does great w/ a 160 degree thermostat and a built 350

[65Gregg]

I bought the same radiator as Rodnok1, it also carries the p/n 433347. Paid $230.00 at O'Riellys. It is approx 26 3/4w x 18 5/8h x 4 d. There is a 1" bulge where the upper hose connects, below that the width is 25 3/4. Rodnok1 what did you do to mount yours? I bought 67-72 upper and lower brackets and cushions but haven't installed them yet. Maybe your way is better... Oh yeah it also has trans cooler fittings.

[raphyel]

Thanks for the radiator information. I got a 19-26 and it fit great. I did it just like KWKENUF. You are the man.

[04Xrider]

Here is anothe option from ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...043481598&rd=1 It is a fair price and a top quality radiator. I am going to be using a electric fan with mine from a lincoln mark VIII, after removing the tabs it is just about a perfect fit, and that fan move around 4,500 cfms. The radiator drops right into the bottom mounts. I have pics but not quite sure how to post them yet.

[04Xrider]

I forgot to add that with the wider radiators, you will need to move the lower radiator mounts from thier lower position to the upper position to clear the frame rails, the holes should be allready pre drilled.