aluminum radiators - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

harbourmicah · 06-10-2009, 02:07 AM

whats the biggest aluminum radiator yall have fit without any serious modification to your truck? and where did you get it from? i have been looking at this one
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

has anyone used it?

63 & 64 Bowties · 06-10-2009, 07:43 AM

this is what I used. Fits nice, you just have to rework the mounts a little. I assume you're running a SBC?

**Chevy Fleetside** · 06-10-2009, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

this is what I used. Fits nice, you just have to rework the mounts a little. I assume you're running a SBC?

I have what he used but with a tranny cooler.

harbourmicah · 06-10-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

this is what I used. Fits nice, you just have to rework the mounts a little. I assume you're running a SBC?

yes small block chevy, so with the 27 inches wide you didnt run into the inner fenders?

63 & 64 Bowties · 06-10-2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harbourmicah

yes small block chevy, so with the 27 inches wide you didnt run into the inner fenders?

Mine is sitting just above the lower lip that sticks inward. I have about 1/2" clearance on both sides.

Imperial Kustom · 06-10-2009, 08:40 PM

I also used the 27X19 Northern. Fit great and with the Z in the frame, I used the stock upper bracket too!!!! Love that radiator. Get one.

Alan's Classic · 06-10-2009, 11:14 PM

Great info

harbourmicah · 06-14-2009, 10:19 PM

what about you guys with 500+ horsepower, i cant seem to find anything that says its rated for more than 400 horsepower.

SCOTI · 06-14-2009, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harbourmicah

what about you guys with 500+ horsepower, i cant seem to find anything that says its rated for more than 400 horsepower.

I would think the radiator might offer improved efficiency w/larger internal tubes (2-rows @ 1.25" vs. 1"). Other than that, the fan/shroud combo would be a good place to improve the efficiency.

lownslw64 · 06-18-2009, 10:27 AM

Has anyone used on that is 25.5'' wide, 22'' tall and 3.25 inches thick.

SeanPaintsFlames · 06-18-2009, 11:23 AM

I got one off ebay that was half the cost of Summit's, and it came with an electric fan. I'm very happy with it; and the $200 I saved!

CLASSICPARTSDEPOTINC · 06-18-2009, 12:33 PM

The aluminum radiators we use are a direct bolt in using the stock holes on the core support for the fan shroud. They fully polished with dual Spal fans mounted to a polished fan shroud. Sorry it's hard to see in the picture!

CLASSICPARTSDEPOTINC · 06-18-2009, 12:46 PM

oops!

SCOTI · 06-18-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CLASSICPARTSDEPOTINC

The aluminum radiators we use are a direct bolt in using the stock holes on the core support for the fan shroud. They fully polished with dual Spal fans mounted to a polished fan shroud. Sorry it's hard to see in the picture!

More info.... Who do you use? P/N's? Specs?

**Chevy Fleetside** · 06-18-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanPaintsFlames

I got one off ebay that was half the cost of Summit's, and it came with an electric fan. I'm very happy with it; and the $200 I saved!

You got one for $9...

**Chevy Fleetside** · 06-18-2009, 07:03 PM

This one has no cooler. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-380428/

This is the one that you see in the pictures of my truck. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-381428/ It has a cooler and some fab work is nessesary. I have only fitted the radiator and have not run any hoses yet. I have no idea how hard that is going to be. Direct bolt in is alot easier.

lownslw64 · 06-19-2009, 01:17 PM

I am running a griffin alum radiator with dual spal fans and trans cooler in my 64 pick up. I measures 26''wd x 22'' high x and 3'' thick. These are overall measurements. I am running a ls1-4l60e combo.

SeanPaintsFlames · 06-19-2009, 04:12 PM

Ah ha, no. It was for my Cougar. The direct bolt-in one is a lot more expensive. The cheapest one I saw was just under $500. So... I saved more than $200 I guess.

This being said, I just recieved my ebay aluminum radiator today for the 65 GMC via UPS. It doesn't fit worth a crap, and I can't return it. I don't even know what it's supposed to go in, so that I can resell it. It's about 4 inches too wide, and hits the frame almost 3 inches before it sits into the rubber mounts. Oh well. Maybe I can trade it to the local radiator repair guy to re-core my original...

**Chevy Fleetside** · 06-19-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanPaintsFlames

This being said, I just recieved my ebay aluminum radiator today for the 65 GMC via UPS. It doesn't fit worth a crap, and I can't return it. I don't even know what it's supposed to go in, so that I can resell it. It's about 4 inches too wide, and hits the frame almost 3 inches before it sits into the rubber mounts. Oh well. Maybe I can trade it to the local radiator repair guy to re-core my original...

Well that sucks...

SeanPaintsFlames · 06-19-2009, 10:40 PM

I got it figured out. There are two pairs of holes for the bottom brackets. One high and one low. Mine was in the low location, to fit between the frame. I didn't want to get cutting and welding on my junky truck, but after a few minutes with the tools, it was in. I had to re-fab the top bracket bracing, too. Honestly, the most difficult and time-consuming part was finding different shaped radiator hoses to accommodate the wider spread between the hose inlets.

Those big rivets SUCK! You'd think it was a battleship.

protrash64 · 06-20-2009, 12:48 AM

I used the SUM 380428 that Chevy Fleetside linked. I also picked up a B&M tranny cooler, stacked plate, 20,000GVW that I plumbed in. They both work great.....190* all day in 100*+ temps.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 06-20-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by protrash64

I used the SUM 380428 that Chevy Fleetside linked. I also picked up a B&M tranny cooler, stacked plate, 20,000GVW that I plumbed in. They both work great.....190* all day in 100*+ temps.

Do you know the part #'s of the hoses you used or maybe an application? I wonder if it would be the same for tha BB if you are running a SB.

Woogeroo · 06-20-2009, 12:13 PM

http://www.griffinrad.com/

A pal of mine had a warmed up sbf 302 in his '68 fairlane... and he just ordered one of their pre-made size radiators and made it fit with some brackets.

They also have made to fit and custom fit to your applications... but that all depends upon your $$$$.

-W

64Tony · 06-20-2009, 02:08 PM

I just found out last night there's a new part from BCool, supposed to be a direct bolt in for our trucks. Saw it in a 65 step here in San Antonio, looks like it fits ok, but the owner said he had to cut the lower mounts some, and run another trans cooler, the openings in the BCool rad are inaccessible. I'm going to look into that one, and call to see if they've addressed any of his issues.

SCOTI · 06-20-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64Tony

I just found out last night there's a new part from BCool, supposed to be a direct bolt in for our trucks. Saw it in a 65 step here in San Antonio, looks like it fits ok, but the owner said he had to cut the lower mounts some, and run another trans cooler, the openings in the BCool rad are inaccessible. I'm going to look into that one, and call to see if they've addressed any of his issues.

I like just about everything BeCool has to offer except for their price.

06-10-2009, 02:07 AM	#1
harbourmicah Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 70	aluminum radiators whats the biggest aluminum radiator yall have fit without any serious modification to your truck? and where did you get it from? i have been looking at this one http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku has anyone used it? __________________ 1966 chevy short step- under construction http://www.fquick.com/harbourmicah

06-10-2009, 07:43 AM	#2
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: aluminum radiators this is what I used. Fits nice, you just have to rework the mounts a little. I assume you're running a SBC? __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

06-10-2009, 08:40 PM	#6
Imperial Kustom 100% gearhead Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 313	Re: aluminum radiators I also used the 27X19 Northern. Fit great and with the Z in the frame, I used the stock upper bracket too!!!! Love that radiator. Get one. __________________ Imperial Kustom LLC Meridian Idaho. I never stopped playing with cars, they just got bigger.

06-10-2009, 11:14 PM	#7
Alan's Classic 1 thing at a time is progress. Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ball Ground GA Posts: 5,511	Re: aluminum radiators Great info __________________ Alan Philippians 2:14-16 Alan's Classic Facebook page. North Georgia Group Project 1965 Vitamin C-10 1995 GMC Sierra K1500 The "Wrecker"

06-14-2009, 10:19 PM	#8
harbourmicah Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 70	Re: aluminum radiators what about you guys with 500+ horsepower, i cant seem to find anything that says its rated for more than 400 horsepower. __________________ 1966 chevy short step- under construction http://www.fquick.com/harbourmicah

06-18-2009, 10:27 AM	#10
lownslw64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Middleton, Idaho Posts: 235	Re: aluminum radiators Has anyone used on that is 25.5'' wide, 22'' tall and 3.25 inches thick.

06-18-2009, 11:23 AM	#11
SeanPaintsFlames Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Buford, Ga. Posts: 339	Re: aluminum radiators I got one off ebay that was half the cost of Summit's, and it came with an electric fan. I'm very happy with it; and the $200 I saved! __________________ My 68 cougar restomod build:HERE

06-18-2009, 12:33 PM	#12
CLASSICPARTSDEPOTINC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: La Habra Posts: 22	Re: aluminum radiators The aluminum radiators we use are a direct bolt in using the stock holes on the core support for the fan shroud. They fully polished with dual Spal fans mounted to a polished fan shroud. Sorry it's hard to see in the picture!

06-18-2009, 12:46 PM	#13
CLASSICPARTSDEPOTINC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: La Habra Posts: 22	Re: aluminum radiators oops! Attached Images

06-18-2009, 07:03 PM	#16
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: aluminum radiators This one has no cooler. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-380428/ This is the one that you see in the pictures of my truck. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-381428/ It has a cooler and some fab work is nessesary. I have only fitted the radiator and have not run any hoses yet. I have no idea how hard that is going to be. Direct bolt in is alot easier. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536 Last edited by Chevy Fleetside; 06-18-2009 at 07:04 PM.

06-19-2009, 01:17 PM	#17
lownslw64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Middleton, Idaho Posts: 235	Re: aluminum radiators I am running a griffin alum radiator with dual spal fans and trans cooler in my 64 pick up. I measures 26''wd x 22'' high x and 3'' thick. These are overall measurements. I am running a ls1-4l60e combo.

06-19-2009, 04:12 PM	#18
SeanPaintsFlames Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Buford, Ga. Posts: 339	Re: aluminum radiators Ah ha, no. It was for my Cougar. The direct bolt-in one is a lot more expensive. The cheapest one I saw was just under $500. So... I saved more than $200 I guess. This being said, I just recieved my ebay aluminum radiator today for the 65 GMC via UPS. It doesn't fit worth a crap, and I can't return it. I don't even know what it's supposed to go in, so that I can resell it. It's about 4 inches too wide, and hits the frame almost 3 inches before it sits into the rubber mounts. Oh well. Maybe I can trade it to the local radiator repair guy to re-core my original... __________________ My 68 cougar restomod build:HERE Last edited by SeanPaintsFlames; 06-19-2009 at 04:13 PM.

06-19-2009, 10:40 PM	#20
SeanPaintsFlames Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Buford, Ga. Posts: 339	Re: aluminum radiators I got it figured out. There are two pairs of holes for the bottom brackets. One high and one low. Mine was in the low location, to fit between the frame. I didn't want to get cutting and welding on my junky truck, but after a few minutes with the tools, it was in. I had to re-fab the top bracket bracing, too. Honestly, the most difficult and time-consuming part was finding different shaped radiator hoses to accommodate the wider spread between the hose inlets. Those big rivets SUCK! You'd think it was a battleship. __________________ My 68 cougar restomod build:HERE

06-20-2009, 12:48 AM	#21
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,520	Re: aluminum radiators I used the SUM 380428 that Chevy Fleetside linked. I also picked up a B&M tranny cooler, stacked plate, 20,000GVW that I plumbed in. They both work great.....190* all day in 100+ temps. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP* > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

06-20-2009, 12:13 PM	#23
Woogeroo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: tool box Posts: 3,115	Re: aluminum radiators http://www.griffinrad.com/ A pal of mine had a warmed up sbf 302 in his '68 fairlane... and he just ordered one of their pre-made size radiators and made it fit with some brackets. They also have made to fit and custom fit to your applications... but that all depends upon your $$$$. -W Last edited by Woogeroo; 06-20-2009 at 12:16 PM.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

06-20-2009, 02:08 PM	#24
64Tony Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 4	Re: aluminum radiators I just found out last night there's a new part from BCool, supposed to be a direct bolt in for our trucks. Saw it in a 65 step here in San Antonio, looks like it fits ok, but the owner said he had to cut the lower mounts some, and run another trans cooler, the openings in the BCool rad are inaccessible. I'm going to look into that one, and call to see if they've addressed any of his issues. __________________ Wide open 'til you see God... Then brake! 1964 SWB Stepside, 355, powerglide, posi 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab 4x4 2007 F@#$ Focus ST

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.