V6 Radiator v I6 Radiator

[Andice]

The '64 1/2 ton Fenderside that I am restoring left the factory with a 305E V6. Somewhere along that way it was refitted with a 230 I6. One piece of literature that I have at work indicates a larger square inch cooling area for the V6 radiator vs the I6 radiator. There is also a smaller fuel tank in the one truck vs the other but I am away from the literature and can't recall which engine option included the larger tank. Can anybody tell me if there is a quick way to tell the difference between the two fuel tanks? How about the radiator cu in measurements?

In time I would like to go back to a 305 so I'd like to get my ducks in a row beforehand..... like the radiator, rear end, drive shaft, motor mounts, etc.

[creep]

The LMC catalogue lists the dimensions of the radiators. 305 - 17-3/8"H x 24-3/4"W x 2"D. 230 - 17-3/8"H x 18-1/2"W x 1-1/4"D. Both 3 row cores.

[Martin64]

I don't know if this is going to help you any, but I have the I-6 230 and I can tell you I've never put more than 14 1/2 gallons of gas in the tank and I've run it down (to what I think is) pretty low, but not empty. So I'm thinking it's probably right at 16 gallons.

As for the radiator, I've been playing the game of finding a larger one and the best that I can find is one with more rows (depth) and not any taller or wider without having to notch the inner fenders to fit.

[Andice]

Thanks guys. I'll run out and put the tape to the radiator and park the truck in the driveway. It's been out in the street blocking the mailbox for two days. Good thing thew mailman likes older GM trucks!

[Andice]

Yeah, the truck has the larger radiator. I'm certain it also has the larger gas tank. The rear end ratio is not at all conducive to highway driving circa 2010. Perhaps 45 years ago, but not now.

[creep]

My truck came with a 305 and it has a 20 gallon tank.

Is your truck a 1/2 or 3/4 ton?

[Andice]

My truck is a 1/2 ton. Good running, half restored. The rear half is done. I just need to put the bed back on the frame. The brakes are new, new tires, bed repainted, wheels painted.

[markeb01]

Page 1-10 of the 1960 Chevy Truck Shop Manual seems to indicate the standard fuel tank capacity was 17.5 gallons, and a larger 20.5 gallon tank was optional on all 10 through 60 series cabs. It doesn't appear the larger tanks were specific to a particular model, although perhaps this changed by 1964.

Here’s a shot of the detail in case I’m not interpreting the information correctly: