Radiator Shroud - Different Sizes for 63?

[JAM55]

Looking for insight from the more experienced fabricators out here! My motor (350) is running hot and because it does not have a Shroud around the radiator, thought I would order one. Based on the choice (only one 1960-66) from a popular catalogue, I of coursed ordered it. It showed up and went to line it up and low and behold, it's too big. 25 inches wide and my radiator measures only 18 inches. I also will be changing out the Flex Fan for a 18 inch 7 Blade unit.

Does any one know of a OEM Shroud that would fit the 18 inch Radiator?

Live and learn I guess........

[WhippinSaw]

This should fit, ask for measurements, I used one for my 63 and only had to make a few modifications. Not many of these show up to often. Might find one on ebay or WTB in parts forum.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584398

[JAM55]

Originally Posted by WhippinSaw

This should fit, ask for measurements, I used one for my 63 and only had to make a few modifications. Not many of these show up to often. Might find one on ebay or WTB in parts forum.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=584398

WhippinSaw- Copy that! I'll follow up with that....

Thanks for the direction!

[Trsmotrhed]

Your radiator is only 18" wide? That might be the problem. The larger V8 one is around 24" I think. I had the smaller radiator in my 63 with the 6 banger. When I went with a 350 it would not cool at all so went with the bigger radiator and fan shroud. When I went fuel injected I took the shroud off and went electric fan. Just some thoughts.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Captainfab]

I agree. The 18" wide radiator is the 23-/250 6cyl radiator. You will need the larger radiator that was used with the V8's and the 292. That radiator will also sit on the crossmember upper level which is even with the top of the frame. You will have to move the saddles up there. You will also need the upper hold down and the side shrouds for the larger radiator. Then your new shroud will bolt up. These trucks originally came with short water pumps. If your 350 has the long water pump, you may have to modify things a little. Also I would skip the flexfan and go with a thermo clutch fan. The flexfans can come apart at high speeds, and they don't cool as well as a factory style clutch fan.

Originally Posted by Trsmotrhed

Your radiator is only 18" wide? That might be the problem. The larger V8 one is around 24" I think. I had the smaller radiator in my 63 with the 6 banger. When I went with a 350 it would not cool at all so went with the bigger radiator and fan shroud. When I went fuel injected I took the shroud off and went electric fan. Just some thoughts.
Posted via Mobile Device

[lasher78]

how does everyone feel about elec fans to eliminate drag on motor...mine is a 350/th350..
Posted via Mobile Device

[JAM55]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I agree. The 18" wide radiator is the 23-/250 6cyl radiator. You will need the larger radiator that was used with the V8's and the 292. That radiator will also sit on the crossmember upper level which is even with the top of the frame. You will have to move the saddles up there. You will also need the upper hold down and the side shrouds for the larger radiator. Then your new shroud will bolt up. These trucks originally came with short water pumps. If your 350 has the long water pump, you may have to modify things a little. Also I would skip the flexfan and go with a thermo clutch fan. The flexfans can come apart at high speeds, and they don't cool as well as a factory style clutch fan.

Thanks Captianfab! I had an inclin that this was going to be the route to take but wanted to be sure. Looks like I will need to find some parts.... Greatly Appreciate the input!

[WhippinSaw]

Hey Jam55, post some pics and your experience when you decide to do the project, I also returned the larger radiator and was told from someone at garden state parts that I had a Pre- April 63 and that is why it didn't fit. (30 years ago) I exchanged the radiator for the smaller radiator in their parts catalog. The six banger motor makes more sense.

[JAM55]

Originally Posted by WhippinSaw

Hey Jam55, post some pics and your experience when you decide to do the project, I also returned the larger radiator and was told from someone at garden state parts that I had a Pre- April 63 and that is why it didn't fit. (30 years ago) I exchanged the radiator for the smaller radiator in their parts catalog. The six banger motor makes more sense.

Will do WhippinSaw! Before I run out and buy the Radiator, I am going to look around (maybe an aftermarket aluminum version)? Also will go with Catptain fab's recommedation about the Clutched fan. I want to do it right and only once.... Thanks for the follow up and response!

[Captainfab]

The '60-'62's used an entirely different radiator. It bolted directly to the radiator support, just like the cars of that era. They also had the inlet at top center. The radiator in the pic you posted above is the '60-'62 radiator.

Originally Posted by WhippinSaw

Hey Jam55, post some pics and your experience when you decide to do the project, I also returned the larger radiator and was told from someone at garden state parts that I had a Pre- April 63 and that is why it didn't fit. (30 years ago) I exchanged the radiator for the smaller radiator in their parts catalog. The six banger motor makes more sense.

[JAM55]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

The '60-'62's used an entirely different radiator. It bolted directly to the radiator support, just like the cars of that era. They also had the inlet at top center. The radiator in the pic you posted above is the '60-'62 radiator.

Thanks Captainfab! The picture was posted by Whippinsaw not me but the info is still good to know.. Will keep us posted!

JAM

[1963c-10]

I see both metal (55 gal drum style) shrouds and plastic. Which is correct from the factory for the 60-66 and more specifically the 63 w/v8?

[Greg63]

I got mine out of a wrecked panel truck (don't remember whay year it was) and it is fibreglas.
Greg.

[1963c-10]

All the repops I see are either fiberglass or plastic (hard to tell by the pics. I have seen many 58-66 gm vehicles that had metal style shrouds also. I have finally found the v8 side shroud pieces, so now im ready to get a full shroud to attach. Now of course...im doing an engine swap, and part of my judgement says go metal so that I can cut/weld if it doesn't fit. Im not sure the plastic/fiberglass will give me as much play of fitting.

[Captainfab]

The correct shroud for the '63-'66 trucks with a V8, is the plastic/fiberglass shroud. I do not know if that will work with your big block though.

[JAM55]

Thanks Captain Fab! I've ordered what I thought was the correct shroud but the Radiator outlet (lower location) was located higher and an angle and would not fit without modification. For the cost of the new shroud I think it's best to modify a used shroud. I've got a small block (wish I had a Big Block in her)....... Maybe in the future?

[1963c-10]

Well, I guess the best alternative is to try and find a good used shroud in case the mods don't work out or it just doesn't look right to me. At least that way I don't hack up a perfectly good new one, just a perfectly good old one.

[JAM55]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Well, I guess the best alternative is to try and find a good used shroud in case the mods don't work out or it just doesn't look right to me. At least that way I don't hack up a perfectly good new one, just a perfectly good old one.

Amen to that!

[OldTrucksRule]

Had my shroud custom made by an old school mechanic that still had the sheet metal bending machines. The shroud covers the entire radiator and does an excellent job with my big block. He was not an electric fan guy and he was right on my rig.