What Radiator?

[Bunky]

I looking for a radiator for my 67 GMC. I read some old post and some referred to the CU396 radiator. But they seem to be out of stock everywhere so I called spectra to see what the deal was and the guy told me they were discontinued..

So now the options to get mine record ($500) or buy a aluminum one.

I also have read that the aluminum ones don't fit in the stock mounts properly..

What is others using for replacements?

[HO455]

I went down the re-core route on my Burban. I had to wait an extra 2 weeks to get a quality 4 row core from Canada but it's been flawless since installed some 40k miles ago.

I tried a Cold Case but, sent it back as it uses 3 row side tanks and our trucks only came with 2 or 4 row tanks. So you have to fabricate new mounts or just let it flop around in the 4 row mounts. It really annoyed me that they advertise it as direct fit when in reality it isn't.

For more information on that little adventure scroll to post 333 in the link.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...698377&page=14

[Steeveedee]

Must be old news. I bought a Cold Case 2-row aluminum radiator about 5 years ago, and it dropped right into my old 4-row Brass radiator's mounts, top and bottom.

[tutone]

I bought a Champion 4 core for my 71. It's not been a year and I just dropped it off at a local shop for a leak. It will be my last one. It fit ok though.

[BROWN 70]

x2 post 3 put my cold case in 2-3 years ago and it fit nicely. not perfect but good enough. chuck

[Yamariv]

Just just upgraded to a 3 Core from the stock 250ci 2 core radiator. I found an original 3 core in the classifieds and had it pressure tested and cleaned out by a local rad shop, Works great! Might be another option you could check out.

PS, even the radiator shop owner said they don't make them like they used to when I picked it up! He loved seeing the old 3 core

[72SB]

Unfortunately all the "radiator shops" have left my area, most likely all of CA with its rigid "you can't do that" environmental laws.

If I needed a new radiator, I would get a Cold Case. Modern Aluminum and 2 LARGE (read better than more little) rows. You can paint it black if you want to look "original"....

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by 72SB

Unfortunately all the "radiator shops" have left my area, most likely all of CA with its rigid "you can't do that" environmental laws.

If I needed a new radiator, I would get a Cold Case. Modern Aluminum and 2 LARGE (read better than more little) rows. You can paint it black if you want to look "original"....

Summit makes a repro 4 Core Radiator that looks like the original. I remember seeing a new one advertised locally about a month ago. He had the link to Summit

[52napco]

I've bought several of the Summit reproduction radiators with no issues

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by Yamariv

Summit makes a repro 4 Core Radiator that looks like the original. I remember seeing a new one advertised locally about a month ago. He had the link to Summit

I think this is the one...

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-382006

-klb

[Yamariv]

Originally Posted by weq92f

I think this is the one...

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-382006

-klb

That's the one!

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

1k gets a us radiator . They're built very well and fit perfectly. I didn't much care for the summit replacement. Cheap fittings and has the vertical structural straps.

[nightrider388]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

1k gets a us radiator . They're built very well and fit perfectly. I didn't much care for the summit replacement. Cheap fittings and has the vertical structural straps.

1k what is that? Please explain for those like me

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by nightrider388

1k what is that? Please explain for those like me

$ 1000 .

I had several cheap import radiators in the past . Two Champions and one I forgot the brand all failed in a couple of years. Went with Dewitts HP and not a problem in the past 5 years . Yes they are twice the price but having to repair or replace every few years isnt appealing to me .

I bought a Cold Case for my 72 at the Syracuse nationals a few years ago because it was a show special as the shroud had a minor dent in it (Not even installed) assume it was a return unit . I have yet to install ot as the original is still working well

[72SB]

"If" I needed a radiator, I would get this one. I have had one in my 67 camaro for 2 years now, no issues. Fit and finish was a direct drop in for that car. I assume the same for the C10 model

https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/pr...case-radiators

[leftybass209]

I replaced a slightly leaky 4 row original, with a Champion 3 row. Fit was close, and it still needed the longer 4 row radiator mounts. Both radiators had equal run times in severe heat on my daily driver, in traffic. (up to 110 last summer)

Both radiators cooled exactly the same. Running a fan w/clutch and shroud.

[HO455]

Originally Posted by HO455

I went down the re-core route on my Burban. I had to wait an extra 2 weeks to get a quality 4 row core from Canada but it's been flawless since installed some 40k miles ago.

I tried a Cold Case but, sent it back as it uses 3 row side tanks and our trucks only came with 2 or 4 row tanks. So you have to fabricate new mounts or just let it flop around in the 4 row mounts. It really annoyed me that they advertise it as direct fit when in reality it isn't.

For more information on that little adventure scroll to post 333 in the link.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...698377&page=14

It was in 2018 when bought and returned the COLDCASE radiator to Jegs. Post 336 details the poor fit. I was not happy that the $400 DIRECT FIT radiator required me to modify the factory mounts. If I had wanted to fabricate mounts I could have bought a roundy round race radiator for under $200. In my world Direct Fit means it requires no modifications to install and operate like the factory part did.

[ghackett1]

Not about a Cold Case, but I had the original (2) core radiator and brought it to be recored, I was able to keep the original Harrison sides and tag and he upgraded me to a 3 core. Cost me $450 and have been using it on a new Blueprint crate engine and it runs 180 all day long with new issues.

[RLC]

Got mine from these folks. https://speedcooling.com
Had one of the Ebay specials and the one from Speed Cooling is much heavier gauge and fit perfect in the original mounts.

[D.B]

My 72 C20 has a custom radiator made by Wizard Cooling. Fits and works great. No problem in the Texas Summer with AC on full. My big block 511 runs around 180 degrees with the AC on and outside temp over 100 degrees.

[D.B]

Here is a few more pics of the Wizard Cooling unit.

[PbFut]

Be cautious when inspecting the fit of the aluminum radiators into the 4 core mounts. The rubber liner on the mounts will compress enough the it can allow contact of radiator with the edge of the mount. I found this on my 4 row Champion. The hard edge of the mount will saw a hole over time. Best test, though not 100% perfect, is do a continuity test on the radiator to the radiator support before any lines are connected. If you have an open circuit you have good indication there is no metal to metal contact that could wear a hole over time.

[lolcopter]

I bought an eBay special back in 2018. Has been working great cooling the big block ever since.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/161604421849

[HO455]

Originally Posted by PbFut

Be cautious when inspecting the fit of the aluminum radiators into the 4 core mounts. The rubber liner on the mounts will compress enough the it can allow contact of radiator with the edge of the mount. I found this on my 4 row Champion. The hard edge of the mount will saw a hole over time. Best test, though not 100% perfect, is do a continuity test on the radiator to the radiator support before any lines are connected. If you have an open circuit you have good indication there is no metal to metal contact that could wear a hole over time.

Clever idea.