1947-1953 Radiator...

[tylordurben]

hey guys some of ya know im building a 50 GMC, i would like to know what radiator will cool my SBC 350 and fit in the stock radiator support / core?

thanks,
Yaril

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=289540

[Houston54]

I bought a copper/brass radiator with trans cooler from Classic Parts. I believe the cost was about $350 back then. Same size and mounting points as the stock unit. Don't toss that stock unit - take it to a recycler and you can get some cash for the copper.

[BIG CHEVY 3600]

Got mine from Walker. http://www.walkerradiatorworks.com/

[tylordurben]

thanks Houston, the desert cooler is what they recommend for the V-8, however it does not mention a copper/brass top and trans cooler and its priced at 425.

big chevy, i got one of those Walkers in my 51 Buick, they are big money! would like to not spend that much if possible on this truck, thanks though.

somebody else recommended this one, but it doesnt look like it will "fit" with the truck:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3557...ors-Chevy.html

anymore?

[Houston54]

It is copper/brass construction but painted. I stripped mine down to see if I could polish it and the soldering job they performed was too messy. I have repainted it with radiator black. Their part number 78-311 is what I have. It appears their price has increased.

[Houston54]

That speedway unit will not fit the core support width which is about 20 inches with the total width of radiator with mounting flanges being 23 inches.

I have heard of people taking the cross flow rads and mounting them vertically. They then solder a 90 degree "neck" onto the inlet so it points upward.

[tylordurben]

thanks Houston, that sucks that its a messy soldering job. i like polished rad tops personally. yeah prices are escalating.

that speedway unit didnt look to convincing, i want the least work possible to install this thing. i remember on the Buick's Walker rad it was supposed to be a bolt on application. they overlooked the fact that the thicker core requires the rad be installed further forward (opposite of the support) that required removing the "L" brackets and welding in new ones to push it forward.

bolt on is worth an extra hundred bucks or so if it save you time modifying or fabricating something.

thanks.

[mylow53]

i found an old radiator shop who had a 52 core sitting on the shelf he re-cored it for my v8 for $500 you might try a stocker recored...
GT

[tylordurben]

the original rad is going into an "old navy" truck thats missing everything. so i figured we put a good new unit in this one.

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

I bought a alum radiator from Speedway that is 26" wide. I then made a new core support to fit this larger crossflor rad.

[tylordurben]

thats cool, i just dont want to cut into the rad support, i want a bolt-in application, the truck is very original and i would like to retain some of the originality of it, even though there will be a sbc in there.

[jkaylor68gmc]

One word -COOLCRAFT

No question

[mr48chev]

I'd do some shopping around as there are several outfits that sell pretty nice radiators that fit the original core support.

The Coolcraft is by US radiators who h been around forever.

I'd still look into having your radiator recored if you have one with usable tanks.

With the going price of copper and brass the 584.00 advertised price for the coolcraft might not be that bad of deal.

Sometimes a guy can find a better deal through one of the vendors than buying direct.

I have to get a new radiator for the 48 as mine has finally given up the ghost. It had a 2-1/2 Ton truck core in it and cooled a 350 in the truck quite well.

[Richard H.]

Just got mine from Brothers, $492 shipped ,3 core and it fits great.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Check out the one pgf545 used on his. I don't know were he got it from but I'm sure Bernie would fill you in on the details.