Radiator bracket help! :) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LOHRTBT · 11-19-2003, 10:13 AM

Hey guys/gals.
I am upgrading to a heavy duty radiator. I need to get the bigger mounting hardware. Does anyone know if the hardware from a 454 truck will work?? I had the little tiny one on there before. Thanks for any help.

Mike76251 · 11-19-2003, 10:50 AM

I put a 8-core in mine and all I had to do was make the top brackets about twice as deep.
I did it with a scrap piece of steel and a mig machine.

77bowtie · 11-19-2003, 10:50 AM

As far as I know And if I wrong someone will straighten me out. For our years of trucks all with a 400 or 454 engine used a 4-core radiator. A nd all other engines used a 2-core radiator. Good Luck...Jon

Slonaker · 11-19-2003, 11:32 AM

Define heavy duty... I went from the stock 2 core to a 3 core in my '86, and it used all of the same hardware. If you use a 4 core, you have to change everything out like Gerardo is doing.

Slonaker

LOHRTBT · 11-19-2003, 12:09 PM

Gman!!! what do I need!?

Mike76251 · 11-19-2003, 12:39 PM

My 8 core was custom made by soldering two 4 cores together and adding stock-looking end caps.
I saw it on a truck at the local radiator shop and just ask the owner to build me one.
He worked there and did it for around $150.
I mainly did it so I didn't have to cut the AC off while sitting in heavy downtown traffic.
It works great.

LOHRTBT · 11-19-2003, 12:49 PM

8 core!!!! GDAMN man!! lol a four core is huge!! haha

AirMale · 11-19-2003, 02:50 PM

I converted to a 4 row 2 years ago and all I did was go to my GM dealer and order the top hold down radiator brackets for a suburban with a 454cu. Don't forget the rubber cushions for the top and bottom (4). The holes should allready be on your rad support (mine were). I ordered my radiator online from someone but I think you can get it delivered in a day for $150-$175 at your door! It's huge...should hold like 3 gallons.

LOHRTBT · 11-19-2003, 04:16 PM

That is exactly what I needed to know!! thanks man!

**Captkaos** · 11-19-2003, 04:21 PM

All the ones I converted didn't require changing anything. The physical size is the same, only the core has more flues.

LOHRTBT · 11-19-2003, 04:57 PM

Oh no....my new one is easily 2x the thickness on the sides and top as teh old one.

the old one was TINY
See below.....

AirMale · 11-19-2003, 05:04 PM

There is a three row that will fit under the stock small block chevy rad mounts. The 4 row is massive in comparison. You could probably take the fans off and still run at 140°. I use Dex cool in mine, it's supposed to be less corrosive to gaskets and and stuff.

**Captkaos** · 11-19-2003, 09:22 PM

Actually you are looking at the wrong place. You are looking at the center top of the radiator. Look where the tank meets the flues, that doesn't change on truck versions. Look at the clip/bracket holding your radiator. (near the cap) It will have a rubber "cup" that isolates the radiator (see the rubber teat). That will be the same on your new radiator. The rubber portions sit on the radiator "flange".

low 84 · 11-19-2003, 10:09 PM

i did the same thing your doing dave. and my stock brackets were too small. the smaller ones just use those 2 brakets, one on each side. the 4 core ones use a top plate that covers the whole top of the radiator and holds it in. i got the top plate from chevy duty and it was like 13 bucks or something, and you need to get the new rubber deals also. and make sure you get the one for the newer trucks cause i first got one of an older ( like pre 80) truck and they are differnt and won't fit the top of our core supports.

87 STEPPER · 11-19-2003, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AirMale
I use Dex cool in mine, it's supposed to be less corrosive to gaskets and and stuff.

You may want to remove the dexcool and reinstall the regular anti freez.

Read this----->http://www.geocities.com/b_gillie/dexcool_problems.html

LOHRTBT · 11-19-2003, 11:17 PM

Exactly what I am doing .

thanks for the info guys!

Chris...itsway bigger...I will take picshehe.

Quote:

Originally posted by low 84
i did the same thing your doing dave. and my stock brackets were too small. the smaller ones just use those 2 brakets, one on each side. the 4 core ones use a top plate that covers the whole top of the radiator and holds it in. i got the top plate from chevy duty and it was like 13 bucks or something, and you need to get the new rubber deals also. and make sure you get the one for the newer trucks cause i first got one of an older ( like pre 80) truck and they are differnt and won't fit the top of our core supports.

*rage'nrat638* · 11-19-2003, 11:33 PM

be cool rad...w/ suburban top brackets

Mike76251 · 11-20-2003, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LOHRTBT
8 core!!!! GDAMN man!! lol a four core is huge!! haha

It just looks "normal" to me now! LOL

Actually, it looks just like a diesel radiator in a military version of our trucks.

A friend did drop by one day and raised his hood, he had a 4 core and it looked real thin compared to my custom rad.

Mike76251 · 11-20-2003, 02:08 AM

Here is a pic of the 8-core (side tank view)...........can't get a shot of the two 4-core units inside.

LOHRTBT · 11-20-2003, 11:51 AM

I dont get it?? looks just like the one I bought. Where are the extra 4 rows at?? That is just like the big dog I bought.

Mike76251 · 11-20-2003, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LOHRTBT
I dont get it?? looks just like the one I bought. Where are the extra 4 rows at?? That is just like the big dog I bought.

I think the side tanks are what you are looking at to judge the size of it.
Look at a standard 4-core without the side tanks attached............you see a 1 1/2" thick stack of rows.
This one has two of those 4-core rows...........one right in front of the other.
Also,look at the AC compressor in the pic, it no longer cleared the fan shroud after I put the new rad. in.....I had to trim it with a notch.

AirMale · 11-20-2003, 03:00 PM

Thank's Bruce for the update on the DEX-COOL. I'm actually using the Mopar version of DEX-COOL, not sure what it's called but it's free cause my bud works at the dealership

DAVE--->I have some spare brackets around for the four row rad cause I used the single top mount plate too. You may want to order that instead but are welcome to mine free.

LOHRTBT · 11-20-2003, 03:04 PM

Thanks man....I think I am going to use the new single mount plate.

That Rad that you have Mike still looks like mine all the way around lol...I will get a few pics when I get it put in.

stan79chevy · 11-20-2003, 09:16 PM

i had one of those small 2 core kind and switched to a big ass deisel one iwth transmission and oilcooleres built into it. all i had to do was switch the top plate to the kind that comes of 454 and 400's. all the holes were allready there didnt have to do any drilling

PHOENIX · 11-21-2003, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AirMale
I converted to a 4 row 2 years ago and all I did was go to my GM dealer and order the top hold down radiator brackets for a suburban with a 454cu. Don't forget the rubber cushions for the top and bottom (4). The holes should allready be on your rad support (mine were).

Same with me. Went to 4-core from 454, with the electric fan it cools extremely fast.

11-19-2003, 10:13 AM	#1
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Radiator bracket help! :) Hey guys/gals. I am upgrading to a heavy duty radiator. I need to get the bigger mounting hardware. Does anyone know if the hardware from a 454 truck will work?? I had the little tiny one on there before. Thanks for any help. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

11-19-2003, 11:32 AM	#4
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Define heavy duty... I went from the stock 2 core to a 3 core in my '86, and it used all of the same hardware. If you use a 4 core, you have to change everything out like Gerardo is doing. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

11-19-2003, 12:09 PM	#5
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Gman!!! what do I need!? __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

11-19-2003, 12:49 PM	#7
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	8 core!!!! GDAMN man!! lol a four core is huge!! haha __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

11-19-2003, 02:50 PM	#8
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	I converted to a 4 row 2 years ago and all I did was go to my GM dealer and order the top hold down radiator brackets for a suburban with a 454cu. Don't forget the rubber cushions for the top and bottom (4). The holes should allready be on your rad support (mine were). I ordered my radiator online from someone but I think you can get it delivered in a day for $150-$175 at your door! It's huge...should hold like 3 gallons. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

11-19-2003, 10:50 AM	#2
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,499	I put a 8-core in mine and all I had to do was make the top brackets about twice as deep. I did it with a scrap piece of steel and a mig machine.

11-19-2003, 10:50 AM	#3
77bowtie Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Mexico. Of all places for an Island boy. Posts: 180	As far as I know And if I wrong someone will straighten me out. For our years of trucks all with a 400 or 454 engine used a 4-core radiator. A nd all other engines used a 2-core radiator. Good Luck...Jon

11-19-2003, 12:39 PM	#6
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,499	My 8 core was custom made by soldering two 4 cores together and adding stock-looking end caps. I saw it on a truck at the local radiator shop and just ask the owner to build me one. He worked there and did it for around $150. I mainly did it so I didn't have to cut the AC off while sitting in heavy downtown traffic. It works great.

11-19-2003, 04:16 PM	#9
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	That is exactly what I needed to know!! thanks man! __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

11-19-2003, 04:21 PM	#10
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	All the ones I converted didn't require changing anything. The physical size is the same, only the core has more flues. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

11-19-2003, 04:57 PM	#11
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Oh no....my new one is easily 2x the thickness on the sides and top as teh old one. the old one was TINY See below..... __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84 Last edited by LOHRTBT; 11-19-2003 at 05:05 PM.

11-19-2003, 05:04 PM	#12
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	There is a three row that will fit under the stock small block chevy rad mounts. The 4 row is massive in comparison. You could probably take the fans off and still run at 140°. I use Dex cool in mine, it's supposed to be less corrosive to gaskets and and stuff. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

11-19-2003, 09:22 PM	#13
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Actually you are looking at the wrong place. You are looking at the center top of the radiator. Look where the tank meets the flues, that doesn't change on truck versions. Look at the clip/bracket holding your radiator. (near the cap) It will have a rubber "cup" that isolates the radiator (see the rubber teat). That will be the same on your new radiator. The rubber portions sit on the radiator "flange". __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

11-19-2003, 10:09 PM	#14
low 84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,144	i did the same thing your doing dave. and my stock brackets were too small. the smaller ones just use those 2 brakets, one on each side. the 4 core ones use a top plate that covers the whole top of the radiator and holds it in. i got the top plate from chevy duty and it was like 13 bucks or something, and you need to get the new rubber deals also. and make sure you get the one for the newer trucks cause i first got one of an older ( like pre 80) truck and they are differnt and won't fit the top of our core supports. __________________ '51 F100, backhalf with a narrowed 9 and coil overs, 18.5" mickeys, monte front clip, +400" sbc in the works '05 1500 Crew Cab RIP '84 swb 5/7 drop, solid cammed 408 w/ fully ported dart heads, th350 w/ 10 inch hughes, 12 bolt w/ 3.73 richmonds and a locker '80 swb 4x4 in progress: 7" lift, 350 th350/np205, d44 and 1.5" ORD tie rod, 14BFF w/discs , armored diff covers, 40" MTR's

11-19-2003, 11:33 PM	#17
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	be cool rad...w/ suburban top brackets Last edited by rage'nrat638; 07-12-2007 at 07:08 AM.



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11-20-2003, 02:08 AM	#19
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,499	Here is a pic of the 8-core (side tank view)...........can't get a shot of the two 4-core units inside. Attached Images

11-20-2003, 11:51 AM	#20
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	I dont get it?? looks just like the one I bought. Where are the extra 4 rows at?? That is just like the big dog I bought. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

11-20-2003, 03:00 PM	#22
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Thank's Bruce for the update on the DEX-COOL. I'm actually using the Mopar version of DEX-COOL, not sure what it's called but it's free cause my bud works at the dealership DAVE--->I have some spare brackets around for the four row rad cause I used the single top mount plate too. You may want to order that instead but are welcome to mine free. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

11-20-2003, 03:04 PM	#23
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	Thanks man....I think I am going to use the new single mount plate. That Rad that you have Mike still looks like mine all the way around lol...I will get a few pics when I get it put in. __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

11-20-2003, 09:16 PM	#24
stan79chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: COVINGTON GEORGIA Posts: 477	i have a deisel radiator in mine i had one of those small 2 core kind and switched to a big ass deisel one iwth transmission and oilcooleres built into it. all i had to do was switch the top plate to the kind that comes of 454 and 400's. all the holes were allready there didnt have to do any drilling __________________ 79 chevy k20 350/350/205/D44/14bFF 4.56 gears rock LWB pimer black 01 S-10 ZR2 extended cab 4.3/4L60E/233 3.73 gear 31" DICK CEPEK CRUSHERS

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