Radiator Update Help ! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

8door · 07-13-2021, 10:38 AM

I have a 1968 Chevy C10 that I swapped in a Crate 350 High out put V8.Hooked to a auto trans.
Runs very well, but in the hot calif weather the engine really gets hot fast.
The current rad is the original.
Should I install an aluminum ? Will that help ? What brands work best ? I have air condition but not hooked up yet.

EagleChief · 07-13-2021, 10:49 AM

You might have air in the system. Did you get all the air pockets out of the lines? Or, the other quick option would be a new thermostat, if you haven't already.

**kwmech** · 07-13-2021, 11:07 AM

Being the original radiator-----was it cleaned out? what size is it? fan shroud?

**Stocker** · 07-13-2021, 12:22 PM

The stuff mentioned above, plus -- functional Heavy Duty fan clutch, 7-blade 18" fan, closed cooling system with overflow tank? Which t-stat? How hot is it actually getting?

52napco · 07-13-2021, 01:03 PM

If you buy a radiator don't buy Chinese junk.. buy a
MADE IN USA.Im running a Dewitt's that's all tig welded and made
In Michigan..

8door · 07-13-2021, 02:33 PM

In reference to AC in my truck. The system is not functioning just the hatdware is
in place, not hooked up. Not charged.
Fan and shroud temp gauge. All there it gets hot almost "pegs" temp needle.Just less than boiling..............

**dagnabbitt** · 07-13-2021, 02:41 PM

I'd always recommend you get the original rad rebuilt before moving to some foreign product. A good rad shop can also turn your two core into a 3 core, etc.

Getting the old one rebuilt like new generally comes in at the same cost as an aftermarket rad that you don't even know will fit or not.

Not sure if you have rad shops in Cali still, but I would look into it.

Or, if you have a healthy budget and don't want to fool around, go with 52napco's suggestion.

**Stocker** · 07-13-2021, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8door

In reference to AC in my truck. The system is not functioning just the hatdware is
in place, not hooked up. Not charged.
Fan and shroud temp gauge. All there it gets hot almost "pegs" temp needle.Just less than boiling..............

Can you post some pics? Might be helpful to see how things fit together.

Temp gauge could be off too -- try checking with a handheld I/R thermometer.

**Stocker** · 07-13-2021, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

Not sure if you have rad shops in Cali still, but I would look into it.

Yes. Had my 4-row checked and a few small leaks fixed a few years ago.

**HO455** · 07-13-2021, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8door

I have a 1968 Chevy C10 that I swapped in a Crate 350 High out put V8.Hooked to a auto trans.
Runs very well, but in the hot calif weather the engine really gets hot fast.
The current rad is the original.
Should I install an aluminum ? Will that help ? What brands work best ? I have air condition but not hooked up yet.

Post a photo of your radiator. There are at least 3 different factory radiators (that I know of.) So we need more information to give you quality help.

**Stocker** · 07-13-2021, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8door

Fan and shroud temp gauge.

That doesn't really tell us anything about the type of fan.... or how it fits the shroud. Would like to offer advice but need more info, please.

**Accelo** · 07-14-2021, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52napco

If you buy a radiator don't buy Chinese junk.. buy a
MADE IN USA.I'm running a Dewitt's that's all tig welded and made
In Michigan..

I agree, 100%.
I purchased China raidator. It didn't even fit the brackets without modifications. That wasn't what the ad said.
I returned it and purchased the Dewitt and never looked back. Just the cap is a work of art. I understand not every one wants to spend Dewitt money and a radiator. However it is a work of art.

burnin oil · 07-14-2021, 09:48 AM

Besides the suggestions I am thinking you may need a shroud if you don't have one. I have a built 400sb that makes alot of heat and the better mechanical fan didn't help. A somewhat fitting shroud from the junkyard did the trick. I also installed a universal fit BeCool aluminium radiator that does a really good job but it needed the shroud for sitting in traffic. Really good radiator at half the price of direct fit but you need to fab the upper support mounts because the tanke are wider spaced.

**Steeveedee** · 07-14-2021, 09:57 AM

I bought a Cold Case 2-row aluminum radiator, it bolted right in. Original AC truck, that had a 4-row brass radiator from the factory.

**dagnabbitt** · 07-14-2021, 05:04 PM

Also, dumb question but I have to check, your fan isn't on backwards, is it?

It happened to someone I know... (me).

jumpsoffrock · 07-15-2021, 01:49 AM

Where in SoCal are you? I'm in central Ca and just bought this: https://speedcooling.com/1967_1972_C..._Radiator.html

I drove with it for a week and 50 total miles. I do not need it anymore as I have found that it is not my issue and my previous radiator will do just fine. My invoice says 277 plus 39 for shipping. If you can pick it up somehow i'd let you have it for $230.
I can show you the invoice, it was shipped a month ago, it's brand new.

07-13-2021, 10:38 AM	#1
8door Not too old to learn Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 617	Radiator Update Help ! I have a 1968 Chevy C10 that I swapped in a Crate 350 High out put V8.Hooked to a auto trans. Runs very well, but in the hot calif weather the engine really gets hot fast. The current rad is the original. Should I install an aluminum ? Will that help ? What brands work best ? I have air condition but not hooked up yet. __________________ 1968 C10 a way to long restoration.

07-13-2021, 10:49 AM	#2
EagleChief Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 420	Re: Radiator Update Help ! You might have air in the system. Did you get all the air pockets out of the lines? Or, the other quick option would be a new thermostat, if you haven't already. __________________ 1971 C10 - Hugger Orange/White My Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=780197 LS Swap Thread: https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=811460

07-13-2021, 11:07 AM	#3
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,678	Re: Radiator Update Help ! Being the original radiator-----was it cleaned out? what size is it? fan shroud?

07-13-2021, 12:22 PM	#4
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,749	Re: Radiator Update Help ! The stuff mentioned above, plus -- functional Heavy Duty fan clutch, 7-blade 18" fan, closed cooling system with overflow tank? Which t-stat? How hot is it actually getting? __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

07-13-2021, 01:03 PM	#5
52napco Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: upstate sc Posts: 2,095	Re: Radiator Update Help ! If you buy a radiator don't buy Chinese junk.. buy a MADE IN USA.Im running a Dewitt's that's all tig welded and made In Michigan..

07-13-2021, 02:33 PM	#6
8door Not too old to learn Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 617	Re: Radiator Update Help ! In reference to AC in my truck. The system is not functioning just the hatdware is in place, not hooked up. Not charged. Fan and shroud temp gauge. All there it gets hot almost "pegs" temp needle.Just less than boiling.............. __________________ 1968 C10 a way to long restoration.

07-13-2021, 02:41 PM	#7
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,472	Re: Radiator Update Help ! I'd always recommend you get the original rad rebuilt before moving to some foreign product. A good rad shop can also turn your two core into a 3 core, etc. Getting the old one rebuilt like new generally comes in at the same cost as an aftermarket rad that you don't even know will fit or not. Not sure if you have rad shops in Cali still, but I would look into it. Or, if you have a healthy budget and don't want to fool around, go with 52napco's suggestion. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

07-14-2021, 09:48 AM	#13
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,921	Re: Radiator Update Help ! Besides the suggestions I am thinking you may need a shroud if you don't have one. I have a built 400sb that makes alot of heat and the better mechanical fan didn't help. A somewhat fitting shroud from the junkyard did the trick. I also installed a universal fit BeCool aluminium radiator that does a really good job but it needed the shroud for sitting in traffic. Really good radiator at half the price of direct fit but you need to fab the upper support mounts because the tanke are wider spaced.

07-14-2021, 09:57 AM	#14
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,783	Re: Radiator Update Help ! I bought a Cold Case 2-row aluminum radiator, it bolted right in. Original AC truck, that had a 4-row brass radiator from the factory. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

07-14-2021, 05:04 PM	#15
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,472	Re: Radiator Update Help ! Also, dumb question but I have to check, your fan isn't on backwards, is it? It happened to someone I know... (me). __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

07-15-2021, 01:49 AM	#16
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 979	Re: Radiator Update Help ! Where in SoCal are you? I'm in central Ca and just bought this: https://speedcooling.com/1967_1972_C..._Radiator.html I drove with it for a week and 50 total miles. I do not need it anymore as I have found that it is not my issue and my previous radiator will do just fine. My invoice says 277 plus 39 for shipping. If you can pick it up somehow i'd let you have it for $230. I can show you the invoice, it was shipped a month ago, it's brand new.



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