Radiator
 

ok, now that I know I am inclined to change out my factory 55 radiator, does anybody have experience with a good radiator? I already had a suggestion or two. The current radiator is about 25 1/2 tall, 21 3/4 wide, 2 1/8 think and from mounting tab end to end is about 26 1/2 inches. Summit sells some aluminum racing/circle track radiators that would work - I want to mount it to the factory area and probably remove the "x" small bars in the front and have pusher type dual fans...comments welcome.

Also, I will have an original factory 55 chevy radiator for sell....

Re: Radiator
 

I put a big truck (2 ton) radiator in mine, mounted in the 6 cylinder location. It is 1 inch thicker and a little longer than the stock 6 cylinder one. It bolts to the stock mounting points. I ran a stock 6 cylinder radiator and never had any cooling problems, even creeping around in the hills, but figured with the AC I should upgrade. I got it in a trade so cost was not an issue. Shroud is from a mid 70's GM.

Re: Radiator
 

I used a radiator from U.S. Radiator.. fit great and did the job.. and you're right you will have to lose the cross bars for the pusher fan..

Re: Radiator
 

I used a PRC radiator with trans cooler,good construction and quality and left me just enough room for the puller electric fan.

http://www.prchotrod.com/products/index.php

Re: Radiator
 

I'm using a 2000 Camero Rad and fan set up and a 5.3 L

Makes for a tight package. Simple upper mount, small cut on core support bracket, light weight and inexpensive. All new way cheaper then aftermarket hot rod parts. Fan assembly $165, rad. $180.

Re: Radiator
 

i had a good radiator/machine shop rebuild my original rad. to a 4 core - they went through it completly - than i added a sidewinder puller fan that pulls 'bout 3000 cfm .
livin here in sin city we do get our hot days - but i think the new set up will wrk out

Re: Radiator
 

Hi, are the crossbars necessary? Ill be installing Ac, just wondering if they'll be in the way? ;)

Re: Radiator
 

Guys,
Thanks, some good info here. I am surprised too because after I posted this I saw the other aluminum radiator thread...which has some good info too....
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Radiator
 

G&R, is that the same truck as in your avatar? If so, I would have never expected to find that under the hood! Love it!

Re: Radiator
 

Nice, what fan is that?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Radiator
 

I have a great set up from Summit in mine. I just had to have some custom brackets made, no biggie, and its works great. Never gets hot and overkill even for our AZ heat.

My opinion would be pullers work way better then pushers. The fans just block air being in front. I;m sure you should have the space since you motor is close to the firewall

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...2/DSC_0002.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...2/phone482.jpg

Re: Radiator
 

Short answer, no. I saw it at a show and asked a lot of questions.

So its what I'm using on the chassis I'm building to go under the body of my avatar. Changing from Napco 4x4 to 2x4 air ride 5.3L 4L60E Currie 9".

You can see it stuffed in the corner, the pic subject is about the trailer I redoing.

Re: Radiator
 

I'm currently having the original 47 radiator flushed and repaired. Not cheap. Close to $500.

Re: Radiator
 

The cross bars stiffen the core support. If you remove them its best to run a weld on all the side panels of the core support to add back some of the ridgeity lost. Remember the core support also supports the entire front clip from racking.

You should not have to remove the X to install A/C.

The condenser should have an air gap between the Rad.

Pusher Fans are not as effective as puller fans.

Re: Radiator
 

Thanks! I didn't think anyone saw my question~ ; )

Re: Radiator
 

not a good picture but the best i had on photobucket
i kept the crossbars and installed a vintage air 55-59 sure fit condenser and hard lines
those crossbars are the only thing keeping the front sheet metal from racking side to side.
the us radiator that parkwood has is also the one that brothers sells (i have one) it drop ships from us radiator
mine is the desert cooler with trans cooler in the bottom tank

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...e/IMG_2222.jpg

Re: Radiator
 

[QUOTE=55Cameo;5350245]I have a great set up from Summit in mine. I just had to have some custom brackets made, no biggie, and its works great. Never gets hot and overkill even for our AZ heat.

My opinion would be pullers work way better then pushers. The fans just block air being in front. I;m sure you should have the space since you motor is close to the firewall

55 Cameo - How wide is that radiator and which model is it - also do you have the width with the fans - at least and estimate (oh and what model are the fans from summit?)

Re: Radiator
 

I'm going to work on my truck tomorrow and will take exact measurements for you. I do know it was a summit brand and flex-a-lite fans. I posted some links in my build thread and how I modified to fit it. I remember for sure the radiator core is exactly the width of the opening of our core support.

Its such a great set-up. I tested it out when i st put it in. At a stand still I would let the temp get high between 215-225(which took forever by the way) and then kick the fans on it and it would immediately start going down to where the t-stat opened at which I have a 160. I can literary keep the engine at whatever temp I want

Re: Radiator
 

So i got the measurements for you

Radiator: 31 1/4'' W x 20'' H x 3'' D at tanks, 2 1/4'' D at core

Fans: 26'' W x 15 1/2'' H x 2 1/2'' D

Re: Radiator
 

thank you Sir - that helps.

Re: Radiator
 

55 Cameo, is your radiator leaning forward (towards teh front at the top)?

Re: Radiator
 

Stock radiator top leans toward the engine to match the approx. 4% engine angle so the fan is parallel to the radiator.

Re: Radiator
 

Thanks. I figured that. I am specifically asking if Cameo's is leaning or not...it looks like he has it at an angle different than stock....but I could be wrong...

Re: Radiator
 

Also, I have been looking at this too long and want to ensure that my radiator support is in the correct location - look at the pictures - this is right, right? I noticed that it could go in the holes forward on the frame as well....

Re: Radiator
 

My radiator has the same consistent gap from the top to bottom on the core support. I remember this when setting it up making sure it wouldn't rub on the core

Re: Radiator
 

Right now you have them in the stock V8 location. Mine are actually in the next set of holes up for more clearance. These are the best pics I have. Notice how mine are in front of the cross member rivets

http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...2/DSC_0385.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...420_165749.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...504_140308.jpg
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...4_140308-1.jpg

Re: Radiator
 

So, I can use the first set of holes on the frame and the fender wells and all other stuff will bolt up correctly...?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Radiator
 

Yes sir. It makes no changes to the parts. The front all bolts together with the Upper and lower grill valance's and hood latch support. The core can move freely and can in the 2 locations as needed. In the stock V8 location they just make a filler piece from the hood latch support to the core support. I found a random pic from the net showing the V8 filler panel on top


In the picture of my truck here you can see I have mine far forward and if you look closely on the driver inner fender well you can see the other hole the core can move back too
http://i1053.photobucket.com/albums/...420_135309.jpg

Re: Radiator
 

Cameo, thanks. This really helps a bunch. I do appreciate this info and the time you took to explain, with pictures....
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Radiator
 

Yeah no prob man. Always glad to help.I still need to take you up on your offer and come check out that truck of yours

Re: Radiator
 

Yep, and maybe you would have other good bits of advice...thanks again.

Re: Radiator
 

Yeah for sure, be great to bounce ideas off each other about the trucks. I have some PTO at worked I haven't used, could make a small road trip with the wife up there. I'll hit you up and make some plans one soon

Re: Radiator
 

Sure, let me know. I am home most weekends and some Fridays.
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Radiator
 

G&R what size radiator is that?