Well a car rad work in my 59 truck?

[HiRMKin]

I have a chance to buy a NOS rad that is made for a 55 Chevy car. Are the rads in those days the same between cars and trucks.

[bobinbc]

The brackets are different between car and truck. You could possibly adapt it. I've heard that the truck rad is taller too.

I've been looking for a rad for my 57 and have come across a good deal. They are aluminum with a formed top tank that looks just like the original, 2 rows of 1" tubes, and a proper trans cooler in the bottom tank. The best part is the top tank is polished for no extra charge. Here's a pic of their 55-57 car rad, the truck one will have the proper brackets for truck.



The price is excellent and I've talked to them regarding a group buy for members of the forum for an even better deal. I'll post details in a seperate thread as soon as I found out if it's ok to do so. Sorry for the hijack, thought I should let you know.



Bob

[Tchia65]

I'd be really interested in one of those for my 58. Can I get more info?

[HiRMKin]

Where are they made?

[bobinbc]

Originally Posted by HiRMKin

Where are they made?

I asked this question along with a couple others, this is the reply I got.

"Bob,

The FPI is 15, the fin height is 11/32" and they are made here in our shop.

Mike
- engineered-products"
(Chicago, Il )



HiRMKin
Here are some pics I pulled off the net to show the difference between car and truck. This is not the rad I'm going with, the one I'm going to use has stock looking tanks like in my earlier post above.


Truck rad brackets




Car rad brackets



The car rad:Core Dimensions: 17 1/4" high x 21 1/2" wide
Overall Dimensions: 23" high x 23 1/2" wide (incl brackets)

truck rad :Core Dimensions: 20" high x 21 1/2" wide
Overall Dimensions: 25" high x 26 1/2" wide (incl brackets)



The pics are of aftermarket aluminum rads but you can see generally the difference between the brackets.
The other thing is whether your engine is stock or not. If stock and the rad is a smokin' deal then I would adapt the car rad even though it's 2 inches shorter, unless I was doing a resto. Just my .02

[OrrieG]

Car has 23% less cooling area too. I went the opposite way, found a big truck radiator that is a little wider and 1" thicker than 1/2-1 ton ones, mounts to stock brackets.

[raycow]

Originally Posted by HiRMKin

Are the rads in those days the same between cars and trucks.

No, they are quite a bit different. You can make the car radiator work, but you will never convince anyone it is stock. Speaking for myself, I would get it if the price is right, because my time is always cheaper than my money.

Ray

[HiRMKin]

Ray what the difference is between them?

[raycow]

The brackets, like bobinbc said. But it will work, if you don't mind it not looking stock. On the other hand, if they are close in price, I would get the right one for the truck. How much $ difference are we talking about here?

Ray

[HiRMKin]

Bobinbc, your info is what I found as well, just had to confirm I was right. I'm going to pass on the rad as I will be running a sbc 406. I'm going to need all the cooling I can get.
Great info guys. Thanks