radiator question

[chevyhed53]

I need to replace the radiator in my '56 as the fan mounting, with those plastic pieces, creates a leak. Previous owner rigged the setup in the photo. The piece on top of the radiator shell is obviously fabbed, but the top piece seems to be from some other factory setup, though not a truck, at least that I can find in any catalog. Anyone recognize that top piece so that I can get the right sized radiator? Other option, of course, would be to fit stock size radiator and take the fabbed pieces off. Any advice appreciated. Thanks and Merry Christmas!

[mr48chev]

1. tolhat isn't the correct 56 Radiator as it is a crossflow that someone installed in the past and the panel above it most likely came off the donor rig that the radiator came off.

There isn't anything wrong with a cross flow if the installation was done correctly and either a replacement or repairs to that radiator would most likely be less expensive than putting a stock 56 style radiator back in.

It looks like there is plenty of room to run a regular fan on that truck but if you are bent on running the electric unit I would highly suggest fabbing some bars that would mount to the radiator support and hold the fan so it was not in contact with the radiator or the ties didn't have to be run through the core like they had it. This is maybe where one of the folks running an electric fan can show he/she mounted it without using those holders.

This is just someone's add for an S-10 replacement radiator I snagged off the net right now but I snagged it as it shows the way you need to measure your radiator to figure out the size you need to replace it. http://jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Parts_S10-V8-Radiator.html

I'd think once you measured that radiator for length of the core, width and height you wouldn't have any problem finding a replacement or even one that was a step up cooling wise.

[chevyhed53]

Thanks so much for the response. I've already had the radiator repaired once ($100 and he repainted it too, so I can't complain), but I think I do need to move to a smarter setup. I ordered a universal fan bracket set from LMC, and discovered it won't work on what I have now. It should work if I get a stock-size unit and attach it properly to the support. I like having an electric fan (I'm in FL, and even on the hottest days the thermostat keeps it at 180 degrees), and I think I'l keep it and attach it without those miserable little straps that work holes in the core!
Thanks again, and Merry Christmas!

[mr48chev]

Now you come to the "will this be strong enough and look like it belongs there" point when designing the new supports for the fan.

[chevyhed53]

Yes indeed. Hoping the LMC units can be adapted to the task without too much alteration.

[roger55]

I bought an American Eagle (same mfgr as Champion) for my '57.
Ledfoot racing makes a shroud for these but I had mine made by a local guy.

[AZ59apacheguy]

roger55. May I also say that you have a very nice setup as well!