Radiator upper hold down

[biohazardbill]

What are you guys using instad of the stock hold down. I got a Champion radiator in and looks like I am going to either have to rebend the clamps or fab up something. Looking at the radiator there are a couple holes along the sides. Thought about building a bracket where the shroud used to bolt up and put pins in those holes. Before going through all that trouble figured I would see what else has been done.

[CRGRS 66]

I returned my champion rad for that very reason, they gave me full credit, and paid the return freight. I convinced them to pay the freight as the rad did not fit, and it is supposed to fit. I took my original rad and had it re-cored, it cost a bit more, but I am glad I did. Retains a more original look, and supported the local economy a bit. Champion are made in China and I say boooooooooo on that!
Your option is to modify your btop bracket, and likely shave the rubber as well. I found that there was a fitment issue on the bottom cradles as well.
Good luck!

[biohazardbill]

There are several people on here that have used Champion with no issues, one of the reasons I bought it. Even recored I am not sure the stock radiator would keep a big block cool enough.

[vin63]

I used the factory upper hold-down bracket.

[biohazardbill]

Originally Posted by vin63

I used the factory upper hold-down bracket.

Did you have to bend it at all?

Can you measure the top of your radiator width?

[CRGRS 66]

Oh, big block, can't comment on howe the stock rad would fare, I suspect not well, cheers!

[vin63]

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

Did you have to bend it at all?

Can you measure the top of your radiator width?

I can when I get home, but if the upper radiator saddles (retainer) is wider than your lower radiator saddles, you should be fine.

[biohazardbill]

Originally Posted by vin63

I can when I get home, but if the upper radiator saddles (retainer) is wider than your lower radiator saddles, you should be fine.

Are there some uppers that have wider saddles?

[vin63]

Yes, the larger core radiators for the V8s had wider upper tanks.

[biohazardbill]

That makes sense. Now we know why crgrs didn't fit.
Posted via Mobile Device

[padresag]

Originally Posted by vin63

Yes, the larger core radiators for the V8s had wider upper tanks.

I believe that there are different thickness of cores, the tanks remained the same size thickness in the originals. the width of the tanks may have differed.
ron

[biohazardbill]

Well fortunately I have a parts truck here that had the v-8 in it, it does have the larger saddles. Do you know if the saddles on the bottom are different on the 6 cyl vs 8 cyl radiators? It seems even for this style to work would require some spacers underneath to make the saddles sit flat.

Either way othe ideas are welcome lol

[vin63]

The bottom tanks were the same (smaller width or thickness according to your perspective). You can get replacement rubber radiator retainer bushings from LMC Truck. The only thing I did is if you use the transmission cooler tank, I had to move one of the saddles over to clear one of the ports. If you are not running a trans cooler, there is no lower retainer/saddle adjustment needed.

[CRGRS 66]

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

That makes sense. Now we know why crgrs didn't fit.
Posted via Mobile Device

my truck has the original 283, my thread looking for help at the time, if it helps you, great, if not sorry to waste you time
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=rad
Cheers!

[biohazardbill]

I found this

Clicky

Although it is not quite the same radiator as I have, it does give me some ideas.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I have the Champion Radiator. I bought some weather stripping that goes on the bottom of your Garage Door. It is molded with two bends. I cut it down and used some for my inner fender to cab seal and today I cut some down and used it in my upper cradle for the radiator. It seemed to work just fine. I had no troubles with the lower cradles at all. I notice the upper tank on the champion radiators are a bit bigger then on the bottom. Here is a picture of the inner fender. I still have to remove a staple and glue that part that is sticking out.

[Rich 5150 69]

Here`s another earlier thread....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=531122

[Captainfab]

The 2 and 3 row core radiators used the same size tanks. The 4 row core radiators had wider (thicker) tanks both top and bottom. Consequently the lower saddles and upper hold down were sized accordingly.