The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-02-2024, 11:42 AM   #1
Loose Screw
Registered User
 
Loose Screw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: EL PASO
Posts: 192
Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

I need a cheap one just to move the vehicle around my property.
I don't know too much about radiators. My truck is automatic and I'm thinking the transmission cooler is attached to the front of the radiator. Whatever that it is that is not leaking. But I do see drops of coolant on the ground and on the bottom rail support.

Maybe I'll still use that external cooler if that's what it is or go right radiator into the new radiator if that what the threaded (2) holes on the right side of most radiators are for.

Anyway I'm looking at those Chinese radiators on Amazon that are under $200. Any of you guys usin anything like that? What's your recommendation.

And yes I one day I will get the one in it now recored.

TIA

IMG_1612.jpg

IMG_1610.jpg

IMG_1611.JPG
Attached Images
   
Loose Screw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 12:34 PM   #2
1970 CST Short Wide
Senior Moment
 
1970 CST Short Wide's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Pittsburg Ca
Posts: 4,187
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Why not just rebuild now. It may not need to be re cored. A Good Rad shop will clean it out and seal any leak for about what you’d pay for one of those cheap junk ones
Just my 2c
__________________
1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN
2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son
71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son
2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son
2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car
2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride
Pittsburg Ca
94565
1970 CST Short Wide is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 12:43 PM   #3
geezer#99
Registered User
 
geezer#99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bowser
Posts: 13,732
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Do you have a catch can for the coolant or just an overflow tube?
geezer#99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 12:44 PM   #4
RustyPile
Registered User
 
RustyPile's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Elkhart, Texas
Posts: 1,844
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

/\ /\ /\ /\

X2 what CST Short said
RustyPile is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 01:05 PM   #5
AussieinNC
Moderator
 
AussieinNC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Cherryville, NC
Posts: 2,204
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

I would have the original one repaired.

The fluid on the cross member may be from lack of overflow tube.
The trans cooler should be plumbed through the radiator then the cooler then back to the trans.
Perhaps the cooler was leaking water into the trans and it was bypassed. That slow leak from cooler fittings may be the cause of your water on the cross member. Put two screw in plugs in the radiator cooler ports and pressure test the system to identify where the leaks are coming from.

The Aftermarket ones seem to only last 12 months or so, especially if its aluminum...

__________________
Family and country before all others...

2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver)
2012 Chevy Equinox

AussieinNC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 03:25 PM   #6
Loose Screw
Registered User
 
Loose Screw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: EL PASO
Posts: 192
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

The overflow from the radiator goes into a rigged up washer fluid canister...

and yeah, I'm going to pressure test it before I go any further.
Loose Screw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 04:24 PM   #7
Wrenchbender Ret
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Overland Park, Ks.
Posts: 5,229
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

I have one just like what you want, but shipping cost would be prohibited. It is in the Kansas City area.

George
Wrenchbender Ret is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 05:21 PM   #8
72SB
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Moorpark, CA
Posts: 775
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

assuming you do need a radiator, check your local chain auto part store as often they have lifetime warranty and their $ are generally lower for "store label" parts. Granted those kind of parts are not the best but returns for warranty are typically no hassle
72SB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 07:46 PM   #9
jumpsoffrock
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: California
Posts: 975
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

I just posted this in another thread yesterday:

Quote:
Originally Posted by jumpsoffrock View Post
Most GM radiators from 1967-1975-1980 from basically any GM vehicle, Cadillac, Camaro, C10, C30, Buick, Trans Am.....they all fit to a certain extent. But the inlet and outlets might be a little incorrect. But in general their exterior dimensions are very close.

Most are roughly 24-28" wide and 17" tall.
jumpsoffrock is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 07:48 PM   #10
Luke87gt
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2024
Location: Pleasanton CA
Posts: 232
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

I bought an Amazon cheapie 3-row for my 69 after the stock i6 radiator started leaking.

It looks to have good reviews but I haven’t installed it yet. We’ll see soon what $140 gets ya…

https://a.co/d/5yoa5D1
__________________
1969 C10 Shortbed
Luke87gt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 08:03 PM   #11
jumpsoffrock
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: California
Posts: 975
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

on rock auto.com
SPECTRA PREMIUM CU162

26-1/4 in. x 17-1/4 in. Core;

price is $80

Last edited by jumpsoffrock; 10-02-2024 at 08:15 PM.
jumpsoffrock is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2024, 09:37 PM   #12
Loose Screw
Registered User
 
Loose Screw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: EL PASO
Posts: 192
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Ok, I rented a pressure tester...
tomorrow should give me a better idea of where I'm at.
Thanks Guys!
Loose Screw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2024, 02:57 PM   #13
Wrenchbender Ret
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Overland Park, Ks.
Posts: 5,229
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

The Champion brand aluminum radiators are rugged & good. They are not expensive depending were you get it.

George
Wrenchbender Ret is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2024, 03:16 PM   #14
leddzepp
Moderator
 
leddzepp's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,031
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret View Post
The Champion brand aluminum radiators are rugged & good. They are not expensive depending were you get it.

George
I’ve used Champion in 2 of my trucks, they fit well and work great. No issues in my 68 now for many years.
__________________
1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed.

1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck.


RIP ElJay
RIP 67ChevyRedneck
RIP Grumpy Old Man
RIP FleetsidePaul
leddzepp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2024, 08:23 PM   #15
Loose Screw
Registered User
 
Loose Screw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: EL PASO
Posts: 192
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret View Post
The Champion brand aluminum radiators are rugged & good. They are not expensive depending were you get it.

George
Yeah, between what you and Led Zeppelin posted I'll probably end up with a Champion. Still looking at a Duralast it's about 100 bux more though.

I did do an ~16 psi test and did get about a teaspoon of fluid on the bottom cross member in about 20 minutes.......

I still have ball joints/tie rod ends, and a whole lot of parking brake work to do besides messing with fuel rich.

I should of just stuck to garden gnomes and pink flamingos for yard art.......
Loose Screw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2024, 10:04 PM   #16
Dead Parrot
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 2,611
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

If "moving it around on the property" is just a few minutes of running, I wouldn't replace the radiator. A teaspoon in 20 minutes isn't going to leak enough to matter for a two minute reposition drive. Put a 7lb cap on it and call it good until time for a new/rebuilt radiator.

Save the money, time and effort for other things on the 'to do' list.
Dead Parrot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-03-2024, 11:10 PM   #17
Smitty
Senior Member
 
Smitty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Spring Valley, Ca.
Posts: 1,136
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Champion replaced my radiator free when there was a leak where the core meets the radiator. I'm close enough that I was able to drive up there and swap it out instead of mailing it. Actually think that you may be able to send them a picture as an attachment in order to have them provide the service. All you have to do is call them.
__________________
Smitty
'71 Short Fleetside
Spring Valley, Ca.
Smitty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2024, 02:26 PM   #18
Rust_never_sleeps
Senior Member
 
Rust_never_sleeps's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: San Ramon,CA
Posts: 593
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

There's a ready supply of n-i-b units around here on FB marketplace. Lots of custom builders seem to take a few tries to find one that fits what's left of their engine bay
__________________
1970 C10 Custom longbed 350/350
Rust_never_sleeps is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2024, 03:59 PM   #19
70STOVEBOLT
Senior Member
 
70STOVEBOLT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Winona Lake, IN
Posts: 6,415
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dead Parrot View Post
If "moving it around on the property" is just a few minutes of running, I wouldn't replace the radiator. A teaspoon in 20 minutes isn't going to leak enough to matter for a two minute reposition drive. Put a 7lb cap on it and call it good until time for a new/rebuilt radiator.

Save the money, time and effort for other things on the 'to do' list.
I totally agree with this
__________________
70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast"
200,000 Mile Club
Disc Brake Club

Owner installed options:
Front Sway Bar
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Cigar Lighter
Courtesy Lights
Deluxe Side Markers
Wiper Delay
Sliding Rear Window
Power Windows
Power Locks
Sniper EFI

2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23 lowered 2" front & rear
70STOVEBOLT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2024, 12:54 AM   #20
mr48chev
Registered User
 
mr48chev's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,711
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Boy howdy, it is all too obvious that none of you who said get the radiator rebuilt have not had a radiator rebuilt lately or even hunted for a shop that will still do it. Or you think 6 or 7 hundred to have a radiator rebuilt is "cheap".

I doubt that there is any chance of slipping across the border to have a shop on the other side redo the radiator at a far lower price simply because they don't have to deal with the hassles that US shops do.

That cooler is an auxiliary cooler and those plastic push pins that go through the fins to hold them on can rub a tube the wrong way and also just vibration can cause a leak around them.

Still the first step is actually figuring out where coolant is leaking and the pressure test should show that. Then plan a course of action.

I don't know anything about these three vendors https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...iator&_sacat=0

But you can't beat the price with free shipping if you are looking for low buck. Only driving it will show if it stands up to ElPaso summers but if you need to get the truck going to be able to drive it to where you need to go with it that might be the way to go. Provided that the radiator is the correct width.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club.

My ongoing truck projects:
48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six.
71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant.
77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.
mr48chev is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2024, 02:36 PM   #21
Loose Screw
Registered User
 
Loose Screw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: EL PASO
Posts: 192
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mr48chev View Post
Boy howdy, it is all too obvious that none of you who said get the radiator rebuilt have not had a radiator rebuilt lately or even hunted for a shop that will still do it. Or you think 6 or 7 hundred to have a radiator rebuilt is "cheap".

I doubt that there is any chance of slipping across the border to have a shop on the other side redo the radiator at a far lower price simply because they don't have to deal with the hassles that US shops do.

That cooler is an auxiliary cooler and those plastic push pins that go through the fins to hold them on can rub a tube the wrong way and also just vibration can cause a leak around them.

Still the first step is actually figuring out where coolant is leaking and the pressure test should show that. Then plan a course of action.

I don't know anything about these three vendors https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...iator&_sacat=0

But you can't beat the price with free shipping if you are looking for low buck. Only driving it will show if it stands up to ElPaso summers but if you need to get the truck going to be able to drive it to where you need to go with it that might be the way to go. Provided that the radiator is the correct width.
Yeah, takin it to J-town would be a good deal, but the wait times are a B* coming back threw the Homeland Security check point.
.

Last edited by LockDoc; 10-08-2024 at 07:37 PM. Reason: Edited out the political stuff. It's against board rules....
Loose Screw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2024, 01:59 AM   #22
'68OrangeSunshine
Senior Member
 
'68OrangeSunshine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Posts: 7,505
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

I got my Jimmy's 350's 4-tier brass/copper Radiator rebuilt for $200 last summer in Tucson.
The SOB's didn't listen to me about reclocking the Overflow Nozzle to 6'o'clock,
so I could route the overflow tube around the Battery, but that's another issue.
__________________


Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 10-08-2024 at 05:52 PM.
'68OrangeSunshine is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2024, 05:12 PM   #23
Willshook
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Chehalis, WA
Posts: 74
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Agree that if it's original...or an older replacement, rule out repair before you replace it.

I bought an OER replacement from Autozone and it was very good quality - fairly impressed with it as all-brass vs. plastic side tanks, and the price was decent (around $350).
Willshook is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2024, 01:17 PM   #24
MikeB
Senior Member
 
MikeB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,597
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 72SB View Post
assuming you do need a radiator, check your local chain auto part store as often they have lifetime warranty and their $ are generally lower for "store label" parts. Granted those kind of parts are not the best but returns for warranty are typically no hassle
Good idea. I bought an aluminum radiator for an 82 C10 from O'Reillys Auto for around $120. It fit great, worked great, and had a lifetime warranty. That was back around 2015, so prices have gone up for sure.
__________________
Mike
1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes.
1982 C10 SWB -- sold
1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it!
1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming.
Retired as a factory automation products salesman.
Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop.
Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!
MikeB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2024, 10:59 PM   #25
Loose Screw
Registered User
 
Loose Screw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2024
Location: EL PASO
Posts: 192
Re: Inexpensive Radiator I Need One.

Ok so I'm going to be using that built in automatic transmission tank that's built into my New radiator instead of that add on one that was held on with some sort of long plastic push pins that came on my FrankenTruck.

So what do I somehow cap off the bottom port and fill that tank up thru the top port and then real quick connect the bottom port into the trans?

What's that funky Lokar dipstick reading going to look like....

tia


IMG_1650.JPG

IMG_1649.jpg
Attached Images
  
Loose Screw is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:48 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com