'78 radiator-will it fit? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lukecp · 03-21-2003, 07:24 PM

Will a 4-core radiator from a '78 Chevy C-10 with a 454/TH400/AC bolt into my truck? The two core i have in my truck now just ain't cutting it, and i can proably get the radiator out of the '78 for next to nothing. It is also a sealed system, with a coolant recovery tank. I measured it's width, and length, and it is almost exactly the same as the one in my truck. I am worried about the mounting hardware though. My truck had a 4-core, and i am currently using the brakets on my 2-core. Also, are the tranny cooler lines at the same height? They looked a bit lower on the '78. Thanks for any help.

tom hand · 03-21-2003, 07:32 PM

If you have four core brackets yes...the trans lines will require minor tweaking and you'll have to use a 73 up lower hose because the original had the curved lower connection and the 73 up is straight. I have a 73 up in mine because it was a bunch cheaper than a 72 when I bought a new one

crazy longhorn · 03-21-2003, 07:37 PM

I think you will find that it will fit. you will need to change the hardware(tank mount pcs) for the thicker tanks. Also, the 73 up have a straight neck (bottom), that is also smaller diameter.....mine runs the 73 up waterpump & hoses, so its not a problem. good luck,crazyL

lukecp · 03-21-2003, 07:45 PM

I have 4-core brakets, so it will bolt right in? What should i order the bottom hose for? Would one for a '73 Chevy C10 w/a 350 work?

Thanks for the help

crazy longhorn · 03-21-2003, 07:50 PM

yup, a 73 bottom hose should work. you will find the angle out of the waterpump is a little different on the oldstyle (short) pump, but shouldnt be a problem.

Longhorn Man · 03-21-2003, 09:42 PM

I have the 73 - 87 style in mine, I had a rad shop brase on the lower neck for a few bucke extra. I don't see how the lower hose would fit otherwise, but if the others have done it, i'll takethere word for it.
Anotheher issue I ran into, with the new placement for the tranny cooler lines, i was unable to run the stock '70 shroud.

03-21-2003, 07:24 PM	#1
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	'78 radiator-will it fit? Will a 4-core radiator from a '78 Chevy C-10 with a 454/TH400/AC bolt into my truck? The two core i have in my truck now just ain't cutting it, and i can proably get the radiator out of the '78 for next to nothing. It is also a sealed system, with a coolant recovery tank. I measured it's width, and length, and it is almost exactly the same as the one in my truck. I am worried about the mounting hardware though. My truck had a 4-core, and i am currently using the brakets on my 2-core. Also, are the tranny cooler lines at the same height? They looked a bit lower on the '78. Thanks for any help. __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

03-21-2003, 07:32 PM	#2
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	If you have four core brackets yes...the trans lines will require minor tweaking and you'll have to use a 73 up lower hose because the original had the curved lower connection and the 73 up is straight. I have a 73 up in mine because it was a bunch cheaper than a 72 when I bought a new one __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

03-21-2003, 07:45 PM	#4
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	I have 4-core brakets, so it will bolt right in? What should i order the bottom hose for? Would one for a '73 Chevy C10 w/a 350 work? Thanks for the help __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

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03-21-2003, 07:37 PM	#3
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	I think you will find that it will fit. you will need to change the hardware(tank mount pcs) for the thicker tanks. Also, the 73 up have a straight neck (bottom), that is also smaller diameter.....mine runs the 73 up waterpump & hoses, so its not a problem. good luck,crazyL

03-21-2003, 07:50 PM	#5
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	yup, a 73 bottom hose should work. you will find the angle out of the waterpump is a little different on the oldstyle (short) pump, but shouldnt be a problem.

03-21-2003, 09:42 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I have the 73 - 87 style in mine, I had a rad shop brase on the lower neck for a few bucke extra. I don't see how the lower hose would fit otherwise, but if the others have done it, i'll takethere word for it. Anotheher issue I ran into, with the new placement for the tranny cooler lines, i was unable to run the stock '70 shroud.



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