Question: How Do You Keep Cool? A/C and Radiator Etc.

[bigeasycigars]

I have a '71 K/5 Blazer CST. 350/350/205 missing a compressor but has most of the A/C components still in tact. As for the radiator it's on it's last legs.

1. Do I go through and replace what needs replacing through the A/C to (R134) or do i get a Vintage Air (or another aftermarket brand) system. What will blow the coolest as well as heat and defrost the best?

2. What is the best Radiator and Fan/Shroud set up? Aluminum? Electric? Stay with factory?

Love to see your setups on both topics..

Any help would be appreciated!

[Jurassic-1]

You can buy a compressor and brackets from the board or get a new one through early classics. You may want to put in a POA valve eliminator. The stock 3 or 4 row radiator should be good using a 195 degree thermostat. The stock fan is good but you may upgrade to a thermal clutch fan. In Arizona I run a 454 clutch and it stays just above 1/4 . The stock shroud is fine. Make sure the fan is a 350 fan. It should be centered in the shroud with the blade center centered in the shroud. Some people put the fan too deep or shallow inside the shroud.Make sure to flush the block and replace the coolant.

[BLUE THUNDER]

Hey Bigeasy, I took a chance on an aluminum radiator from ebay. I did a search as many of us do on ebay under "1972 blazer" and on the later pages I found classic radiator and bought one for $200. After installing it the temps hardly get out of the cold. That radiator keeps my truck cool even in 105 degree temps. I also got an electric fan from an 04 Mustang. I plan to install that soon. The fan for the 6cyl and the GT are the same. That should really cap off the cooling system. The radiator has performed flawlessly. I highly recommend it.

[tubbedII]

About the ebay radiator, does the cap interfer with the hold-downs?

[BLUE THUNDER]

Just a little. I trimmed the hold down and made it work.