Radiator upgrade

[curvedglass]

The radiator is starting to go out on my 63. I am running a 230 3 speed on the column. My future plans are for a good wrench 350 ( or facsimile of ). I plan on having the radiator recored at a local shop in town. how many rows do I need for a V-8 ?

[lumpy63]

a 3 row should work no problem with a good wrench or similar 350 , if you plan on running ac get a 4 row.

[Captainfab]

Along with the radiator, you will need a shroud and a good fan. If you go with the long water pump as so many do, be sure to get the fan positioned correctly into the shroud. Most long water pump users have the fan too far into the shroud.

[SparkyRnD]

We also make radiators here in the USA using domestically sourced materials by hand to fit your truck (and we can put the inlet / outlet wherever you need at no additional charge). They are all tig welded, no epoxy or glue either. Plus, we are a site sponsor. Let me know if you are interested.

[oliver63]

On your crossflow for a '63 can the inlet be on drivers side? I noticed on your website it was located on the right side. Do you give forum members discounts?

Originally Posted by SparkyRnD

We also make radiators here in the USA using domestically sourced materials by hand to fit your truck (and we can put the inlet / outlet wherever you need at no additional charge). They are all tig welded, no epoxy or glue either. Plus, we are a site sponsor. Let me know if you are interested.

[60chevyjim]

you can get nice aluminum radiators on ebay for our trucks 60-66 .
I have seen some for really great prices on them on there ..
around $150. including the shipping ..

[SparkyRnD]

Originally Posted by oliver63

On your crossflow for a '63 can the inlet be on drivers side? I noticed on your website it was located on the right side. Do you give forum members discounts?

'

Yes, we do offer forum discount ($25 on the radiator, $20 off fan & shroud kit), and yes we can put the inlet / outlet wherever you need them at no additional cost.

Originally Posted by 60chevyjim

you can get nice aluminum radiators on ebay for our trucks 60-66 .
I have seen some for really great prices on them on there ..
around $150. including the shipping ..

True, but most of those are chinese built-units that are cheap, using cheap materials and epoxy / glue to hold them together. Most don't last more than a year. We build ours here in the USA using domestically sourced materials, and they are MUCH higher quality. You do get what you pay for, and changing a radiator isn't something most people want to (or can afford to) change every 1-1.5 years. I do understand though that ours are more expensive than that, but an American made unit will inherently cost more for the better quality.

[oliver63]

Thanks Sparky...I will call tomorrow. Who should I ask for?

Originally Posted by SparkyRnD

'

Yes, we do offer forum discount ($25 on the radiator, $20 off fan & shroud kit), and yes we can put the inlet / outlet wherever you need them at no additional cost.



True, but most of those are chinese built-units that are cheap, using cheap materials and epoxy / glue to hold them together. Most don't last more than a year. We build ours here in the USA using domestically sourced materials, and they are MUCH higher quality. You do get what you pay for, and changing a radiator isn't something most people want to (or can afford to) change every 1-1.5 years. I do understand though that ours are more expensive than that, but an American made unit will inherently cost more for the better quality.

[SparkyRnD]

Pm me your number and name and I can call you mid-day tomorrow

[60chevyjim]

I put a ebay all aluminum rad in my 51 chevy 4 years ago for $130 including shipping .
its all welded and works great .
buy what you can afford as long as it is all aluminum and welded .
with my limited income I have to find the best item for the best price .

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by 60chevyjim

you can get nice aluminum radiators on ebay for our trucks 60-66 .
I have seen some for really great prices on them on there ..
around $150. including the shipping ..

Thats what I put in my 61 and had no issues with it.

[Clyde65]

I used Champion Radiators, haven't had an issue with mine or the one that is in my dads crew cab.

If I were building it today I would use one of Sparky's since I like to use board vendors when I can. Also they would move the inlet and most wont.

Even if it seems like more money, its worth it to me to support folks that are building and supplying us truck enthusiasts.

[oliver63]

I ordered my today from Sparky...he was very friendly and helpful. Thank you Sparky!

[Bart Savage]

i had my stock unit rebuilt for my ls swap with neck and steam port on passenger side for 525$. fits perfect and looks right.

[SparkyRnD]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I used Champion Radiators, haven't had an issue with mine or the one that is in my dads crew cab.

If I were building it today I would use one of Sparky's since I like to use board vendors when I can. Also they would move the inlet and most wont.

Even if it seems like more money, its worth it to me to support folks that are building and supplying us truck enthusiasts.

Originally Posted by oliver63

I ordered my today from Sparky...he was very friendly and helpful. Thank you Sparky!

Thanks for the support guys, we do appreciate it. Even though it is more money than the cheap chinese units and the Champion units, you do get a better quality radiator from us. Most of the lesser expensive units use epoxy or glue (typically at the core), while we don't. They also tend to have less-clean looking tanks with more welded sections, while we try to keep ours as clean / nice looking as possible. But with that said, I completely understand that our set up is outside of some folks budget.