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 1973 - 1987 Chevrolet & GMC Squarebody Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-06-2019, 03:31 PM   #1
KQQL IT
At the body shop.
 
KQQL IT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,254
Radiator problems.

Anybody having issues with aftermarket radiators fiiting?
Bought a spectra brand CU730 was to tall by a 1/2 or so. It decided to identify as a sprinkler because of my transmission cooler mount thru the fins.

Then buy a champion MC716 and it's short by 1/2''
So I made a "sweet" spacer out of some scrap I had in the garage on Friday night at 8pm.

It can't be this hard to buy a radiator that fits these trucks.
__________________
" That didnt make it any newer "
" Dont antique the equipment "

Last edited by KQQL IT; 11-06-2019 at 03:38 PM.
KQQL IT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2019, 09:31 AM   #2
Axle
Registered User
 
Axle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 1,212
Re: Radiator problems.

I had to mildly modify my upper mount for the cu730 by grinding out clearance for the lip, which took care of the 1/2" difference. The plastic/aluminum cu730 definately has a bigger pinch edge than the old unit. Other than the cu730, the other cars I've put the plastic/al spectra rads in fit perfectly, and I'd say even better than the all brass units.

Alex.
Axle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2019, 08:25 PM   #3
layinrocker65
Registered User
 
layinrocker65's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: California
Posts: 521
Re: Radiator problems.

The spectra radiator replaced my stock big block radiator perfectly
__________________
‘53 GMC COE stock
‘53 Chevy 3100 LSA/TR6060 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?t=805949‘
'70 Chevy C10 LWB 350/sm465
‘74 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3/4L80e, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital, US Mags
layinrocker65 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2019, 10:09 PM   #4
ron350
Registered User
 
ron350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Birmingham AL
Posts: 266
Re: Radiator problems.

I have a 75 C10 with a 350 motor vin V, TH350 and a 3 flue radiator and not a single parts store in town has a drop in radiator. The parts store computer says they have a radiator that is an exact fit so I bring in my original radiator and put it on the counter. After opening theit radiator box and lay it on top of my radiator they give up.

Not about to start chopping on my truck to make radiator fit.
__________________
Stock 75 C10 step side.
350 2 BBL, 350 trans. 150K miles.
ron350 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2019, 08:08 AM   #5
cadillac_al
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,375
Re: Radiator problems.

I have always interchanged my truck radiators and Cadillac and Oldsmobile radiators. I wonder if a radiator for a 78 Cadillac would look close enough.
__________________
76 Chevy K20
76 GMC K15
77 Chevy C10
77 Chevy K10
cadillac_al is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2019, 04:56 PM   #6
KQQL IT
At the body shop.
 
KQQL IT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Land of fruits and nuts.
Posts: 5,254
Re: Radiator problems.

The 4 row champion sits on the thermostat. At least it works well.
Just weird the copper and brass ones went in nice.
Now on I'm on my 2nd aluminum radiator that fits like crap.
Even the summit brand aluminum I got for the my 68 fit right.
__________________
" That didnt make it any newer "
" Dont antique the equipment "
KQQL IT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2023, 11:50 AM   #7
eric8
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Utopia
Posts: 215
Re: Radiator problems.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ron350 View Post
I have a 75 C10 with a 350 motor vin V, TH350 and a 3 flue radiator and not a single parts store in town has a drop in radiator. The parts store computer says they have a radiator that is an exact fit so I bring in my original radiator and put it on the counter. After opening theit radiator box and lay it on top of my radiator they give up.

Not about to start chopping on my truck to make radiator fit.
Did you ever find one that was a good fit? I’m having this same problem for my 77 with a 350.
eric8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2023, 01:06 PM   #8
ron350
Registered User
 
ron350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Birmingham AL
Posts: 266
Re: Radiator problems.

No i gave up finding a radiator that will fit.
__________________
Stock 75 C10 step side.
350 2 BBL, 350 trans. 150K miles.
ron350 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2023, 01:47 PM   #9
eric8
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Utopia
Posts: 215
Re: Radiator problems.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ron350 View Post
No i gave up finding a radiator that will fit.
Uggghh. Was hoping for a different answer but thank you anyway!
eric8 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2023, 02:24 PM   #10
old Rusty C10
Robert Olson Transport
 
old Rusty C10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,310
Re: Radiator problems.

ya have to find a decent made in America radiator usually i have the OEM re cored
__________________
Bob



1951 International running on a squarebody chassis


"If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board"
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!)


PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport

Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you...
I hate cancer!!
old Rusty C10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-22-2023, 03:25 PM   #11
Richard
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,881
Re: Radiator problems.

Purchased a radiator from these guys 15+ years ago for my 72 https://usradiator.com/radiator-find...uck&_year=1975 Is copper/brass and was still good when I removed it last year.
__________________
Richard
1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside
My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746
Richard is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

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 12:50 PM.


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