Radiator questions

[Tomsriv]

So I took my radiator down to the shop to get a pinhole leak fixed. They told me that the core was leaking in several places. They could fix it for $45 but to do it right I will need a new core. For $320!, plus labor to put the tanks on. I checked my repair records and this radiator was last re-cored 15 years ago, and the fins are starting to disintegrate, so I would say its time for another. Darnit! I didn't plan on spending my government rebate check on a radiator! Most of the repo truck places want $400 plus for a radiator and Summit has a Griffin aluminum available for $457.

What should I go with? Also, this had a 4-row, but this is a 1/2 ton, short bed stepside with no AC, so I won't be putting that much load on it, even with a full bed. It has a healthy 350 V8, but I think a 4 row might be overkill. What do you think?

In addition, the Griffin radiator that is supposed to fit my truck has a 1.5" inlet and a 1.75 outlet. My current radiator has 1.75 for both. It measures about 22x25. Does that sound like the stock radiator?

[fuelpump]

Classic Parts is $325 and Jim Carter has some under $300. Check them out.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Summit also has some of their brand name radiators in aluminum for $209 with tranny cooler and $169 without cooler.

This is the one without the cooler. http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

And with cooler. http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku There is not picture for the cooler type but I am guessing it is like the one without. Most guys are using these and by the tale of my tape measure these will be the biggest you can put in. They will not be a direct bolt in and you maybe have to fab up some brackets. I have a feeling they are not hard to get in.

[ratskin]

You may want to check Advance, or some of the others-I checked with Advance, and the boss offered a new radiator for my 64 350(283 originally) w/air for $200 plus tax. I've got a pretty strong 350, and it will idle(and lope!) all day with the gauge just above center. Don't have the air back in yet, but don't anticipate any problems.

[slepysal]

What year is it for ? On my 60 I took the radiator to a shop to have it boiled out for 50.00. No can do they said it needs to be recored for 300.00! I looked all over the place and could not find one so I had to have mine done.
On the 60 it bolts to the the rad support ( like they did in the 50's), there is no lowwer support.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I used the same Summit that Chevy Fleetside did on my 64 w/350 and it works great. It has to go above the frame rails instead of between them, so I had to fab new mounts.

[Chevysdominate]

I cant vouch for the quality, but these shouldn't take any modifications and the price isn't to bad.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALL-A...spagenameZWDVW

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Originally Posted by Chevysdominate

I cant vouch for the quality, but these shouldn't take any modifications and the price isn't to bad.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALL-A...spagenameZWDVW

Wow, I like that. Never seen it before.

[rickf]

Originally Posted by Tomsriv

In addition, the Griffin radiator that is supposed to fit my truck has a 1.5" inlet and a 1.75 outlet. My current radiator has 1.75 for both. It measures about 22x25. Does that sound like the stock radiator?

No, does not sound OEM. The 1.5 top and 1.75 bottom is correct.

My supposed "OEM replacement" from brandX ($200) was like yours, though, with 1.75 top and bottom. The spigots on thermostat are 1.5,, so I got a flex hose with different ends to make the connection. So while 1.75 top and bottom is technically not correct, it is easy to make it work.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

Wow, I like that. Never seen it before.

They are made in China... If you care about those things.

[Tomsriv]

Wow, that chinese one is quite a deal.

I saw those summit ones, but I didn't consider putting in a cross flow. I wouldn't want to move my battery and voltage regulator to make it fit.

[protrash64]

I used the cheepy Summit radiator and had no problems. My truck runs at 190* all day. These DO NOT have a drain petcock which would be handy. I routed my tranny to a B&M 28K GVW cooler as the radiator does not have a trans cooler. Mounting is easy.......dont get one over 27" or so and it will fit btween the fenders.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by Tomsriv

Wow, that chinese one is quite a deal.

I saw those summit ones, but I didn't consider putting in a cross flow. I wouldn't want to move my battery and voltage regulator to make it fit.

You dont have to move your battery or voltage reg. It should fit right between the inner fenders. Summit now makes that radiator with a cooler. It is a new thing. Cross flow is supposed to cool better. Don't know how true that is as I never compared them.

[64Magoo]

Originally Posted by Chevysdominate

I cant vouch for the quality, but these shouldn't take any modifications and the price isn't to bad.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALL-A...spagenameZWDVW

I have that exact radiator and it fits great with no modifications except for thicker support padding (the things that cradle the radiator on the top). The fit and finish is top notch and it looks great peeking through my grill. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive high quality radiator.

[PA66C20]

Originally Posted by Chevysdominate

I cant vouch for the quality, but these shouldn't take any modifications and the price isn't to bad.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ALL-A...spagenameZWDVW

This same guy sells the original copper radiators. I bought one a few months ago. I havent put it in, but I think I paid $320? and that included shipping from CA to PA. The finish and the rad are top notch. Anthony was also very easy to work with and very quick about everything. Hope this helps. Questions or pics about my copper radiator from him, please email shawn@craftygrannyscorner.com
Shawn