Radiator Install Help!

[Goinlow64]

I have a champion radiator I am trying to put in my 64 with a 350/350 combo. When I mocked it up, I found the radiator did not sit in the factory retainers. It was too wide to fit between the frame. The only place it could really fit is on top of the frame. However, it looks like the top of the radiator is about where it should be.

This is my first build and I am a little lost. Do I just not use the factory retainers in between the frame? Or do I have the wrong radiator. The core itself lines up perfect with the core support when sitting on top of the frame.

If I do bypass the factory retainer, how do I mount it? Thanks for your answers!

[Rich 5150 69]

Was your truck a six originally, the six cylinder models had a narrower rad support (u) brackets in the lower mount...

[Goinlow64]

Off the top of my head, I am not sure of the orinal engine. I do beleive it was a 6, BUT the radiator I have now will not even fit between the frame rails to fit down in the radiator brackets... Any advice?

[Rich 5150 69]

The radiator should only be about 25 inches wide to fit...if I`m wrong somebody chime in I am using a champion but have had no issues...what was the part number you ordered, check with the champion site and confirm you have the right one.

[Goinlow64]

This will be a stupid question, but I will ask anyways. SHould the lower tank mount in the brackets?

[Rich 5150 69]

Yes,....using the factory rubbers in the saddles as well.... here`s one thread on this ....http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=Radiator

[biohazardbill]

I just went through a similiar install. As far as I found out, the bottom saddles should sit the straight six or the v-8, however top mount will be different between the two. I had to fab my own top bracket.

[Goinlow64]

I need to check some part numbers..... It does not appear there is a way to make the lower tank fit between the frame rails. The radiator was an ebay special from my in-laws for Christmas. Probably going back on ebay.....

[biohazardbill]

the one I got off ebay was a Champion, part number CC284

The link below is just for your reference, dunno if it is the best price/vendor out there.

Clicky

[Rich 5150 69]

Originally Posted by biohazardbill

the one I got off ebay was a Champion, part number CC284

The link below is just for your reference, dunno if it is the best price/vendor out there.

Clicky

Same here....

[Goinlow64]

Here is another questions. The width between my front frame rails is about 23 3/4", the width of the radiator is 25 1/4". Did you guys trim the frame to make it fit?

[biohazardbill]

I think I may have found your issue. I did not have to cut my frame but I can see where an issue may be.

There are two spots a radiator can mount on the crossmember. Mine was on the upper level (pic courtesy of chiefrocka) where the red circles are, yours may be on the lower:



His thread here....
Clicky

[Goinlow64]

Holy Cow! Problem Solved!!!! I just need to move the mounts up to the top set and I will be good to go! Thank you both for your quick responses and help with the issue! One step closer to gettin in runnin'!

Thanks!

[Snowbound]

By moving it up there, it looks like there will be room to run a long water pump set up.

I need to buy the water pump and brackets for mine and can't find short brackets anywhere!

[McCoyAZ]

If you havent figured this out yet...........

IF you had a 6 cyl the brackets are low on the crossmember. Just move them up on top of the crossmember and the radiator will fit fine.

If it were me I would forget about a fan and just use an electric one off a wrecked Ford Taurus, mid 90's I think are the most agressive as far as CFM's are concerned.

[MOTOIMPAIRED]

Ford Taurus fans rock and can be bought for about $15 from a You Pull It lot. They have two speeds and mine is always on low. They have a lot of drw on start up so I have a 80 amp relay on mine.