Need new radiator for 55 2nd series - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Heinz55 · 05-24-2010, 05:44 PM

Started truck today after a long time off. Timing still needs some work, but discovered a huge hole in the (brand new) radiator that I must have put there myself sometime in the last year of fabrication.

Where would be a good place to get a replacement radiator that would mount in original place? not original engine, now running an Olds 455 (until I find a SB chevy to put in)

OrrieG · 05-24-2010, 08:29 PM

I got one for my 59 out of a 57 big truck (6400??). It has the same mounting pattern to the radiator support but is 1" thicker and about 3" taller. I never had any problems with the old 6 cylinder one I had in there but figured since I was upgrading may as well get some more cooling for the a/c.

Fred T · 05-25-2010, 04:38 AM

When I needed a radiator for my 52 last summer I talked to a radiator shop. His advice was to go to ebay motors and search. I paid about $250 shipped for one that dropped right in and works great. The vendor I used is currently out of ones for the 55, but there are others. Get the 3 row core, it should keep that 455 cool.

Heinz55 · 05-25-2010, 07:03 AM

Thanks for the info. Found a couple on Ebay I will look at.

How hard is it to fix these radiators?

I have the old one that came out of the truck that may be a quick fix until I can afford a brand new on. I am very handy at brazing and welding, and it seems the leaks are only where to top and bottoms join the rest of the piece.

Fred T · 05-25-2010, 12:22 PM

The area has to be clean inside and out to solder. Then submerge the radiator until the seam is above the water. It's been years since I soldered one usually had a shop do it, they can do it a lot better. I also learned that shops are hard to find. They were forced to close when the price of copper skyrocketed. These aluminum radiators have dealt the shops another blow.

**mr48chev** · 05-25-2010, 07:36 PM

If the hole didn't take out a lot of tubes I'd pack the "new one with the hole" down to a radiator shop and see if they can repair it. If the rest of the radiator is in good shape they should be able to solder it and send you on your way.

bajaracing · 05-29-2010, 01:37 PM

try http://championcooling.com/

I have a 72 c10, and bought a 2row aluminum, fit perfect, and working great! Only $169.00

05-24-2010, 05:44 PM	#1
Heinz55 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 57	Need new radiator for 55 2nd series Started truck today after a long time off. Timing still needs some work, but discovered a huge hole in the (brand new) radiator that I must have put there myself sometime in the last year of fabrication. Where would be a good place to get a replacement radiator that would mount in original place? not original engine, now running an Olds 455 (until I find a SB chevy to put in) __________________ During first and only engine rebuild " That O-ring? It's a spare I think, but lets keep it just in case we discover we need it" 1955 Chevy 2nd series, "Mabel"

05-24-2010, 08:29 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Need new radiator for 55 2nd series I got one for my 59 out of a 57 big truck (6400??). It has the same mounting pattern to the radiator support but is 1" thicker and about 3" taller. I never had any problems with the old 6 cylinder one I had in there but figured since I was upgrading may as well get some more cooling for the a/c. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 05-24-2010 at 08:30 PM.

05-25-2010, 04:38 AM	#3
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Need new radiator for 55 2nd series When I needed a radiator for my 52 last summer I talked to a radiator shop. His advice was to go to ebay motors and search. I paid about $250 shipped for one that dropped right in and works great. The vendor I used is currently out of ones for the 55, but there are others. Get the 3 row core, it should keep that 455 cool. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-25-2010, 07:03 AM	#4
Heinz55 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 57	Re: Need new radiator for 55 2nd series Thanks for the info. Found a couple on Ebay I will look at. How hard is it to fix these radiators? I have the old one that came out of the truck that may be a quick fix until I can afford a brand new on. I am very handy at brazing and welding, and it seems the leaks are only where to top and bottoms join the rest of the piece. __________________ During first and only engine rebuild " That O-ring? It's a spare I think, but lets keep it just in case we discover we need it" 1955 Chevy 2nd series, "Mabel"

05-25-2010, 12:22 PM	#5
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Need new radiator for 55 2nd series The area has to be clean inside and out to solder. Then submerge the radiator until the seam is above the water. It's been years since I soldered one usually had a shop do it, they can do it a lot better. I also learned that shops are hard to find. They were forced to close when the price of copper skyrocketed. These aluminum radiators have dealt the shops another blow. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

05-25-2010, 07:36 PM	#6
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,635	Re: Need new radiator for 55 2nd series If the hole didn't take out a lot of tubes I'd pack the "new one with the hole" down to a radiator shop and see if they can repair it. If the rest of the radiator is in good shape they should be able to solder it and send you on your way.

05-29-2010, 01:37 PM	#7
bajaracing Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: SoCAL Posts: 121	Re: Need new radiator for 55 2nd series try http://championcooling.com/ I have a 72 c10, and bought a 2row aluminum, fit perfect, and working great! Only $169.00



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