1961 gmc radiator help?

[OLDGMC61]

New member here. I have a buddy who told me about this place. So i thought I would ask a question. I need a new radiator for my 61. I have the 305 v6 with the sm 420 tranny. My radiator is pissing all over the place. I know LMC TRUCK has a replacement but its very pricey. I think its $500 bucks. Do you guys now of a cheaper replacement that would work in my truck?

[sigshooter]

Originally Posted by OLDGMC61

New member here. I have a buddy who told me about this place. So i thought I would ask a question. I need a new radiator for my 61. I have the 305 v6 with the sm 420 tranny. My radiator is pissing all over the place. I know LMC TRUCK has a replacement but its very pricey. I think its $500 bucks. Do you guys now of a cheaper replacement that would work in my truck?

Good deals on Ebay on alunimum rads for around 200-250 bucks depending on how many cores you want

[brap999]

I agree with Ebay, there are some smaller shops that make radiators selling them there. I've been eyeing a new radiator myself, and when I'm ready to purchase one it will be from Ebay. Definitely the cheapest prices I've found.

[OLDGMC61]

I went and checked them out. I found a couple that looks like they will work. Just mounting them might be an issue. I may have to make some brackets for it. Heres one I found. what do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-S...#ht_2496wt_895

[markeb01]

IMO you'll probably be happier if you avoid a crossflow radiator, unless it is narrow enough to fit between the frame rails (which will sacrifice cooling capacity). I bought a Be Cool crossflow for my 1960 GMC and the lower radiator outlet ended up right on top of the passenger side frame rail. It's very difficult to find a lower hose that fits well, unless you buy one of the expensive copper flex hoses. I went back to a conventional downflow radiator which puts the lower hose inboard of the frame, allowing the use of a conventional lower hose.

And welcome to the forum. Now that you've found the place I hope you hang out and post some photos.

Also here are some earlier threads dealing with radiator recommendations:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=radiator

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=radiator

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=radiator

[OLDGMC61]

Originally Posted by markeb01

IMO you'll probably be happier if you avoid a crossflow radiator, unless it is narrow enough to fit between the frame rails (which will sacrifice cooling capacity). I bought a Be Cool crossflow for my 1960 GMC and the lower radiator outlet ended up right on top of the passenger side frame rail. It's very difficult to find a lower hose that fits well, unless you buy one of the expensive copper flex hoses. I went back to a conventional downflow radiator which puts the lower hose inboard of the frame, allowing the use of a conventional lower hose.

And welcome to the forum. Now that you've found the place I hope you hang out and post some photos.

Also here are some earlier threads dealing with radiator recommendations:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=radiator

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=radiator

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=radiator

Thanks you very much!!

I am looking at this one. What do you think?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-A...ht_3305wt_1165

[markeb01]

It certainly should fit nice, but take a look at the 2nd link posted above to see the experience another member had with their products.

[taclem]

I had the same thing on my 66 C10, couldn't afford the custom made radiators, by chance I went to Autozone Online and they had a radiator they said would fit. It was a V-8 and I have the 292 6. Anyway I had to fab brackets for the upper crossmember and modify my upper hold down to hold it in. Seems to work OK and is a Brass/Copper two core for $215.00

[CaptHutch66]

Give these guys a call they ship everywhere and he has one (alum) that fits our trucks perfectly!

Fast Radiator
2763 Hwy 54
Peachtree City, GA 30269
770-996-5945

[KIC]

Originally Posted by CaptHutch66

Give these guys a call they ship everywhere and he has one (alum) that fits our trucks perfectly!

Fast Radiator
2763 Hwy 54
Peachtree City, GA 30269
770-996-5945

Looks like the earliest model they have is a 63 with a V-8.

[slorio]

Here's my spiel if you want a new radiator. I went through this in a panic a few months ago. Radiator shop couldn't get
new core to fix my old one. Radiator shop wanted $500 for a "custom"
manufactured replacement radiator. No thanks. Radiators on E bay were $225,
but were aluminum from China. No thanks. I found a new copper/brass three
row radiator for $186.79 from Rock Auto (www.rockauto.com) supplied by
Proliance, made in Mexico. Ended up $207 with shipping. The radiator has
connections for auto tranny cooler that I didn't need and was slightly larger on
the outlet then my original (1.75" vs. 1.5"). I am well satisfied. One note
on measurements that I learned is that they don't include the tank. You need
to add the tanks to get overall dimensions. Here is the info from the
Proliance site and the part number for it:

Regards,
Steve
New Orleans

Part Number - 433284
Make - GM
Construction Copper - Brass
Core Size - 17 3/8 x 24 3/4 x 2
Number Of Rows - 3
Mount Type - Channel
Inlet Location - Top Left
Outlet - 1 3/4
Outlet Location - Bottom Right
Tank Inlet Size - 2 1/2 x 25 7/8
Tank Outlet Size - 2 1/2 x 25 7/16
Hose Inlet Size - 1 3/4
Transmission Oil Cooler - 1

[KIC]

Great site ..thanks ! but I have a question...it only lists a radiator for a 1963 and up...will a 63 radiator work in a 1960 Burb with a V-6 ? And i think the original poster has a 61...

[CaptHutch66]

Originally Posted by OLDGMC61

New member here. I have a buddy who told me about this place. So i thought I would ask a question. I need a new radiator for my 61. I have the 305 v6 with the sm 420 tranny. My radiator is pissing all over the place. I know LMC TRUCK has a replacement but its very pricey. I think its $500 bucks. Do you guys now of a cheaper replacement that would work in my truck?

Spoke w/Jay @ Fast Radiator this am. Stock #284 for the all alum, it has trans cooler outlets if needed, $189.00 with free shipping to Cal. This is the same radiator I bought from him (1 1/2 years ago)and it fits our trucks great! Drops in on he rubber cushions and the top bracket holds it fine! Its for a V8 but you won't have any problems w/the V6.

[awbrown]

The good thing about Jay's radiator is it is a Silla and should come with a warenttee, not so sure about the ones on Ebay.....