Radiator Help (1960)

[bigdlb12]

My 1960 Apache has the original radiator, and at 52 years old I think it has done its job.

In the past few months, I notice that my temp gauge would climb, when I would go and check the radiator, it still was full, I bought a new cap and problem solved. from time to time it would still climb.

However now I have a leak, let me correct that, a few leaks, I have gone as far as trying a few raidator leak solutions, the flakes and the pellets. Neither of which work.

LMC has my radiator, since none of the top autoparts do, but it is 459-500 bucks, I know it is 20" x 21" 1/2 and only 2" thick, my question to you all is,
Are there any other radiators I can use for my truck?


I would like a aluminum one, I found a "universal" one for around $200, from what I hear is that many times, the fans dont even come on because they run so much cooler than the old school radiators. But my pops is saying that it matters where the inlet and outlet are located, is this true?

I dont care in keeping the truck original, since almost everything is custom.

Thank you in advance



also, if you know of any other low cost solutions I can do for now, please let me know, i have a trip coming up in 4 weeks and really dont want to spend the money as of now.

[Crosby TX]

Bought this one for my 61. Aluminum 2 row direct replacement by Champion. About $160 after shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_nkw=...coolingsystems

Had it in the truck since Nov. of last year. No problems in the Texas heat. Have one 16" electric fan that comes on sometimes while sitting in traffic. Temps stay at 180.

[markeb01]

The easiest solution may be having your original radiator recored. A local shop simply removes your upper and lower tanks, and installs a new radiator core in between. Price can vary widely though so you would need to check around for the best deal.

Location of the outlets is important especially if you are going with a universal replacement radiator. For example most cross flow radiators will place the lower connection on top of the passenger side frame rail, making it very difficult to come up with a hose that works. And with a conventional down flow radiator, you want the connections to be close to where they are now, or you may have to change the hoses, or the thermostat housing. If the radiator moves either connection to the opposite side you may have routing problems that just won't work.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by bigdlb12

My 1960 Apache has the original radiator, and at 52 years old I think it has done its job.

In the past few months, I notice that my temp gauge would climb, when I would go and check the radiator, it still was full, I bought a new cap and problem solved. from time to time it would still climb.

However now I have a leak, let me correct that, a few leaks, I have gone as far as trying a few raidator leak solutions, the flakes and the pellets. Neither of which work.

LMC has my radiator, since none of the top autoparts do, but it is 459-500 bucks, I know it is 20" x 21" 1/2 and only 2" thick, my question to you all is,
Are there any other radiators I can use for my truck?




I would like a aluminum one, I found a "universal" one for around $200, from what I hear is that many times, the fans dont even come on because they run so much cooler than the old school radiators. But my pops is saying that it matters where the inlet and outlet are located, is this true?

I dont care in keeping the truck original, since almost everything is custom.

Thank you in advance



also, if you know of any other low cost solutions I can do for now, please let me know, i have a trip coming up in 4 weeks and really dont want to spend the money as of now.

what did you put on for a rad cap a 13 or 15# pressure. that is what more than likely caused the leaking. it would have been only a 7# cap originally. your system is just getting old. your heater core may be in the same shape
ron

[bigdlb12]

Originally Posted by Crosby TX

Bought this one for my 61. Aluminum 2 row direct replacement by Champion. About $160 after shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_nkw=...coolingsystems

Had it in the truck since Nov. of last year. No problems in the Texas heat. Have one 16" electric fan that comes on sometimes while sitting in traffic. Temps stay at 180.

Thank you all for your input, Crosby TX answered what I wanted, this freaking TX heat is had on us, IDK about you guys, but summer just started and we have been above 100 everyday, today is going to be cooler, about 101, last few days 107 and 106

While I know I can get my old radiator re cored, I still like the look of an aluminum one, and 180 degree in traffic is great for me, I failed to mention that the engine is a chevy 350, kinda beefed up

crosby TX, any chance you can load up some pics?

[Crosby TX]

Yes I can but I can't till next week.

[doobiebro]

Originally Posted by bigdlb12

Thank you all for your input, Crosby TX answered what I wanted, this freaking TX heat is had on us, IDK about you guys, but summer just started and we have been above 100 everyday, today is going to be cooler, about 101, last few days 107 and 106

While I know I can get my old radiator re cored, I still like the look of an aluminum one, and 180 degree in traffic is great for me, I failed to mention that the engine is a chevy 350, kinda beefed up

crosby TX, any chance you can load up some pics?

bigdlb12 I bought a 3 row champion all aluminum on ebay for about $140.00.....mine is a 3 row on my 60 also with a 283 v-8...They dont come with built in trans cooler so i fabbed a mid 2000s (ford Ranger) all medal auto trans cooler on mine for a 700r4 trans...my truck in the southwest heat stays a 180-200 degrees with no complaints..Heres sum pics..

[bigdlb12]

looks great man, wow I am jealous, mine is nowhere as nice as that

[bama63]

what i used http://www.ebay.com/itm/1961-1963-Ch...item20ada80c2a

100% american made a little more $ but they are in my home town and i know from experience and even worked there 30 or so years ago these people are top notch and have been in business since 1950. all of their products are manufactured in house at the same location

[ole dollor]

i also bought mine on ebay....around lubbock they were going for 4 to 5 hundred , paid around $150.00 for the champion on e-bay....works great...

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

I need one on my truck. Had it rebuilt but was not satisfied with it, but she is still holding up.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=424534

Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[bigdlb12]

ok Just ordered mine this morning, Finally after waiting all this time, will let you guys know how it goes