'73-'87 radiator swap?

[Matt Cramer]

My radiator has a pinhole leak. I've noticed a lot of the parts from the '73-'87 seem to bolt into '67-'72 trucks. Is this true of the radiators, too? The '73-'87 ones are a lot cheaper, and the outlets are in the same place.

[67 cst swb]

Originally Posted by Matt Cramer

My radiator has a pinhole leak. I've noticed a lot of the parts from the '73-'87 seem to bolt into '67-'72 trucks. Is this true of the radiators, too? The '73-'87 ones are a lot cheaper, and the outlets are in the same place.

The radiator sizes may vary abit in the 73-87 (I think), as in some are wider/narrower than others and their may even be varying heights. (Its been 10 years since I worked at a radiator shop)
But if you find one the exact right SIZE, then the only difference would be the lower hose on the 67-72 radiators angle/curves up and the 73-later comes straight out. But the location is the same.

I have heard and seen guys use the 73-later, but the hose fitting on properly can be an issue.
Also, by the time you pay someone to put a curved/angled extension on, then you are back to the cost of a 67-72 radiator again.

[snj8198]

So far from my experiences, the 73+ radiators do fit in my '71. The only difference i've seen is the lower radiator hose inlet angles up vs straight out.

[Matt Cramer]

Thanks! I'll have to check if the different angle is a plus or minus for my build, as it's a 4.8 swap.

[Greasey Harley]

My '68 has a 17 inch tall radiator, my 1980 has a 19 inch tall radiator. How do I know this? Because, I just popped the radiator in the '68 and tried to replace it with the radiator out of the 1980. It didn't work. I had to go find a new radiator for my 68.
Also , the 68 to 72 radiators have a lower intake that is bent up, so the hose will clear the fender well.
J.M $.02 W

[hugger6933]

I used a rad out of a 94 C-1500 truck V-8 auto. Why that one? well it is what came to mind when I went to the store and I did make a sleeve for the lower hose and that was it and the cost was like $120. that was a little higher than I normally pay for those but I was in a hurry to put it in then tear the truck down and not move it anymore. Jim

[special-K]

You can put all sorts of radiators in these trucks, but there's only one made to fit...and the shroud fits that...and the fan fits that...and...
I just get the one made for the truck

[SparkyRnD]

We make bolt in units for your truck that are hand-made and TIG welded here in the USA, using US-Sourced materials. We never use any glue, epoxy or plastic in our radiators. Also, we are a site sponsor and offer a discount for forum members.






Here is a link to the early C10 page on our website:
http://www.rndfabrication.com/C10middle.html

Contact me if you have any questions.

[hpcgmc]

Hey Sparky, tried to click your link to check out your prices and it didn't work.

[SparkyRnD]

I just clicked it and it worked. What browser are you using?

[69 MOD]

Originally Posted by hpcgmc

Hey Sparky, tried to click your link to check out your prices and it didn't work.

RnD Fabrication is proud to announce our line of 1967-1972 Chevrolet & GMC C10, C20 and 1970-1972 Blazer Custom Crossflow Radiators! The basic price of this radiator is $450.00, and we can add our shroud and electric fan kit for an additional $240.00 if desired. We also offer a thermostat switch for $75.00.

All of our radiators are built with mounting tabs for our shrouds, meaning you can always add the shroud and fan kit later if you choose. If you have installed a non-original motor or conversion engine, please let us know prior to ordering so we can place the inlet and outlet on the correct side of the radiator. We also build all of our radiators for the popular LS / LSx swaps! It is a bolt in for the C10 LS conversion. We put the correct size inlet and outlet on the passenger side along with a steam port. There is no additional charge for building them for conversions.

[hpcgmc]

Tried again this afternoon and it worked fine. Not sure what was up with my computer this morning. Thanks to 69 Mod for posting the info also. Looks like some good quality stuff!

[scottybaccus]

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If you need any further assistance with that please contact any Admin for help.

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by special-K

You can put all sorts of radiators in these trucks, but there's only one made to fit...and the shroud fits that...and the fan fits that...and...
I just get the one made for the truck

Not quite right. I have a 68 C10 that I just found out that it has a 73 + & up automatic style radiator in it and the Fan Shroud fit like a glove. 68 truck to a 73+& up fan shroud, works fine just like my 40 year old marriage!

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by ck5566

Not quite right. I have a 68 C10 that I just found out that it has a 73 + & up automatic style radiator in it and my 68 Fan Shroud fit like a glove. 68 truck to a 73+& up radiator with my fan shroud, works fine just like my 40 year old marriage! this is my story and I am sticking to it

Just my .02 cents

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by ck5566

Not quite right. I have a 68 C10 that I just found out that it has a 73 + & up automatic style radiator in it and the Fan Shroud fit like a glove. 68 truck to a 73+& up fan shroud, works fine just like my 40 year old marriage!

I am sorry this post was worded wrong, it should have said; 68 truck to a 73+ & up radiator and a 67-72 SBC fan shroud, works fine just like my 40 year old Marriage! thats what i meant to say.

[snj8198]

I had a '73+ 3 core rad and an '81+ small block shroud in mine until just recently when I switched to a new 4 core and dual electric fans.

[midniteblues]

Don't forget that the vans of the same era as squares had the same rads as most of the trucks. Most times the shrouds fit too.

The oe rads with the angled lower hose nipple work and fit the best though.

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by snj8198

I had a '73+ 3 core rad and an '81+ small block shroud in mine until just recently when I switched to a new 4 core and dual electric fans.

Some more good info, thanks

[ck5566]

Originally Posted by midniteblues

Don't forget that the vans of the same era as squares had the same rads as most of the trucks. Most times the shrouds fit too.

The oe rads with the angled lower hose nipple work and fit the best though.

Yah your right about the angled hose nipple. My lower hose because of it being a straight nipple it puts a bad bend in it. Other people on this forum has said the 73-80 Chevy 350's & GMC 305's trucks lower radiator hoses will work. I need to look at those hoses to see if they will work and not have that bend in them. I took my hoses off today and measured radiator, intake manifold water outlet, and water pump as needed for the right fitments, thank for the info