Yeah, it's been awhile since we had this arg.... I mean discussion about ,copper,brass,and aluminium radiators. 
I like copper brass. 
Radiator question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 966
Likes: 27
From: Missouri
Radiator question
I want to repace the radiator that is in my 53 truck. Is not a stock radiator and the way it was put in is ugly. I have a 350 small block in the truck right now. I was wondering if a stock radiator would be good enought to keep it cool or do I need an aftermarket one? Are aluminum radiators any better then the copper and brass ones?
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
Lots of previous post about dodge pick up rads being a bolt in.
Have a look at the mid-fifties web site / catalog?
(no) but now you have started it!!!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
I think either alum or copper will work. However, depending on where you drive, you may need a three core. Most important is air flow during bumper- to-bumper driving. An electric fan will prob be a good investment over the stock fan unless you have a shroud and it sounds like your current setup is without. I would buy a stock unit from Sac Vintage Ford and put their electric fan/shroud combo on it. Good luck, Jag
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
The mid-70s Dodge pickup D-200 radiator fits well especially for a SBC since the outlets are in the right place. Get one for a 5.8 V8 with A/C and it will be a three row. It comes with a U shaped bracket on the side. Saw off the leading or trailing edge of the U and drill a few holes and you are good to go. )
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
dont know about the inlet / outlet locations , but lets not forget that the 67-79 ford truck radiators are almost a direct bolt in too . i think you have to drill two new mounting holes if i remember .......................
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, Ca
Just Checking - True for '56? - What's the best donor?
Are the F-250 different than the F-100 for donor trucks? - Are there preferred radiators to get - such as a different amount of cores, or if the donor has A.C., Etc?
<O
Thanks, Joe<O
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
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From: northeast Ga
Rad.
In June I bought a new alum radiator.From AFCO racing products. $417.86 it is a bolt in and you can have them put inlet and outlets on either side. It keeps my mild 351 winsor running cool.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Cherry Valley CA
Mine is out of a 72 Plymouth Satellite with a mid 60s Chevy truck shroud. Good for my 305.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I have a 53 with a 351W and I bought a 75 dodge radiator and it fit great. I had to open up 1 hole on top and drill 2 new ones on bottom. I also had a radiator shop relocate the inlet and outlet ($50.00). Can't say how it will cool yet as I'm not quite ready to start the motor.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,795
From: Burbank, WA
The only benefit to using aluminum over copper/brass is weight savings. Copper will dissipate heat better than aluminum, all things being equal. The benefit to using a stock-style radiator is all your original shrouding will fit correctly to direct the airflow through the core. You will need to do some fabrication for air blockage if you choose a different rad, and if you want it to be efficient. Aftermarket, stock-style radiators are available in any water neck location you desire. And they also work with pressure caps, too, if you choose the right one. It all depends on the look you desire and how much work you want to do.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 181
Likes: 2
I'm a purist. Stock radiator. I think it was Griffin that has an aluminum version of the stock radiator. Looks great. Copper is just fine though. Above all else, it has to have a shroud on it to perform at it's best. 16 -18" fan.