Radiator
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 29
From: northeast Ga
rad
You can get a new alum, made to fit from afco racing produts,for about $400.Bolt in on my 54 and no worries about leaks, plug, or overheating. When you add price of used and possible problems.$400 is cheap.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,972
Likes: 9,792
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I too am building a truck wiht very little money. When it came time for me to find a radiator I spent quite a bit of time doing a bit of research.
First step is to look online at several of the radiator supply vendors, most of them have decent, searchable, databases. Some of which have actual pictures and give you dimensions and inlet, outlete locations.
Second, now that you have an idea of what might or might not work for your application take a list of the possibilites and head to the wrecking yard. Take pictures, measurements, etc
Third, buy a radiator. Once I found something that would work I went to my local parts supplier and had them order me a new one. In my case it was a mid 70's Dodge truck with a big block engine. This has been numerous years but I was able to get a new radiator for less than $150.
Another helpful piece of information for radiator work. NAPA sells rubber hose bushings in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 1/2" up through 3". I think the part#'s start with NBH900 and go up through NBH905.
With a bit of research you'll find lots of radiators that may work for your set-up
Bobby
First step is to look online at several of the radiator supply vendors, most of them have decent, searchable, databases. Some of which have actual pictures and give you dimensions and inlet, outlete locations.
Second, now that you have an idea of what might or might not work for your application take a list of the possibilites and head to the wrecking yard. Take pictures, measurements, etc
Third, buy a radiator. Once I found something that would work I went to my local parts supplier and had them order me a new one. In my case it was a mid 70's Dodge truck with a big block engine. This has been numerous years but I was able to get a new radiator for less than $150.
Another helpful piece of information for radiator work. NAPA sells rubber hose bushings in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 1/2" up through 3". I think the part#'s start with NBH900 and go up through NBH905.
With a bit of research you'll find lots of radiators that may work for your set-up
Bobby
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Senior User
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From: Marshall, TX
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 21
From: HUDSON, FL
I have a 51 f1 with a 302 & i got my radiator at a junkyard
it came out of a 79 dodge p/u with a 383 in it.& i paid under $75
i have known the guy for a real long time & he treats me good
he told me to have it tested & if it was no good that he would
refund my money.i think that the dodge radiator will be good for you
it came out of a 79 dodge p/u with a 383 in it.& i paid under $75
i have known the guy for a real long time & he treats me good
he told me to have it tested & if it was no good that he would
refund my money.i think that the dodge radiator will be good for you
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,287
Likes: 1,052
From: NM
NtShade, how did you settle on a 351 Cleveland? They aren't that common, and parts for them are more expensive than for a Windsor. Seems like a strange choice given your budget. Have you already got it?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 271
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From: Marshall, TX
All engines at Pipes U Pull it are $188.00 And they have a Cleveland. They also have a windsor but I want to be able to pull with this truck. I had considered a 302 but they are a dime a dozen.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 948
Likes: 0
From: Central Oregon
The Windsor is a good pulling engine and shares parts with the 289/302 family, which makes both std and aftermarket parts easier to find and cheaper.
Nothing against the Cleveland (they can be screamers), but I believe they are fairly expensive to get parts for as they aren't as common.
In the end, get what you want, not what other want you to want.
Nothing against the Cleveland (they can be screamers), but I believe they are fairly expensive to get parts for as they aren't as common.
In the end, get what you want, not what other want you to want.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,972
Likes: 9,792
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I agree. I'd go with a 289/302 or the 351W before I'd start consiering the cleveland. I've had several 351W engine's in trucks. They are a good workhorse of an engine.
Bobby
Bobby
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,962
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From: East KY
I'm definitely no engine expert, but there's probably a reason the 302's are "a dime a dozen" while the Clevelands are rare. And the 302's and 351W's we've owned over the years have been plenty capable of towing pretty much whatever we wanted to pull. What are you wanting to pull--a house?