1965 Radiator
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Oxnard, CA
1965 Radiator
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to offer some information... It had taken me a couple weeks to locate a radiator that would fit right in a 65, but that didn't cost $600! I had originally got a Champion that was supposed to fit, but the mounting brackets were backwards. After looking around some more and finally calling radiators4less, they helped me track down a Silla radiator that's a perfect fit. I think it was $200 even, including shipping. Just installed it yesterday, with only one small issue - needing a slightly longer lower hose. Here are some pictures... I also have the old radiator still if anyone is interested in re-coring it or something. Thanks!
I just wanted to offer some information... It had taken me a couple weeks to locate a radiator that would fit right in a 65, but that didn't cost $600! I had originally got a Champion that was supposed to fit, but the mounting brackets were backwards. After looking around some more and finally calling radiators4less, they helped me track down a Silla radiator that's a perfect fit. I think it was $200 even, including shipping. Just installed it yesterday, with only one small issue - needing a slightly longer lower hose. Here are some pictures... I also have the old radiator still if anyone is interested in re-coring it or something. Thanks!
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
It ain't American... and it it ain't that nice. I would fail the kid that welded it. Crappy contamination all over the place. It's decent, but not great.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
1965 F100/250 2WD & 1966 F100 4WD use a unique radiator support and radiators.
The mounting flanges are in different locations than: 1961/64 F100/600; 1965 F100/250 4WD & F350/600; 1966 F100/250 2WD; 1966 F250 4WD.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
I took the orig. rad off my 223 to the local shop for a recore. The owner recommended he be allowed to cut the original metal overflow line and replace it with a rubber one. He said the metal overflow lines plug up and cause radiators to burst and have "steam explosions". This has been shown in pictures on this forum.
It cost $320 cash, no tax, for the restore, using the original top, bottom and support. A bit more than a replacement but I know it will fit up nice and still have the original numbers on the top.
It cost $320 cash, no tax, for the restore, using the original top, bottom and support. A bit more than a replacement but I know it will fit up nice and still have the original numbers on the top.
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Brett Foote
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
Fellas,
A while back I had to replace the radiator in my snowplow (Wrangler). I also decided on getting an all aluminum radiator; mainly because the cost of a brass unit was MUCH more $$ and the plastic-tanked aluminum core units looked pretty flimsy. After I installed it, I noticed that the shiny aluminum radiator dang near glowed through the grill. I also was concerned for the aluminum to quickly corrode once it was exposed to Michigan's winter roads filled with salty slush & mist. So, I drained the coolant and yanked out the radiator and sprayed it with this:
Eastwood Radiator Black Paint
Now, it doesn't 'glow' through the grill any longer, it won't turn all flakey & blotchy-white with aluminum oxide / corrosion by Spring because it is now protected with the smooth satin black paint.
BarnieTrk
A while back I had to replace the radiator in my snowplow (Wrangler). I also decided on getting an all aluminum radiator; mainly because the cost of a brass unit was MUCH more $$ and the plastic-tanked aluminum core units looked pretty flimsy. After I installed it, I noticed that the shiny aluminum radiator dang near glowed through the grill. I also was concerned for the aluminum to quickly corrode once it was exposed to Michigan's winter roads filled with salty slush & mist. So, I drained the coolant and yanked out the radiator and sprayed it with this:
Eastwood Radiator Black Paint
Now, it doesn't 'glow' through the grill any longer, it won't turn all flakey & blotchy-white with aluminum oxide / corrosion by Spring because it is now protected with the smooth satin black paint.
BarnieTrk
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Hey quick question.. Do you know if there is a 3 or 4 core version of this rad? I also have a 65 and do not want to cut up my rad support. This would be great but unfortunately I don't think 2 cores is quite enough. Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 94
From: Stanton, Michigan, USA
I don't know where you can still get a 3 or 4 core brass radiator. But I do know that radiators have changed quite a bit in the last 20 years. If you're not restoring your truck back to original, you may want to look at an all-aluminum unit.
Many of the newer "Heavy Duty" designs do not have 3 or 4 cores, rather they have 2 LARGE (1.00" or 1.50") cores that function better than the old 3 or 4 (3/8") core brass radiators.
Read about them here: Griffin Radiator - FAQ
BarnieTrk
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Thanks guys, the situation I'm currently in is the fact I'm overheating while heading down the highway when its fairly warm out. It will stay cool in town but when under high load I have problems keeping the engine cool. Considering I have a 408w stroker and still using the original v8 rad this does not totally surprise me. For me its not an airflow problem but rather one in terms of surface area. I wonder if this rad would be sufficient... I don't feel like spending 600$ on a fancy aftermarket unit but I know champoin has 3 or 4 core aluminium units, with the brackets backwards. Originality is not a issue for me, not sure what I want to do haha.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 14
From: Tucson, Arizona
Haaser - you haven't said if you've upgraded to a 6 or 7 blade fan and a good fan shroud for your 408 stroker. If not, you might try adding those. Admittedly, those might be more for an in town traffic overheat fix, but it shouldn't hurt. Also, what's your rear gearing like? Maybe you might want to lower the revs a little.
Last edited by SuperSabre; Apr 19, 2013 at 12:03 AM. Reason: Can't spell.