Hi -

I need to replace the radiator in my 1966 Ford F100 pick-up and would like some good recommendations on what/where to buy. My truck originally had a 352 V-8 with a factory automatic transmission, but now has a 360 V-8 with a C-6 automatic transmission. The previous owner installed a radiator without the transmission cooler reservoir and simply jumpered the supply and return lines to the tranny. This truck is just a daily driver in Nebraska and might ocassionally pull a small pop-up camper. I am willing to give an aluminum radiator a try, but am looking for any pros/cons with going aluminum.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!

Thank You,
Dan M.

 

In terms of thermal conductivity, copper is almost twice as conductive as aluminum - but the construction of today's radiators makes aluminum ones just as or almost nearly as efficient.
But copper will set you back a bunch more, too.
In my opinion, the debate of copper versus aluminum boils down to cost advantage over that of metallurgy.

I replaced my original one with an aluminum one from the local parts store and it bolted right up. Ask for one for a '73-'76 F-150 with a 390 and automatic.
The only alteration you may need to make will be in the outlets of your radiator hoses. My new radiator came with a sleeve for the upper hose, as my original upper hose was larger than the new radiator's upper inlet.

Hope this helps.

 

If the original can be recored or "rodded out" or brazed to make a solid, lasting repair that's the way to go I think. That's not always the case, but if so the cost will be economical (depending on location) compared to a new radiator, aluminum or otherwise.

 

With aluminum ya gotta be careful with the water and grounding issues; I think the word was Electrolysis. The block has to be cleaned out and flushed, and replaced with distilled water...there are some issues. A copper one you can just replace, or repair your old as was suggested. I was about to spend the money on aluminum, but went with a new copper unit and a clutch fan from a newer model F350 with the correct water pump rotation. Will build a shroud later to match up to my 460.

 

1966 F100/250 2WD & 1967/79 F100/350 V8 radiators will interchange, but there are TWO different types used 1967/79.

The Super Cooling radiator uses a different radiator support than the standard/xtra cooling and A/C radiators, as it has with a larger opening radius.