Champion Radiator Discrepancy
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Champion Radiator Discrepancy
Well a bit of a disappointing day... I got my 'new' Champion Radiator today... I bought it from eBay.
The major flaw is the mount brackets are welded on backwards... The wider tabs should be on the back of the radiator as installed in the vehicle.
Aside from this the seller advertised it as 'new' vs 'like new' which might be splitting hairs but it was repackaged. This gives me two reasons to justify a refund from an uncooperative seller utilizing ebays money back guarantee if need be.
Other than this, I will say it is really well constructed. I will purchase another one once this gets resolved.
The major flaw is the mount brackets are welded on backwards... The wider tabs should be on the back of the radiator as installed in the vehicle.
Aside from this the seller advertised it as 'new' vs 'like new' which might be splitting hairs but it was repackaged. This gives me two reasons to justify a refund from an uncooperative seller utilizing ebays money back guarantee if need be.
Other than this, I will say it is really well constructed. I will purchase another one once this gets resolved.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Salisbury, PA
I just looked at my Champion radiator I use to have in my truck. Mine is the exact same way. I had it attached to the core support by the holes on the on the large tab that match up with 4 holes on the front side of the core support.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
that is almost identical to mine. i got mine from eBay as well. i figured for $65 shipped i couldn't go wrong. i needed the mounting like you did. i was able to figure out a way to still use it. for $65 i couldn't really afford not to for an all aluminum radiator.
mine. with my "solution".
good luck with resolving your issue. Paypal just about always favors in the buyers favor.
mine. with my "solution".
good luck with resolving your issue. Paypal just about always favors in the buyers favor.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
I considered that but I don't think it would clear the fan (not currently installed due to other repairs). Even if it did, this would result in a lot less clearance in the front of the engine.
I think it should really be tucked into the core support as the OEM radiator does. If this is how all champions are then I will go with another manufacturer.
What I am replacing:
I think it should really be tucked into the core support as the OEM radiator does. If this is how all champions are then I will go with another manufacturer.
What I am replacing:
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Salisbury, PA
just confirmed the fit of my Champion radiator on a spare core support I have had laying around. The tabs are in the same orientation as your and it DOES bolt to the core support. There is 4 holes on the front side core support that match up perfectly with the 4 outer oval shaped holes on large tabs on the front of the radiator. This is exactly how I ran mine years ago, and this is exactly how it will be bolted up when the truck is all back together after a frame off restoration.
It indeed does not bolt up in the same holes as the factory radiator but it still sits in the exact same location.
It indeed does not bolt up in the same holes as the factory radiator but it still sits in the exact same location.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Well isn't that something. Yeah my core support has the same provisions. I assumed it would have bolted to the same place as the OEM radiator.
I will test fit it before returning. Thank you!
I will test fit it before returning. Thank you!
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 64
From: Billings, MT
Ok guys, what is going on is there were about three or four different rads for these trucks. A few different core sizes as well as different side bracket mounting configurations. The champion is I believe a 433 which is a rear flange mount. The pic in post #4 shows a front flange mount.
I believe you would have to remove those standoff brackets (drill spot welds) and drill some new holes. Easiest would be to return it and get the correct radiator
I believe you would have to remove those standoff brackets (drill spot welds) and drill some new holes. Easiest would be to return it and get the correct radiator
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Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Ok guys, what is going on is there were about three or four different rads for these trucks. A few different core sizes as well as different side bracket mounting configurations. The champion is I believe a 433 which is a rear flange mount. The pic in post #4 shows a front flange mount.
I believe you would have to remove those standoff brackets (drill spot welds) and drill some new holes. Easiest would be to return it and get the correct radiator
I believe you would have to remove those standoff brackets (drill spot welds) and drill some new holes. Easiest would be to return it and get the correct radiator
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 101
From: darlington
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
The confusion here is that the new radiator mounts to the core support rather than the original mount brackets. I wasn't expecting this. It's not that big a deal now that I know. But at first glance I was left thinking the radiator was assembled incorrectly.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
It fits! As advised, it mounts directly to the core support directly on the front side of the radiator as opposed to the rear mounts as was the case with the oem radiator. Always getting such great help on this site... Thanks!
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,388
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
Question... Is removing the mount tabs from the bracket recommended? As you can see it contacts the bracket of the Champion radiator.
Oh btw... I attempted an engine flush. Didn't turn out so well. The drain plugs are way overtorqued and so they stripped. I attempted to utilize an easy out on the passenger side drain plug and well it broke off. I can not get direct access to try and work it so the engine is coming out for this. Going to try and save it but fear I may end up looking for a new block. Was planning a rebuild anyways just not yet. Funny how plans change.
Oh btw... I attempted an engine flush. Didn't turn out so well. The drain plugs are way overtorqued and so they stripped. I attempted to utilize an easy out on the passenger side drain plug and well it broke off. I can not get direct access to try and work it so the engine is coming out for this. Going to try and save it but fear I may end up looking for a new block. Was planning a rebuild anyways just not yet. Funny how plans change.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From: LINCOLN, IL
i have the same exact issue with my 74 F350 im about to get me a 433 radiator and my radiator had engine side of radiator mounting flanges also. with the support extension brackets same as you have too. when you installed the radiator how did you go about doing it,,. did you slide radiator down inside the extension brackets, or? i cant see any other way that it could fit install being that the brackets on the radiator are wider than the rear edge of the support extensions brackets... did the 433 radiator bolt straight to the rad support instead of to the extension brackets? they are in slightly different location than the rad mounting bolt holes in the rear edge of the extension brackets... i guess thats why the holes in the radiator flange are oval? right?