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Trying To Source a New Radiator

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Old May 28, 2022 | 12:21 PM
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Trying To Source a New Radiator

Need help Sourcing a New Radiator. Since radiator shops no longer repair them looks like I need a new radiator. I have a 76 F350...460. Original one is a 3 row. Anyone have some leads on where to look.? I've reached out to a couple places online (Derale) and they tell me that they don't carry that particular one. Maybe an aluminum one will work? Anyone else have the same trouble? I know they are pricey. 300-700 is the range and then there's the supply chain problems. Need some info. Thanks!
 
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Old May 28, 2022 | 12:28 PM
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I just bought this aluminum 3-row radiator here for $185 for my 1976 F-250.......
 
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Old May 28, 2022 | 12:42 PM
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Are the dimensions close to 24x26? Looks really good...price is good. If it's the same dimension as mine..
I'm going to do it.
 
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Old May 28, 2022 | 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 79F150400M
Are the dimensions close to 24x26? Looks really good...price is good. If it's the same dimension as mine..
I'm going to do it.
Click my previous comment, its a link to the radiator. All the specs are listed there.
 
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Old May 28, 2022 | 03:42 PM
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I got one from 1800radiator.com, I think that's how its spelled. 78 F150 460. Perfect fit also its copper/brass and cost about 420.
 
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Old May 28, 2022 | 07:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Rubiranch
Click my previous comment, its a link to the radiator. All the specs are listed there.
I clicked the link..found the dimensions and it's a little smaller than my original. Core on the original is 26 3/8 wide and 24 high....not sure if I'm comfortable with that.
 
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Old May 28, 2022 | 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by smle
I got one from 1800radiator.com, I think that's how its spelled. 78 F150 460. Perfect fit also its copper/brass and cost about 420.
Thanks. I'll check it out.
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 10:24 AM
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Size doesn't always matter.





Here's the current radiator in my 1976 F-250 4-wd. The truck has a 390 but came from the factory with a 360.
This factory radiator has 43 rows of tubes and 10 cooling fins per inch.






Here's my new aluminum radiator. It has 65 rows of tubes, 50% more than the factory radiator.
It also has 16 cooling fins per inch, 60% more fins than the factory radiator.

Even though the outside dimensions are smaller than the factory radiator I have no doubt that it
will cool equal to if not even better than the OE radiator.
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 11:04 AM
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Does your truck have the massive radiator with the top tank about 6 inches across? Looks like you need an engine hoist to pull it? They are different than the regular top tanks sizes. Take different hoses and shrouds. Something that big I would try to shop at a local place. Let them order and you can check it before you pay. Even if your radiator shop doesn't repair anymore I bet they can order one for you. It's worth a lot to pay a little more and have the correct undamaged part in hand than have to try and go through the nightmares of returning something because wrong size or UPS walked on it or dropped it on the corner. Just my thoughts.
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Rubiranch
Size doesn't always matter.





Here's the current radiator in my 1976 F-250 4-wd. The truck has a 390 but came from the factory with a 360.
This factory radiator has 43 rows of tubes and 10 cooling fins per inch.






Here's my new aluminum radiator. It has 65 rows of tubes, 50% more than the factory radiator.
It also has 16 cooling fins per inch, 60% more fins than the factory radiator.

Even though the outside dimensions are smaller than the factory radiator I have no doubt that it
will cool equal to if not even better than the OE radiator.
Yes..thank you for the pics. I'm leaning towards getting one as I agree that even though it's smaller it will still get the job done. Being realistic...I don't ever plan to put a 2000lb camper in it and then hook up to a 5500lb boat as that was the norm for my truck back in the 70s and 80s....all the while traveling around Eastern Washington in the summer where temps get up into the 100s all the time. All that being said...Do you think this radiator will be sufficient for my stock 460,? Just need a little reassurance.
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by 5851a
Does your truck have the massive radiator with the top tank about 6 inches across? Looks like you need an engine hoist to pull it? They are different than the regular top tanks sizes. Take different hoses and shrouds. Something that big I would try to shop at a local place. Let them order and you can check it before you pay. Even if your radiator shop doesn't repair anymore I bet they can order one for you. It's worth a lot to pay a little more and have the correct undamaged part in hand than have to try and go through the nightmares of returning something because wrong size or UPS walked on it or dropped it on the corner. Just my thoughts.
Yes...I've shopped around locally but yet to see one in person. I've compared them online by reading the specs...
And yes on the return issues....but I think for the cash I'd save buying online and shipping I'll chance it. I did consult a local radiator shop on a replacement and they quoted me 700 and it would be a week before I saw it. I tried to find it myself with the power of Google but came up with nothing. I thought I could find his supplier and skip the middle man and maybe save a couple hundred bucks but no bueno.
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 03:20 PM
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Truck shop, Orange, CA. Their catalog shows they have the original style rads.
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 05:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 79F150400M
Yes...I've shopped around locally but yet to see one in person. I've compared them online by reading the specs...
And yes on the return issues....but I think for the cash I'd save buying online and shipping I'll chance it. I did consult a local radiator shop on a replacement and they quoted me 700 and it would be a week before I saw it. I tried to find it myself with the power of Google but came up with nothing. I thought I could find his supplier and skip the middle man and maybe save a couple hundred bucks but no bueno.
Don't disagree with thoughts of saving a dime but that middle man is trying to make a living too. he bears the brunt of wrong or damaged goods. Every kid walking down the street has a $2k smart phone in his face. $700 is a chunk of change but divide it out over 50 year life span. Just my rant and pay no attention, but the radiator shop guy has to double his cost to remain in business to cover expenses. If you are willing to pay, he will be in business the next time you need him. It's just a rule of business,
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by 5851a
Don't disagree with thoughts of saving a dime but that middle man is trying to make a living too. he bears the brunt of wrong or damaged goods. Every kid walking down the street has a $2k smart phone in his face. $700 is a chunk of change but divide it out over 50 year life span. Just my rant and pay no attention, but the radiator shop guy has to double his cost to remain in business to cover expenses. If you are willing to pay, he will be in business the next time you need him. It's just a rule of business,
Completely agree....just exploring my options.
 
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Old May 29, 2022 | 07:55 PM
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I tried to install mine this afternoon and it doesn't fit.
I should have known when they list 500 other vehicles that it fits.
Probably doesn't fit them either.
I guess I'll drop back five and punt.
 
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