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1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
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Replacement radiator

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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 06:30 AM
  #1  
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Replacement radiator

Help I bought an 74 f250 with explorer package souther rot free truck but the radiator was leaking I bought an replacment aluminum one but it doesn't fit any recommendations for replacing it the truck has ac and 390 also
 
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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 06:51 AM
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Welcome to FTE
Who did you get the radiator from?
What about it why it dose not fit?
To tall, to wide, hose hook ups wrong size or wrong sides?
Need a little more info to be able to help.
Dave ----
 
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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 07:05 AM
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My original radiator is much wider and taller I got a three row radiator I made aluminum bracket to help it fit I got it in but it leaked right from the get go it was dented but I didn't think it it was bad it was an ebay radiator for $181 I think I should have spent more
 
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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 07:46 AM
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It seams all you can get now days is alum or alum / plastic but they all should bolt in like the factory did unless it said so in the description.

I think I got the radiator for my 81 F100 with a 300 six from Rock Auto.
It was a alum / plastic and it bolted right in.
The old radiator was brass / copper and had pin holes all thru the core.

I would also check with NPD and the local parts stores to see what they may have.
Thing with local is if damaged easy to take back and you can bring the old one to match it up if it will fit or not.

Good luck and let us know what you get as it may help others
Dave ----
 
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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 08:27 AM
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I bought mine from O’Reily auto for my ‘79. It works, but finding a shroud to fit correctly is a challenge.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 08:42 AM
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I need a 24x26 core center bracket radiator I guess I'll take the old one to the local guy and see if he can work his magic beyond that I'm looking at 5 to 1000 for the correct one
 
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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 09:25 AM
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Take the original one to a reputable shop and have them rebuild it for you. You can probably keep the cost to around $400 if you don’t have them add an extra row. It will be ten times more reliable than a cheap plastic and aluminum china special.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2023 | 02:43 PM
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Champion radiator has 26 by 24 rads for $300
 
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Old Feb 26, 2023 | 07:24 PM
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I just recored my OEM radiator. 351M. 77 auto 2WD with AC and trans cooler. 24x26 brass copper. $600. Prices are up due to raw materials. If you want a new one, try ThermoSolutions. Basically OEM. Will also run $600.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2023 | 05:56 AM
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Originally Posted by LandAndStone
I just recored my OEM radiator. 351M. 77 auto 2WD with AC and trans cooler. 24x26 brass copper. $600. Prices are up due to raw materials. If you want a new one, try ThermoSolutions. Basically OEM. Will also run $600.
Who did the re-core someone local I am guessing?
Not knowing places down here yet, not needed to fix all copper one, it would be nice to know a shop just in case.
Dave ----
 
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Old Feb 27, 2023 | 09:58 AM
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North Raleigh Radiator. Ask for Woody.
 
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Old Feb 27, 2023 | 10:00 AM
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Thanks I will also pass that on to my car club buds if they are looking for a shop.
Dave ----
 
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