Sourcing Radiator Help
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 57
Likes: 3
Sourcing Radiator Help
I have a 1978 F-100 with a 302 and 3 speed column shift, I’m trying to source a new radiator for it and I’m having a lot of trouble. I measured mine and it has a 1-1/2 inch upper fitting and a 1-3/4 inch lower fitting, but all the replacement ones I can find have a 1-3/4 inch upper and 2 inch lower. If anyone knows of a replacement with the correct size fittings that mine had, please let me know and a link to it would be much appreciated. I also had the idea to just buy the one with bigger fittings and try to source bigger diameter radiator hoses, I’d be okay with going that route as well. Any help or information would be awesome.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 704
Have it re-cored at a reputable shop and have them add an extra row. It will be about the same price as a new one and will fit perfectly. The new aluminum radiators can be spotty in quality and have fitment issues as you have discovered.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 315
Hopefully you have an old school radiator shop in your area. Unfortunately they are going the way of the dinosaur as everything is disposable. Shops can still get Made in USA copper cores but they can also get China cores for around $100 less. Don't go the recore route unless they install Made in USA core. There are mail order recore shops that cater to the antique auto hobby but then you get a lot more $$$ tied up in shipping. I have been getting original rads recored for years and always happy and personally I prefer and recommend that route, but also understand why some folks want to convert to AL. I am fortunate to have a good rad shop local to me. Not everyone does.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 57
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Sorry for the late reply, unfortunately mine is beyond fixable, everything corroded and it’s basically destroyed, my only option is to get it replaced. There is absolutely no getting this one fixed.
Desk Jockey
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 417
From: Raleigh, NC
Thermal Solutions does OEM radiators. Amazing product. Not cheap. Here’s an option.
https://www.npdlink.com/product/radiator/135201/51484
https://www.npdlink.com/product/radiator/135201/51484
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