When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Recently while reconstructing my chassis up rebuild 1976 F 250 high boy, I went to install an aftermarket alloy radiator said to be specific to 'DENTSIDE' Ford F-100/250/350 to my high boy and it wouldn't fit, almost 3/4" wider than the brackets on the panel and a differing outer core frame.
I resolved to use my original metal radiator that while a few years old was in good shape and had given me no cooling problems.
Investigating further I pulled out two other radiator support panels I have stored from 2WD F 250's a 1974 and 1977 and found the alloy radiator does fit and bolt in without issue.
I then checked my other High Boy awaiting restoration and it is exactly the same as the 1976 H/B with the slightly different bracket width and mounting brackets.
I have a 3rd panel from a 1976 F100, badly rusted in the bottom section and compared that, again it's similar to the 2WD F-250's and the alloy radiator fits.
However, on closer inspection except for the H/B panels that appear identical the other 3 all have variations in punched out holes, some bracket shape variation and some differing bolt hole placements other than to the inner guard that are all in the same place.
The panel support holes for fitment of the rubber bushes to chassis appear to be the same width on all of the panels even though the H/Boys have a narrower chassis overall.
Can anyone tell me if the A series H/Boy radiator panel is the same as a the 'bump side' with slightly narrower radiator brackets?
I can’t, as I only have my ‘78. Figured I’d reply and give you a bump.
I thought LMC had a reference page with more info, but the pic above is all I could locate. It’s probably not a complete list either, but might give you the info you’re looking for.
That info does assist, I' hadn't thought to look up LMC catalogue.
It appears that the High Boy radiator support is different than the same year 73-77 2WD 6 and 8 cylinder ones.
Incidentally this is on a right-hand drive Canadian assembled Australian truck, though there is no variation on the support panel, just the side of chassis the steering box is on.
The engine is an Australian 351 Cleveland.
I've just today, fitted my alloy aftermarket radiator to a 2WD support and luckily the support to chassis front rubber bush mounts to chassis are the same spacing saving me having to do series of cuts and welds to slightly widen the quite differing radiator mounts
The High Boy chassis is narrower however the front chassis rails are the same width as the 2WD at that location at least.
Dang, right hand drive and an Aussie Cleveland; some guys get all the luck.
It’s always surprising with Fords how many different critical parts aren’t interchangeable, and the asinine stuff that is.
You may want to consider rubber mounts as well, a lot of the folks on here have had issues with aluminum rads and solid mount. I haven’t had issues yet on mine, but I’m only about 1-1/2 years into daily driving.
Motorsickle, I actually believe cushioning alloy radiators makes a lot of sense.
In another life I was a fuel tanker driver for Mobil Oil Australia,
In about the early 1980's we were driving White Road Boss prime movers (tractor) with GM 671 285 HP blown 2 strokes, pulling alloy tankers on steel chassis,
When B 'Double type 55 foot 2 trailer rigs were allowed in metro' areas of Australia the company bought us 500 hp Mack Superliners and Scania 320 hp tractors for the single 40 foot tanker trailers.to drive
To reduce tare weight, alloy tanks with integrated alloy chassis were utilised so as to carry more product,
If I remember they were Holmwood Highgate 'THOMAS' design which stood for Tanker Having Optimum Mass and Stability. they were considerably lighter than alloy tanks of old on separate steel chassis, initially on some more rutted rural roads there was a fair amount of 'cracking' of the alloy around the triaxle spring areas
It was engineered over time, and the cracking was virtually eliminated by utilising improved saddles, I believe cushioning was the answer.
Of course, now in areas outside major metro areas of Australia 4 trailer road-train's are allowed with a total length of rig 196'10" long with up to 120 wheels utilising the same lightweight alloy technology and running 600 -800 horsepower with few issues.
'Phew' long story to get the point.
Therefore, I will utilise some rubber cushioning on the alloy radiator mounts, thanks for bring it to my attention.
200’ long tractor trailer; no reason for concern there.
Well I guess I should look into it too. Any suggestions for mounting tab or bushing styles?
My only experiences are motorcycle related or engine mounts.
My initial thought is to drill a larger hole in the radiator flange holes and place a rubber gromet in the holes to encase the mounting bolts, adding another rubber bush to stand radiator off the support panel so it has at least some vibration absorption.
