Helpful Radiator Information
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,682
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From: Saskatoon SK Canada
Helpful Radiator Information
This is for the people that want a radiator that will work for their swapped engine (This includes you Vern). I just got my stock radiator back from the radiator repair place. They replaced the top and bottom tanks, recored it and added a tranny cooler for $400 CAN which is about $300 US. For me to get a brand new radiator with tranny cooler would cost $550 CAN which is about $415 US. It uses the newer style radiator cap and doesn't include a new rad cap and taxes in the cost. I hope this helps those that can't afford a brand new radiator but have a decent stock one. 
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 628
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From: High Park, Toronto
Originally Posted by 51dueller
This is for the people that want a radiator that will work for their swapped engine (This includes you Vern). I just got my stock radiator back from the radiator repair place. They replaced the top and bottom tanks, recored it and added a tranny cooler for $400 CAN which is about $300 US. For me to get a brand new radiator with tranny cooler would cost $550 CAN which is about $415 US. It uses the newer style radiator cap and doesn't include a new rad cap and taxes in the cost. I hope this helps those that can't afford a brand new radiator but have a decent stock one.
I had my rad done by a local shop about 3 years ago, took the tranny cooler insert from a doner vehicles rad and had them graft it into my stock rad which they recored (triple core) at the same time. Also had them delete the two extra holes top and bottom and set up the confiiguration for my 302/5.0L engine.
Looks stock and will run with the best of the new... $300 cdn. Then I installed an external tranny cooler as well, again from the same doner vehicle, in line after the internal cooler. This way the tranny warms up faster, and stays cool better!
GW
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by 51dueller
This is for the people that want a radiator that will work for their swapped engine (This includes you Vern). I just got my stock radiator back from the radiator repair place. They replaced the top and bottom tanks, recored it and added a tranny cooler for $400 CAN which is about $300 US. For me to get a brand new radiator with tranny cooler would cost $550 CAN which is about $415 US. It uses the newer style radiator cap and doesn't include a new rad cap and taxes in the cost. I hope this helps those that can't afford a brand new radiator but have a decent stock one.
Appreciate the tip.
I had thought about it, but we have only one radiator shop in town and he's very high on everything since he's the only game in town. 
I doubt if I can get mine recored for what you paid, but it is an option I'm keeping open for when the time comes for a radiator. 
Vern
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: Lancaster SC ,
I seem to remember some time ago that someone, maybe Fenders, told what later model radiators would fit mid fifties trucks. Anybody know which later models. I can't get search to pull it up.
Thanks
Bubba
Thanks
Bubba
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by 51dueller
I know 60's and 70's radiators are too wide for the 48-52 trucks. I measured our '65 and '78. They may fit the 53-56's.
I may go with a mid-70s Dodge truck radiator. I think they are about the right size and have the hose connections I need, but I am unsure of the expense. It will be either that or have my original one recored like you did.
Vern
