'56 Radiator

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Jul 22, 2006 | 06:46 AM

dstruble

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Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 139

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From: Ringwood NJ

'56 Radiator

I'm Looking for the best source for a new rad for my '56. Any suggestions???

Thanx for any help!!

Jul 22, 2006 | 08:26 AM

edsf100

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 1,674

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From: Rowland Heights

Should consider a couple of things first. What style are you looking for, Stock or custom. You can stay with a stock look or or go the other direction. I seen a flex a lite (cross flow) in a 56 but there are some changes to your mounting brackets. What size is your engine? Electric fans?

I went with a stock look, 4 core from mattsons in ca, with a fan shroud, electric fans. cooling a 390.

http://usradiator.com/

http://www.mattsonsradiator.com/

http://www.streetrodderweb.com/tech/.../photo_01.html

Last edited by edsf100; Jul 22, 2006 at 08:31 AM.

Jul 22, 2006 | 10:47 AM

dstruble

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Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 139

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From: Ringwood NJ

I was Thinking stock style,but i am open for other suggestions. The truck has a SBC 307 (yeah i know LOL) With a Flex-a-lite 16" 2500 cfm electric fan. Thanks for the input so far!!

Jul 22, 2006 | 11:19 AM

GreatNorthWoods

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Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 8,813

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From: Littleton, New Hampshire

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstruble

I'm Looking for the best source for a new rad for my '56. Any suggestions???

Thanx for any help!!

I don't know how much difference there is between the 53-56 core support and the 48-52 but if they are similar, a 75 Dodge pickup radiator works really well. I am using one my my SBC powered 48 F-3. It's a three row radiator originally used for the 5.1 and 5.7 liter Dodge V8 so it has plenty of cooling capacity. It also has large tanks and holds nearly three gallons. The outlets are at the top left and bottom right which work out for a SBC and outlet sizes are compatible. They are also not expensive. My truck has idled in the garage for up to 30 minutes with a mechanical fan only and no shroud and it never went past 180 degrees.

Vern

Jul 22, 2006 | 11:56 AM

imlowr2

Postmaster

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 3,005

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From: Santa Clarita

I got a great deal on a 60 F100 radiator which fit in with slight modifications and has a similar top tank as the original radiators. It really depends on what you want to spend too. They have new aluminum radiator that are exact copies of the original radiators but work much better and look really sweet when installed. Expect to spend over $400 for one. Make sure if you use the stock type radiator that you don't use more than a 7lb radiator cap. Personally, I like the original style radiators and not the crossflow type radiators that people use from newer vehicles. But that's just me...

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