Picking a new Radiator
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 532
Likes: 1
From: Athens, GA, USA
Picking a new Radiator
Looking for some ideas on where to get a new radiator. Here's what I have:
51 F-1
289/C4 automatic
Mine has sprung a small leak in the coils and I have no idea what it belonged to originally. I need to replace it and would like to know if anyone has a good source for something that would fit without much modification.
Thanks,
Doug
51 F-1
289/C4 automatic
Mine has sprung a small leak in the coils and I have no idea what it belonged to originally. I need to replace it and would like to know if anyone has a good source for something that would fit without much modification.
Thanks,
Doug
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 138
From: Alberta Canada
Rad source
Doug;
I looked for some time for junkyard replacement from bronco, 70's F150 etc but opted for taking original rad bracket, had new core installed using GM upper and lower tanks, with tranny cooler ports. I'm running 302 with AOD.
Cost was worht it now have new rad, no corrosion, leaks etc.
Tom
I looked for some time for junkyard replacement from bronco, 70's F150 etc but opted for taking original rad bracket, had new core installed using GM upper and lower tanks, with tranny cooler ports. I'm running 302 with AOD.
Cost was worht it now have new rad, no corrosion, leaks etc.
Tom
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,980
Likes: 9,828
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Doug,
Do a search on this site, the topic comes up quite a bit. I used a mid 70/s Dodge truck radiator. There is a great searchable catalog on this site;
http://www.usradiator.com/
That has pictures, measurements, etc
What I did for mine was to scroll through all the different makes, models, etc of all the different cars until I found something that would work for me. Then I punched in the data at the local parts house NAPA, Autozone, Checker, Kragen, etc and ordered the radiator that worked for me.
Good luck
Bobby
Do a search on this site, the topic comes up quite a bit. I used a mid 70/s Dodge truck radiator. There is a great searchable catalog on this site;
http://www.usradiator.com/
That has pictures, measurements, etc
What I did for mine was to scroll through all the different makes, models, etc of all the different cars until I found something that would work for me. Then I punched in the data at the local parts house NAPA, Autozone, Checker, Kragen, etc and ordered the radiator that worked for me.
Good luck
Bobby
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: Limestone, TN
Doug
You might could look at new from Walker or anyone of the other suppliers. Since yours is a daily driver like mine new is the route I would go. Cooling is the number one failure in street rods, and if you are going to depend on the truck to get you to work and back everyday it is worth it.
You might could look at new from Walker or anyone of the other suppliers. Since yours is a daily driver like mine new is the route I would go. Cooling is the number one failure in street rods, and if you are going to depend on the truck to get you to work and back everyday it is worth it.
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Great radiator source
Larry at Blue Oval has the right radiator for you. It's the original style and is made for your small block and auto trans.
Here's the web page:
http://blueovaltruckparts.com/catalo...oducts_id=6991
Tell Larry that Chad from F100 Central referred you - if you buy from him.
Blue Oval is also a forum sponsor for this site.
Here's the web page:
http://blueovaltruckparts.com/catalo...oducts_id=6991
Tell Larry that Chad from F100 Central referred you - if you buy from him.
Blue Oval is also a forum sponsor for this site.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 0
From: Adams,CO.
DITTO to Jet Jock, don't try to " save" money here for daily drivers. Radiator are so lo cost in comp to other parts, it is great insurance. J
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Queanbeyan Australia
I used a 70-79 F100 radiator mounted in front of the support "horseshoe".
I folded two U shaped channels out of sheet and bolted them through the 6 cylinder support holes, then just dropped the rad into them and held it with one bolt at the top.
An hours work, tops............for the second one
In my case I had to notch the rad support for the lower hose, but I have my motor LOW to keep the tunnel ram inside the hood.
I folded two U shaped channels out of sheet and bolted them through the 6 cylinder support holes, then just dropped the rad into them and held it with one bolt at the top.
An hours work, tops............for the second one
In my case I had to notch the rad support for the lower hose, but I have my motor LOW to keep the tunnel ram inside the hood.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 532
Likes: 1
From: Athens, GA, USA
I ended up going to Summit Racing in Atlanta yesterday and picked up a new "Be-Cool" aluminum radiator. I did some research and with my 289/C4 a drop in radiator turned out to be a downflow with trans cooler for a 55-57 chevy Bel Aire, how funny is that? Any way, they had it in stock so I ran over first thing yesterday and picked it up. Only took about an hour for the swap. All is well now.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
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