Radiator

[shdnobetter]

I just ordered this radiator from Auto Zone. I'd seen it before but I was sure it had to be a two-row for this price, and I wanted a three-row. I called them today and they said yes, it's a 3-row, 26"w x 18"h x 1 7/8"d. $179.99 with a limited lifetime warranty.
https://www.autozone.com/N,15200172/sho ... ultSet.htm

[MikePA]

That link didn't work for me.

Could you post the part number? I tried searching for a '67 W200 and go no results. Mine has a giant hole that someone had been able to patch but now it's starting to leak a bit.
Thanks

[shdnobetter]

Well, it didn't turn out to be the panacea it looked to be at first. Turns out it's for a '72 - 80 something truck. I had my suspicions when I first saw it because I had already been to the picknpull with the tape measure. The guy at Autozone couldn't believe it; his computer said it was for a '71. The biggest problme is that the older style puts the radiator core in front of the mount, and the newer style puts the core behind the mount, moving the core 2-3" back. I called one of the oldest radiator shops in the area and the guy there said "yeah, we have one for a '71; it's $300". He rattled off something very close to the AutoZone part number so I decided to take my original down to compare with what he had. Guess what? Same unit AutoZone had! When I showed him my original rad. the guy said something like "good luck finding one". Thanks a lot, pal! The part number from AutoZone is CU889. I've also spent about 6 hrs. online trying to find one for a '61-'71 with no luck, so I decided to make the newer style work. Tonight I made up prototype adapter brackets that adapt the stock core support to the newer style radiator. It involves cutting off the radiator's original mounts and using the radiator's fan shroud mounts to attach it to the core support. That's the only way to get it far enough forward to get safe clearance between the fan (I'm using a viscous fan clutch) and the rad. Tomorrow I'll make the brackets from more suitable material, but tonight I found out the plan will work; stay tuned for photos. When I'm all through I can post a pdf drawing of the brackets if anyone's interested.

[shdnobetter]

Well, the '72-??? radiator is in, and it almost looks like a factory job. For some reason (lucky for me!) the west Eugene Home Depot decided to stock 1/2"x2"x.125" steel channel, which is perfect for this project; it adds the rigidity I wanted. I have a couple of photos taken with my phone 'cause the batts. were dead in my digital camera, but it'll be tomorrow before they post; I'm beat. The cooing system is now finished, the valve covers are back on with a little clearance coaxed into them, and tomorrow morning I finish filling the cooling system, fire it up, set the carb. mixture and timing, and take it for a drive!

[nfury8]

Glad you got something put together.

I have learned to be very skeptical about anything that claims to fit 71 and up.

[elacruze]

Where's the photos?

I'm staring at my fan wishing I had a fan clutch and shroud, but have no room for the clutch. I'd like to see what you've done.

[soopernaut]

I've also spent about 6 hrs. online trying to find one for a '61-'71 with no luck, so I decided to make the newer style work.

I spent 5 minutes and found 10 for 318 trucks but all are 2 core. I found 4 for 383 trucks, 2 of them say 4 core. I found 10 for slant 6 trucks. These were just 69-71 trucks.

[surfnuke9]

you must be something of a wizard searching then, cause I havent found any for the 383 in my 71 yet other than a unit going for about $375 from desert cooler.

care to share your search parameters?

[soopernaut]

Keep in mind these are all used parts so it would be best to call and find out if they are correctly labeled and what condition they are in.

http://car-part.com/ I can't post a direct link but if you enter your parameters it should take you to what you are looking for.

[surfnuke9]

thanks.

[chilort]

Does your setup look anything like this?

viewtopic.php?f=34&t=21741&start=135#p171617

This is a rad from a '68 C-body with a 440 and AC and a shroud cut to fit from an '80s Dippy. You can still get this rad from AutoZone (though mine is an original piece). I do have a correct fan shroud but I'm using a large fan than what came on the '68 so it won't work.

[rinkplonk]

You're in Elmira? I had the same problem with my '71. Bought one that was supposed to be the right one, was the wrong one. Sent it back. Learned of A-1 radiator at 5th and Lawrence in Eugene. The guy rebuilt my stock radiator. Put in new core and used the tanks of the old one. Absolutely perfect and reasonable. Highly recommend A-1 Radiator.

[teamblend]

You're in Elmira? I had the same problem with my '71. Bought one that was supposed to be the right one, was the wrong one. Sent it back. Learned of A-1 radiator at 5th and Lawrence in Eugene. The guy rebuilt my stock radiator. Put in new core and used the tanks of the old one. Absolutely perfect and reasonable. Highly recommend A-1 Radiator.

can i ask what he charged? a shop quoted me nearly 400 to do the same