Joined: Sun Oct 16 2011, 08:12AM
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 105
Been a while since I posted
In the meantime my radiator finally sail no more. Pulled it the other day and it's pretty bad. Local radiator guy I usually use said he can't salvage the tanks or anything. Been checking auto parts but not much luck. Almost got an aluminium replacement at Charlotte Auto Fair last week but the bolt holes were not the same and would have to make a bracket, fan shroud and external transmission cooler etc. Also the one I pulled from my car isn't quite right either. The bottom holes don't line up so at some point before me someone started to drill bolt holes and only got one done so it's been held in with 3 for the past twenty years I've had it. From images I think I may have a fuselage era radiator or small block radiator but not sure. Anyone have any contacts for a new replacement? I'll post a pic.
I dont know your fabrication abilityz, but it wuznt that hard for me to swich to an aluminum radiator. Its been totally worth it so far. Not only are they way cheaper than stock copper & brass, they also work better.
I wuz going to make a shroud, but it never gets over 190 wile rolling or 200 wile stalled in traffic, so I may never bother.
Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 03:36PM
Location: North eastern Wis.
Posts: 1638
I used aftermarket replacements from the local parts store in my '70s truck and van. They are aluminum and plastic but so are the modern radiators. I figure if it's good enough for the new cares it should work for me. So far they are holding their own. Looks like I will be able to use the same on my Chrysler. It is no restoration beauty queen. Just a fun summer driver.
Joined: Sun Oct 16 2011, 08:12AM
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 105
so looks like there's no numbers or pentastar or anything on my radiator. since the bolt holes are not exact I know it cant be the original and have no idea what its out of. Been checking on aluminum ones and cant find anything that fits. Everything is to wide and wont clear the fan. I've checked Oriley, Napa, Advance , Auto zone and nothing. Never had a problem with radiators at the parts store for my FOMOCO or GM stuff. Kinda at a loss. Any other sugestions?
If the rad was replaced with an "incorrect" replacement, then they may have had to put a longer spacer under the fan, hence your concerns with fitment. Shorter spacers are available which will move the fan away from the rad allowing a thicker core. The fan should always wind up being roughly 3/4" from the rad.
Where are you located? A used 22" C body rad is what will fit your car and should be available in wrecking yards suitable for rebuilding. If we knew where you are we could suggest places to find one.
Joined: Sun Oct 16 2011, 08:12AM
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 105
thanks guys! its probable a 3 in spacer. could probably go 2 in. any more and fan would touch the alternator. im in Asheville NC and do have an awesome yard about 90 miles away that ive boon going to since 1990. he never crushes anything! looks like my local auto parts and summit racing and quite a few others have all got new radiators for 1966 c body. The mesurements are right but will probably have to drill new bolt holes. cant find anything for 65. They say its good for 66-69. Im assuming all the inner structure and radiator support for 65 and 66 are the same. My buddy had a 66 300 and we parted out a 66 new yorker years ago and everything for the most part the same. the mesurements line up but my only worry is that summit etc dont list it for 65 so didn't want an issue returning it to them if it didn't fit. ANYONE KNOW IF 65 AND 66 RADIATOR SUPPORT ARE THE SAME?
Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 03:36PM
Location: North eastern Wis.
Posts: 1638
A junk yard radiator will need to be re-cored at the very least. Might as well get the one you have repaired at this point. Hard to find anybody doing that, around here anyway... Last Guy I found wanted 2 grand for the job. Pretty sure he just didn't want to do it.
So, the one in my pick up is a bit wider than what the C-body needs but there is room in there. Truck bolt pattern dimensions; 29"s w X 12"s h. New Port 24.5"s w X 14"s h. There is room for the truck part, so if the parts store can't get the right part, it will be up to me to make it fit.
Just one guys method.
Again my car is no show car. I just need it to function properly.
I will check with my guy at O'Rielys . He is an old moapr fan, so is familiar with our needs. Not sure if the Chrysler unit is available. I think the truck parts are because they fit in the 90's trucks.