Joined: Thu Mar 22 2007, 08:13AM
Location: In the workshop
Posts: 1063
What radiator do you guys recommend for a 1965 300 fitted with a 440? As far as I can understand things, only 22-inchers were fitted to this car, never 26-ers.
Would you suggest an aluminium 3-row 22"? modify to fit a 26"? Or what?
Joined: Thu May 01 2008, 11:15AM
Location: Chicago,IL
Posts: 2868
Do you want it to look OEM or just want the best rad. for the money? I've used the summit brand alum. rads with good luck. Also, in the tech archive section of the site there's an article about putting in a $150 Explorer rad in our cars. That's probably what I'll try in my Fury when the time comes.
Joined: Thu Mar 22 2007, 08:13AM
Location: In the workshop
Posts: 1063
I'd like it to look as OEM as possible, withing reason.
I did have a look at the Explorer option a while ago though. I expect that they are different over here, because as regards my '65, there is no way that it will work as easily as was written.
On the other hand, as time goes by, I become more and more sure that my car is an oddball....
Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 03:36PM
Location: North eastern Wis.
Posts: 1638
In order to put in the 26" piece, you will need to cut your support or put in a newer one from a car so equiped. As you are so far away from the bigger part of current supply you might want to go with the aluminum unless you can modify what you have. I say modify if you can, and put in a 26" three core piece. Just my 2 cents.
Joined: Thu Mar 22 2007, 08:13AM
Location: In the workshop
Posts: 1063
When I've been doing work on my car, I've taken great pains to be sure that if I so desire in the future, I can bring it back to original. If I could find a spare core support for a '65, I'd modify it in the flash of a MIG to fit a 26-incher!
Joined: Wed Dec 21 2005, 07:34AM
Location: indiana
Posts: 791
Uncle Joe wrote ... When I've been doing work on my car, I've taken great pains to be sure that if I so desire in the future, I can bring it back to original. If I could find a spare core support for a '65, I'd modify it in the flash of a MIG to fit a 26-incher!
You can find a spare, you just have to know where to look. I've got 2 or 3 of them (the 22" versions) in my shed. Might be too large to ship to you, though, but I'm willing to consider it if you're interested.
You might want to consider putting the 26 on a 22, though. You really only need to add some mounting holes to install it.
As for the opening for the airflow, you might not need to cut the opening larger: If you are using a crossflow radiator, adjust the location of the radiator so that the return end (the cooler end) is blocked by the rad support. You get higher heat transfer from higher temperature differences, so the 'hot' end of the radiator does more of the cooling - keep it in the airflow. Also, the blocked end gives the benefit of increased coolant capacity plus a larger core - which does still function as a heatsink. Those little details might make enough of a difference that you don't need a larger opening.
And for me, I'd rather cut a 26" hole than swap in a radiator support - it's a PITA job!
Joined: Thu May 01 2008, 11:15AM
Location: Chicago,IL
Posts: 2868
bboogieart wrote ... might I ask what one of those would cost?
I think $240 for one with the tranny cooler in the bottom. I don't know what Summit's international shipping is, but it's got to be about as cheap as anyone. Won't look exactly OEM, but if you paint it black most people won't notice.
Joined: Sat Mar 29 2008, 03:36PM
Location: North eastern Wis.
Posts: 1638
JB, Thanx for the info. I think I'll look into the crossflow of an explorer, should be alot cheaper out of a local bone yard. I am not as interested in stock appearence as getting it running and keeping it cool.