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1953 GMC needs new radiator #1093468 03/24/2015 7:55 PM
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas 0 09JK New Guy
09JK New Guy 0 Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas	Sorry to bombard you guys with so many questions. I think I have one in just about every section. Sent radiator out to get redone and they are telling me it's old and rotted and needs replaced . So I'm finding out the GMCs are diff then Chevys and as such harder to find. So far I have found US radiator -- aluminum 2 large cores for $405 Jim Carter -- copper 4 row for $440 Anything else out there ? What do you guys recommend aluminum or copper ? Staying with the ole 6 for now but some day who knows and don't wanna buy twice. Thanks.

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1093481 03/24/2015 9:25 PM
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 Minnehaha County, South Dakota B Builder 'Bolter
Builder 'Bolter B Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 Minnehaha County, South Dakota	I would just go online to ebay. There are some guys selling aluminum radiators that fit right in for $120-$200. Aluminum is fine if Original isn't a big concern. I have seen th eHarrison radiators that need to be recored going for that much. The only thing usable is the frame and the top and bottom tanks. 1960 Chevy Apache Shortbox In the Gallery Story continues in the DITY Gallery Read all about the IRWIPI - Triple Dog Dare! Supporting Stovebolt Servicemembers

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1093484 03/24/2015 9:30 PM
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 Minnehaha County, South Dakota B Builder 'Bolter
Builder 'Bolter B Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 Minnehaha County, South Dakota	A quick search and I found this. https://www.radiatorexpress.com/pro...132&gclid=COuFup7qwcQCFQQJaQod9EsA6g 1960 Chevy Apache Shortbox In the Gallery Story continues in the DITY Gallery Read all about the IRWIPI - Triple Dog Dare! Supporting Stovebolt Servicemembers

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1093488 03/24/2015 9:38 PM
Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 78 Redondo Beach,CA S Steve D 'Bolter
Steve D 'Bolter S Joined: Dec 2012 Posts: 78 Redondo Beach,CA	09jk, check out the youtube video comparison on v4Bill his original GMC radiator and the US radiator offered from jim carter interesting detail. I like the copper radiator you pay more, its great quality. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCkdnmoUb8o _____________________________________________________ Steve Good Humor Ice cream 1955 1st series Panel Truck

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator Builder #1093490 03/24/2015 9:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas 0 09JK New Guy
09JK New Guy 0 Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas	Originally Posted by Builder A quick search and I found this. https://www.radiatorexpress.com/pro...132&gclid=COuFup7qwcQCFQQJaQod9EsA6g Thanks I will have to dig into that site deeper. That one there is for 55-59 , but hope they have 53. My filler neck isn't top mounted , it comes straight back towards engine then 90s up with a cap. Maybe that's the diff from 53 GMC to Chevy ,,, my radiator sets deep into core support and the top is covered , my guess is to make room for the longer GMC engine. Last edited by 09JK; 03/24/2015 9:41 PM.

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator Steve D #1093509 03/24/2015 10:55 PM
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas 0 09JK New Guy
09JK New Guy 0 Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas	Originally Posted by Steve D 09jk, check out the youtube video comparison on v4Bill his original GMC radiator and the US radiator offered from jim carter interesting detail. I like the copper radiator you pay more, its great quality. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCkdnmoUb8o That does look like the best option so far . I called radiator express and they don't make one for the GMC Quick EBay search shows a bunch that say they fit the GMC , but the pic shows fill cap is on top of tank, maybe they are saying it will fit if I cut my core support. Gonna make some more calls Again I wanna thank everyone for the help and keep the ideas coming. _____________________________________________________ Steve

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1093670 03/25/2015 5:25 PM
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 Minnehaha County, South Dakota B Builder 'Bolter
Builder 'Bolter B Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 Minnehaha County, South Dakota	There is a guy on ebay that I bought soem radiators from. I talked ot him ponce. Might want to see if you can find him and give him a call. He goes by Dr. Radiator, or Dr. Cooling or something on that order. He shouldn't too hard to find. I will try to look it up when I can. 1960 Chevy Apache Shortbox In the Gallery Story continues in the DITY Gallery Read all about the IRWIPI - Triple Dog Dare! Supporting Stovebolt Servicemembers

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1094849 03/31/2015 7:14 PM
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas 0 09JK New Guy
09JK New Guy 0 Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas	Went ahead and bit the bullet and bought the 4 row from Jim Carter's. There just is little to no options out there for the GMC unless you want to modify the core support and/or radiator . Should be bolting her in today.

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1095770 04/06/2015 6:03 AM
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas 0 09JK New Guy
09JK New Guy 0 Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas	Went to install the new Jim Carter 4 core today and NO luck. It hits the fan blades. I imagine they know about the little to no clearance on these long motor GMC's so figured the xtra cores they added would have been towards the grill , but looks like they went towards the engine side. Lucky I'm local to Jim Carter and sure they will take care of me one way or another . So looks like I will be searching for another option.

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1095785 04/06/2015 12:02 PM
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 289 Lake Toxaway, NC H Huck Shop Shark
Huck Shop Shark H Joined: May 2007 Posts: 289 Lake Toxaway, NC	I had my original 52 GMC radiator re-cored at a local radiator shop for around $400. 52 GMC radiator Mike

Re: 1953 GMC needs new radiator 09JK #1095910 04/07/2015 1:55 AM
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas 0 09JK New Guy
09JK New Guy 0 Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 20 KC Kansas	Neither of their salesmen knew , and their website mentions nothing of it. But I thumbed throught the Jim Carter catalog and it clearly states 4 core radiators will not work with factory 6 cyl engines. Swapped it out for a 3 core for $395. Still a lot of hassle and drive time to find out what they should have known. Last edited by 09JK; 04/08/2015 2:32 AM.

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