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| | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 21 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 21 | I want to use my orig. radiator on my 53 GMC 1/2 TON with 350.The hose connections are smaller. I plan on using a 7 blade mechanical fan with a shroud. What do I need to make it work. Thanks
Last edited by cuda; 02/07/2016 9:10 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 | Ideally, you need a new radiator. the 53 item will only be rated for a max pressure of around 7 PSI, and a 350 engine works best with around 14-17 PSI. Since the cooling system boiling point rises 3 degrees F. for every pound of pressure applied, you're going to be riding the ragged edge of disaster anytime the pressure spikes a little during warm-up, even if the engine doesn't actually overheat.
If you're willing to get a really professional cleaning and rehab of the original radiator and add an electric pusher fan in addition to the engine-driven fan, you might get away with the original low pressure unit. Personally, I wouldn't bet the farm on it. The smaller hose nipples on the radiator can be addressed by slipping a short sleeve of radiator hose over the nipple, then using a larger-diameter hose over the sleeve. Put the adapter sleeve on dry- - -no sealer of gasket goop, and use a good-quality worm-drive hose clamp to hold the whole assembly on. I have used that technique on racing radiators with a 21-lb. cap without any issues of blowing hoses off.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 21 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 21 | I've seen new rads for chevy will they work for GMC there a a inch taller | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,777 | Most of the radiator manufacturers that sell their products on Ebay will custom make a new aluminum radiator to your specifications. It's just a matter of supplying height and width information and the vehicle-specific type of mounting you want. Don't forget to upgrade the heater core at the same time, as the same pressure limitations apply to it.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | I have purchased some from Ebay. Aluminum 2, 3 or 4 row. There are dozens of sellers. All made in the same factory. This guy has a lot of deals and 100% feedback. Free ship. Worth a try in my opinion. Seems to satisfy customers. One of these will work fine.
Look up eBay item number:
271985714890
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | I recently bought a Dillion Radiator for my 50 coupe. Mounted it but haven't started the car yet. Nice cap came with it. Dillion does not make them. They are actually made by Champion where ever that is...Wisconsin?? 200 bucks to my front door. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 Sir Searchalot | | Sir Searchalot Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,983 | The one I listed is a Champion. Many distributors all over Ebay. They are all Chinese made. They can sell you an American made one for $100 more, and up, if you let them know you want an American made. Probably can not get an American made aluminum radiator to your door for $200. I think you can buy direct and get a lifetime warrantee. They are in CA. The welds seem good and quality is acceptable.
Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. - William Penn
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 21 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2013 Posts: 21 | Thanks for the info I'll check it out | | |
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