The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Custom radiator sources?

Anyone have a vendor they would recommend? I have a 1942 military G506 1 1/2 ton Chevy that most likely will be requiring a new radiator. The old one is kind of krusty, and she started to steam like a geyser after about a 1/2 hour run. The size is approximately 24.25 high, 25.5 wide and 4 deep. Unfortunately the civy deco cousin has a much taller dimension. Not looking to break my piggybank or go out in the yard to mine another jar of stashed coinage so economy and an adaptable "universal" style is my quest. Any other top flow radiator applications fit near the measurements I listed above?

Thanks in advance for any leads,

Paul

Have you looked into something like a Jeep radiator?

Try this sight. They may have something that'll fit the bill.

http://www.shepherdautoparts.com/all_aluminum_radiator/jeep/wrangler/1994.html

Paul, when retiring I worked delivering parts, part time, for a local parts house. It seemed everyone picked me to do the research for radiators for their rat rods, customs, dune buggys and such. Most parts houses have a catalog of radiators listing all the dimensions and capacity. I'd suggest going to the COMMERCIAL parts person, usually at the back, or at the end of the other counters, and take the time to turn through the pages. I'd also think doing this will be more economical than the restorations shops are the specialty vendors.

...let us know how you come out.

There are several venders on evil bay that will answer questions for you. Might just have a direct fit. Worth a try.

Walker makes brass radiators.

Ed

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the input so far. Alvin I had wondered if there was such an item as a radiator catalog...that could help.

I did a little digging, and it seems that the radiator for a 1947-54 AD truck is similar. It even has the sloping bracket. There seems to be 3 manufactures of aluminum radiators (at least from my ebay search) and they all have slightly different measurements from one another.

This one made by KKS looks the most promising: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOLDED-TANK-KKS-3-ROWS-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-1947-54-CHEVY-C-K-Series-Pickup-L6-/322172207407?fits=Year%3A1947%7CMake%3AChevrolet%7CModel%3ATruck&hash=item4b02f5c12f:g:H3sAAOSw~oFXMIAm&vxp=mtr

Here are the measurements from my "spare" radiator...I hope you like my analog CAD drawing:
[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/3285/medium/IMG_8031.JPG[/img]

And here are a couple images of the radiator:[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/3285/medium/IMG_8024.JPG[/img]

[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/3285/medium/IMG_8030.JPG[/img]

And here is one mounted in the radiator support. Note how snuggly it fits in the support, so oversize adaptations would be problematic:
[img]http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/3285/medium/IMG_8035.JPG[/img]

Can any of you guys with AD trucks help me compare some measurements? The height on the AD radiator may cause some fitment issues, but the width and thickness seem adaptably close. I would greatly appreciate some measurements before I buy a radiator that "might" fit.

Thanks in advance,

Paul

Paul, not sure mine would be "purrfect" since I added an automatic tranny cooler in mine.

Not sure what the cost was but a friend of mine checked in with Griffin radiator about 3 or 4 years ago and sent his old one to them. They custom built him one just like his for what Art said was a small "up charge". His was for a Ferd car. Perhaps a google search for the phone number and a 2 minute call may yield some results???

I sure would like to get some measurements from either an original or replacement AD radiator.

Haven't been in my shop for days. I'll check back tomorrow and maybe come up with some if still needed then.

Alvin,

Yes I would like some measurements, especially the total height, height less the cap, and total width including brackets

I installed a different original style radiator and it seems to holding water so far, but it has been handled poorly in the past.

Paul

Paul, here is the best I can do unless you need a specific measurement. Understand its a little crowded under the hood and with the big electric fan!

From the bottom of the lower tank to the top of the top tank the measurement is 26 inches.
Then you can add one inch for the neck and radiator cap...meaning the neck with the radiator cap is one inch measuring from the top of the top tank. The neck is a little offset just a tat from the very center of the tank top.

The OVERALL measurement from the outside edge to the outside edge of the brackets are 23 inches.

Just FYI...I measure the "exposed" radiator core pm the inside (should be same on both sides) and it is 19" wide.

Hope this helps you. If you need some other very specific measurement let me know. I'm hard to catch but I will get "around to it".

Hey Alvin,

Thanks man, that is exactly what I need! You are a good guy. Is that an original Harrison radiator or one of the aluminum reproductions? It seems as though a few companies make/fabricate radiators.

It would be great to find out a commercially viable alternative to a $700 recore.

Paul

Paul, got mine from JimCarter back in 2008 for $295 including shipping. It is the real deal. Copper and brass. It is actually made by U.S. Radiator and is what they called the Desert Cooler.
I bought it and put it up until probably 2012/2013. After I bought the panel I started buying up parts knowing they would only go up in cost. Had it tucked away in the attic!

I THINK they are around $425 today????