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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 | Will I be able to recore OE radiator from my 66 with a 283 to cool a 383?
If not what set up should i be getting? If I keep the OE I will re use shroud and fan. If I go different I will upgrade to electric fans. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 7,440 | If you have a “good” radiator shop they can upgrade your current radiator to handle the extra heat. Yes, you need to keep the shroud for optimal cooling.
Martin
'62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress)
'47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project)
‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily)
‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence)
“I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one!
Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop!
USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 | Agreed. Stock shroud is in good shape. Just needs a fresh coat of paint. The AC side of things might force me into a electric, but we will see. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,191 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,191 | For the cost of a re-core, you can buy new aluminum radiators that in my opinion will cool better, paint them black and you'll never know its not stock. Tanks wear out also, so check them close before spending to much on the old one. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 | Ferris Have had recore work done,often leaks at tank seams from dirt,almost impossible to repair. A big brass radiator like a 6400 has is a powerful cooler my 51 goes thru 95 degree idleing no problem. Next best bet is big aluminum,put a custom aluminum in my 60 corvette,made to fit it ,is fine used GM dex-cool. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,982 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2016 Posts: 1,982 | I think I would go aftermarket aluminum if you're going to add AC with a 383, what tranny?
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 293 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 293 | Stay with an engine driven fan. It is very difficult to get the same efficiency as an engine driven fan with an electric fan. Electric also requires sensors, relay, wiring... More hassle to build, more potential problems.
With a good rad and shroud, the A/C will work fine with an engine driven fan, too.
If you end up with an aftermarket radiator, you will find a variety of tutorials online explaining how to make your own fan shroud.
'57 Chevy Suburban; '70 Chevy Impala.
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