The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop New Radiator & Hose Fitment

I want to install a new aluminum radiator on a 54 3100 235 that I am restoring and so far all the radiators I am finding have a 1.5” upper hose neck and a 1.75” lower hose neck. The problem I have is the stock upper hose is 1.25” and the stock lower hose is 1.5”. Is there another set of hoses available or a radiator with the correct hose necks?
Thanks.
Phil

I had the same problem...the stock hoses will fit with a bit of silicone grease and muscle. No leaks so far but I'm not a rubberologist and don't know if it will cause problems in the future.

Assuming larger hoses are used on the radiators with the larger inlets and outlets, will that change the rate of flow through the radiator and improve/hamper cooling efficiency?

Click

Scroll down the link to see the 6 CYL highlighted radiator with 1.25 and 1.5 hose connections.

I bought an aluminum radiator back in 2019. Found a hose at the local flaps that fit:
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...fferences-from-original.html#Post1312967

Many times I have searched the hose rack at FLAPS to find a hose with correct ID and with a section of it that matched shape and cut off the rest, takes time.

Search eBay for 47-54 Chevrolet truck radiator. Scroll until you see one with the top tank which is shaped like what comes on an original brass radiator. That is what I use and they fit right and keep the engine temperature at 180, and you can prime and paint the top tank and the side and it will look original as all get out. A bit over $200.

Classic Parts of America sells a formed hose Part # 82-125 that is 1 1/2" on one end and 1 3/4" on the other end. It is sold to be used when installing a later engine with a newer style water pump (55 -62 pumps have a 1 3/4 inch connection) to an older radiator (47-54 rads have a 1 1/2 inch outlet). If you turn it around you should be able to install the 1 1/2' end on your 54 water pump and the 1 3/4" end on the aluminum rad. For the upper hose you could replace your 1 1/4 inch upper thermostat housing with a 1 1/2 inch housing from a later (55-62) engine and use a hose for 55-62 six cylinder.

The aluminum radiators with the correct shaped upper tanks that 52Carl indicated are very nice and have fitted in the past (I have one, very pleased) unfortunately most of the newer ones have the larger connections even though they say they fit a 1954 rad. I have one purchased at a later date from the same supplier, same part number that is bigger. The correct size connections do come up but you have to check the posted dimensions.

No1300, Thanks! Seems like a workable solution!
Phil

52Carl, I ordered one with a curved top. The owner threw out the original. Good grief never do that till we're done the project! I hopefully found a solution to the hoses. Thanks.
Phil

stlcardinalsguy, Rubberologist, love the term! I think i found a solution to the hoses that will keep the rubberologist at bay! Ha!

Otto Skorzeny Great question! Certainly above my pay grade, but to further your query, is it possible to speed up the flow faster than the speed of the water pump?
Phil

bartamos Thanks for your diligent research, as usual! I should have checked Champion. Grey matter is slipping. After kicking it around i opted for the three row on ebay vs the two row Champion since I found a solution to the hose issue and neck size issue. BTW, I assume FLAPS is some sort of Auto Parts Store. Never heard of them here in the east. Thanks again for your solution!
Phil

Gord&Fran I don't have the original radiator to size the new one as the owner threw the original away since he thought it had no value. I'm restoring the truck for him and my practice is don't throw anything away until the project is done. Too many clues in the original stuff. Thanks for your reply!
Phil

I was thinking with larger inlets and outlets the water might flow slower through the radiator. Think of a garden hose with your thumb over the end.

Otto Skorzeny Gotcha! I was thinking the opposite. I see what you mean. Something to consider.
Phil

Friendly Local Auto Parts Store!

Well that is simple enough!🤣 Learned something new today!
Thanks!
Phil