We are trying to find a radiator for our 51 GMC 100. When I am looking on ebay I get one for a 51 Chevrolet 3100 and 3600. Anyone know if it will work?
1. The GMC engine is about 1.5" longer, all towards the radiator. There was a brand new Chevy radiator in my '52 GMC when I bought it. There was not enough room to get the fan belt on or off without removing the radiator. Being cheap, I removed the radiator, took it to a radiator shop and had the flanges on the sides redone to move the core forward.
2. GMC radiator fill spouts come horizontally off the top tank, then curve up. A Chevy radiator has the filler on the top, which ends up being inaccessible under the top of the radiator support (6.0450 below). While I had the radiator flanges being modified, I had the radiator shop remove the top fill and put a 90 degree filler on the engine side of the top tank as shown in the picture below.
Any modern replacement for a GMC radiator will use a pressure cap on the fill spout, not a separate pressure valve as shown just to the left of the top radiator hose connection in the picture below.
Last edited by Bill Hanlon; 01/21/20245:57 AM.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
I see some for V8s on that auction site. Will they work on a 6?
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me alone, you're starting to freak me out."
Glad I didn't order the chevy/gmc one on ebay. When we put our truck information in, it claims that it fits. The measurements from the ones on classic parts, are different.
Please post a link to the eBay radiator you purchased.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Note that the text within the ebay add it states : For V8 Conversion ONLY
I do not think this 3 row radiator will work in the stock set-up. You may not have clearance for the fan/waterpump.
Recommend you not order the ebay radiator.
You may consider calling LMC Truck tomorrow , 800-562-8782 , ask about their Mishimoto Alum Radiator 32-2900, $385.95, In stock ( or so it says online ) . Online it shows it fits your application but I suggest you call and verify that it fits your application , year, models, etc... by talking to a sales person.
Last edited by Dusty53; 01/22/20243:35 AM.
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
My guys here in the garage thought it would work. Just shows how much they know about these old trucks. 🤔😆🤪
Go back and read my post, I added additional info for you to consider......its' worth a phone call to LMC...
Best wishes
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
I bought the Champion radiator for my ‘50 Chevy and the bottom outlet was a different diameter, requiring me to go with a flexible universal fit lower radiator hose, which I didn’t like. Also, when it was bolted to the radiator support, it had less clearance than the stock radiator. I ended up cutting the flanges off of it and re-welding them on with the bottom of the radiator angled a little forward for fan/belt clearance- it was a PITA. The top inlet fitting diameter was also slightly too big, requiring me to stretch the hose a little᠁ that cheap radiator saved me a bunch of money, though.
I cannot see why the stock unit is now nearly $600᠁. I just couldn’t bring myself to fork that much over for a radiator. Unless merchants are charging 100% markup now?
~ Dave 1950 Chevrolet 3600 3/4-ton with 261 engine & T5 Transmission
"The V8 conversion only" clause probably works because the V8 engine is shorter front to back.
They aren't cheap, but searching for "CC46167 radiator" finds a part that is supposedly GMC specific. Cold Case (the manufacturer) has them as SKU GMT559A.
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
I have used the one from champion couple years ago. I'll admit it was for my 50 Chevy coupe but it fit like a glove and came with a nice radiator cap and bottom had cooler in case I ever wanted to put in an automatic. Reasonable price. Some of my frirnds have used them too.
I seem to remember champion is really made by U.S. Radiator but not comfirmed.
I check out our radiator. It is a harrison 125505 radiator. Any suggestions?
It should be 3125505. Its listed as Increased Cooling for your truck. An upgrade from the standard radiator. Core 2 in thick, 19 11/16 in wide. Champion Radiator CC4754
You are correct. Mine is so corroded I couldn't see the 3. Interesting thing, the ebay one you said fits, when I select our truck, it says it doesn't fit. Yet when I look it up on champion radiators it is that number. I'm so confused!!!!
Click on theEbay link in my post. It will take you to the radiator. You do not enter the truck model, just scroll down to Compatibility, it lists six trucks 50-54 GMC only. It also gives all the measurements so you can check your radiator.
It should be 3125505. Its listed as Increased Cooling for your truck. An upgrade from the standard radiator. Core 2 in thick, 19 11/16 in wide. Champion Radiator CC4754
R&S, As jimgmc mentioned in his recent reply quoted above, suggest you look at his indicated GMC specific 6 cylinder radiator that goes by Part# CC4754. One number different than your linked CC4854 and different application list in the ebay ad.
Hopefully that may solve the confusion??? No worries, we are here to help!
BTW - If you want it to look more like the original, many folks just spray paint black. For more particulars on doing that you might want to Search the Site for previous conversations on painting radiators.
Last edited by Gdads51; 01/22/20241:49 PM.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Hey, looks like jimgmc and Gdads51 have a good recommendation and its a good price too. Go for it!
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604 In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel."
'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12 '52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
Yes I have a re-cored 1949 GMC rad. Never used since re-cored as I found out it is a GMC and I need a Chev. I see you reside not too far from me as I am in Chilliwack BC. Contact me at rick.brown@hotmail.ca
