The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Radiator

I have a ‘53 3100 with a ‘56 235 car engine. I modified the factory radiator mounts to accommodate the 235 water pump. I believe the radiator to be original and it is getting to be sketchy. I have been looking for a new aluminum radiator. My issue is the new aluminum radiators available from Speedway and Summit have 1 1/2” inlets (upper) and 1 3/4” outlets (lower). Are there new aluminum radiators available with the factory 1 1/4” & 1 1/2” inlets/outlets, or will I have to hunt for new hoses to work with a new radiator?
Also, does anyone have any recommendations where to get a new aluminum radiator that would fit my needs, be quality built, and at a reasonable price?
Any suggestions are appreciated, thank you.

These folks make very nice quality aluminum radiators for older vehicles.

https://ecp-radiator.com/

Check how it's made. I have a Afco brand I bought 10 years ? back that started leaking pretty quickly after purchased. It was expensive back then so I thought it would last. The tubes are epoxied in to the headers and one or two of them started weeping in the lower right corner. There was no fix or warranty, so I cleaned it, soda blasted the area, and cleaned again before applying some 3M panel bonding epoxy. This epoxy sticks tight but stay flexible and so far its holding.
I will spend the money for a fully welded aluminum radiator next time, the brass / copper ones are just to expensive and in my opinion don't cool as good as aluminum.

Thank you for your reply. I ended up ordering a radiator from ECP. I had them modify the inlet and outlet to accommodate factory hose sizes. It is a nice looking product, we shall see how it treats me.

Thank you for your reply.