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#228408 03/02/2007 12:19 AM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
P
Junior Member
Junior Member
P Offline
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 12
I have a 72 GMC 1/2 ton i got with no engine. It used to be used for drag racing. I bought it because i have a couple 3 SBCs sitting around and wanted something to tow my race bike and for general knocking around. so i built a 350 SBC using flat top pistons, a 327/350 cam and a set of old rebuilt fueli heads i had laying around. i added a set of small tube headers and bolted it to an extra TH350 i had. The truck has a 3.70 rear. To get to my question , it came to me with one of those aluminium and plastic radiators. It dosent really seem sufficent for towing but before i buy a new radiator what would you folks recomend , stock replacment brass and copper. 4 row aliminium, i just need enough not to leave me boiling over going up the hills here in august not wanting to spend money just for the thrill of it.
Thanks
Greg

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 187
5
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
5 Offline
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 187
Alluminum dissipates heat quicker than brass or copper. I'm not a big fan of plastic tanks but they've come a long way with these tanks. I've got a 350 in my '63 with a brass core radiator. I haven't had any problems with the truck overheating here. As soon as it warms up and the thermostat opens, I'm running at 180 deg constantly. A couple things may affect your situation differently though. You're running an automatic without overdrive. You're not towing much weight. You could try it as is and risk frying your tranny or motor. I only tow a couple quads occasionally. If I were towing with a TH350, I'd spend the extra bucks for an alluminum radiator. They're easier and less costly to repair. Just like everything else though...it's only my opinion.

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,068
'Bolter
'Bolter
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,068
I would get a replacement for that era truck but for a 3/4 ton camper special and maybe even for the big block option. A nice, fresh and new radiator will keep everything cool no matter what conditions it's running in,
Scott


Scott Ward

2 1948 1.5-ton Loadmasters
The red one and The snow pusher
1 1950 3100
1 1955.1 Chevy 6500
1 1954 Chevy 6500 2-Ton
1 1955 1st Series COE 5700
1 1963 K20 (454)
1 1964 C10 (350)
1 1951 1.5-ton Dump Truck
1953 and a 1956 Ford F800

Raising a teenager is like trying to nail Jello to a tree!
#228411 03/02/2007 10:32 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,597
W
Riding in the Passing Lane
Riding in the Passing Lane
W Offline
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 8,597
There is an optional radiator available for that truck called a desert cooler. It is huge. Iv,e got one in my 70. You have to change the mounting brackets & insulators but it fits real good. Those parts are available from Classic Parts. (Chevy-duty)


They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing.
1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne Super
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