The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Keeping it Cool

I have a '54 3100 short box with a 283 and granny 4 speed. It has the original radiator in it and I'm told the upper tank leaks. I'm also told the radiator is mounted on the front side of the radiator support (good, bad???).

My plan is to keep the 283 in it or if needed some mild 350. I plan to put a 350 trans in it and in the future A/C. My question is what would I need for a radiator to keep this running cool. I live in the Tampa Bay area and plan to use the truck as a daily driver/cruise night pick'em up. No loads, towing or truck work. My research indicates that I need something better than a stock setup. Do I need an alum or copper? Where might be a good source to look? I'm thinking someone makes what I need. I've looked at a couple of places; Classic Auto Parts, Patrick's and now don't know what to choose. I think the deep end is an Walker EZ Cool in the 6 bills area. Please help.

I have only seen side views of this truck, will be seeing it for real early July and I hope to have the parts I need accomulated to get it road worthy during a short visit.

Alunimum universal mounts can be bought from around $170-190 range. Custom fit units are about $400. Copper vertical flows are about 225 +.

Your radiator may be on the front side of the surround support because of fit or fan interference, though I wouldn't know why with a V8 in it. Nothing wrong with that at all, many tri-five Chevys are set up that way.

Check your local radiator shop. I had a 4 pass core put in mine with a larger lower tank, it came in at around $275. It still looks stock because it has the original frame and upper tank.

Thanks for the input. I'll shop around for what will do the best job. I plan on attending the Syracuse Hot Rod Show in July, hopefully I'll find something there.