The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1937 Radiator Question

Can anyone tell what would be the difference between a radiator for a 1937 1/2, 3/4, 1-ton truck and a radiator from a 1-1/2 truck? I noticed that the PN are different for these. Is it mounting or size, or both?

The larger radiator (from the 1-1/2 ton) mounts the same and the core is thicker. I'm running one in my 37 pickup and it has helped a bunch. It can still get overheated under certain very hot conditions, but not as easily as the 1/2 ton radiator did.
The 1-1/2 ton radiator mounts the same, but you have to cut about 3/4" off the air dam pan at the bottom of the radiator for it to fit properly. It is sheet metal and easy to cut. The thickness of the radiatior is all forward so it does not interfere with the engine fan or anything in the engine compartment.
When it is all said and done, no will know what you have done.

Hi, Kerwin. I remembered there was a discussion on this very subject (on a 1941 truck). Here is the link to that topic. If that doesn't help, I'm sure someone who knows.will chip in, here. I personally haven't done any radiator searching yet for my '37. Could get you measurements, if that would be of any help. Best of luck!

As I said, there is not question. Any radiator out of any 37 Chevrolet truck will fit in your truck. If you are going for the "heaviest duty" radiator, one from a 1-1/2 ton truck is it. If you want less, one of the others might work for you, BUT, the smallest (in thickness) radiator for a 37 truck is a 1/2 ton raditor. The thickest is the 1-1/2 ton radiator.
If you are going to run a 350 or other V-8 behind it, you had better go the custom radiator route. The 37 stock radiators will not cool a a larger engine very well.

I am using a Afco aluminum radiator in mine. It fits where the stock one was but not a direct bolt in replacement. The lower hose outlet is different and the core is thicker. You also need to make your own side plates (flat aluminum) to mount it to. I slide mine forward till it hit the lower chin sheet metal. I may go back and cut 1/2" from the stock sheet metal and move it even farther forward, I all ready have removed the cross support. It cools great and if it was painted black, you wouldn't know it was different.

Joe

Joe -
What is the situation with the neck? As you know the neck on a stock radiator sticks through the cross piece over the radiator. How did Afco handle that?
Thanks,
Joe