The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Radiator question

Will an original radiator be ok with the V8 283 swap an a 50? Do I need to get a 3 or 4 core? I plan on running a tranny cooler or maybe have to get a radiator with a tranny cooler? Virg

if the rad is in good shape it'll do fine, just make sure the fan is close [1/2"] or you have a shroud, and don't try to use a high pressure cap, stick to the original 4-7#

Bill

Red...I have a cap..its a 14..I was told that if my Radiator is original..or old (55 3/4) I need to get a 4-7 cap..My Radiator..I do not think is original...It has a N-78 ...does that mean it is a 1978? I guess my Question is should I go to a 4 thru7 cap? MIke G.

the number will be a model, not date, and the original I think sould be H something, for Harrison, who made the rads - if it's the correct original configuration for the truck and built as original it can't take that pressure - if it's sound, find a 7#, if any sign of weeping [green stains] use a 4#

Bill

The stock may work ok but from my experience a 3 or 4 row would be much better. Had too many 2 rows and had them get hot especially in the summer. My van conversion has a 3 row I think but the truck will get a 4 with a new midly built six with a/c and 4x4. If you use the stock one, get some Redline or Prestone Water wetter or whatever the Prestone brand says. Its a cooling anti freeze enhancer and I have used them both they really work. The stores sell tons of it here each summer. Can hardly keep it on the shelf. You should put in 2 bottles. It gets very hot here in the summer. Tripple digit temps and using a/c its really helps keep things from over heating! Keep it cool! Henry

Mine Is a Harrison, I kinda see some weeping on the grill part,facing the fan..Kinda like wet stains, but they are not wet..I did spray a thin coat of satin Rustolium on the Radiator a while back (High Temp Black)I also sprayed the fan...Replaced the belt ect...But I did not do the most important thing...Flush it out. So I will do a flush and put in redline and add a new #4 cap. This Redline stuff,is it a 2 to 1 ? Or straight mix. I will be moving to Maine soon...so it will be very very cold. M/G

My radiator checked bad. I guess I will have to buy a new one. Good place to buy one??? And if I go with just an original type and run a 4-7 # cap it should be ok I assume. Will have to add a tranny cooler for the PG. Virg

The radiator shop should be able to build you one, amybe even using the original upper tank if it's ok, and the original frame for less that buying an aftermarket. My local rad shop built a 4 pass copper/brass rad for me for under $300.

virg912iowa:

Virg:

Sorry to hear the bad news about your radiator. You can take it to a local radiator shop and have it repaired or you can give www.bowtiebits.com a try. You may also check with www.classicparts.com , www.lmctruck.com , and www.oldchevytrucks.com . These are all aftermarket truck parts suppliers, in and around the Kansas City area. It will save you on shipping or you can hit LMC (Lenexa, KS), Classic Parts (Riverside, MO) and Jim Carter (Independence, MO) in one trip to KC. Bow Tie Bits is in Wichita, KS. I have ordered parts from all of these suppliers with relatively good luck. I hope this information is helpful.

Tony

Thanks Tony,I just had my radiator checked by my local rad shop and mine is shot too. They said Close to $400 to repair.LMC & Carter has them listed for undr $250. I am all for supporting my local guys, but not at that cost.

alan's57, I order two radiators from two different vendors for my 53 and either one fit. They said is was for 47-54, it was much too high. Sent both back and had the orginial recored.

I never knew how much the radiator..caps..shut offs (summer) height..shrouds ect..had so much importance to engine performance..Dont get me wrong I know the basics...but there was a lot I didnt know. I now have looked at the height of my rad. a bit closer..it is pretty hi. 55 235..I was thinking of adding a shroud?? (spelling)and the water cut off...I am assuming the shroud will help with cooling...but I have no extras (Air cond..ect...Again thanks guys for your help. M/G