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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 | I bought a after-market radiator from LMC Trucks and I'm really disappointed that it did not just bolt into place. It's about 2 inches taller which by itself is not a problem thanks to the tall hood on my '53 3/4 ton. BUT it is a little thicker the fan is just a 1/2 away from the fan!
I'm trying to make it fit with a few modifications but I thought I'd warn you guys. It was $270 which is cheaper than the estimate of $500 to recore my original radiator - so if can get it to work I'll be satisfied.
Me and my '53!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 12,029 | about 1/2" is fine, about what the factory allowed, should indicate in the shop manual
Bill | | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 | At your suggestion I reviewed my Shop Manual but unfortunately it does not specify a clearance between the fan and the radiator. I didn't think to capture a measurement before removing the original but I am sure it was not the close shave that this replacement yields. Is it a crazy thought to bend the fan blades back slightly - or am I risking knocking the engine out of balance or ruining the water pump or something like that?
Me and my '53!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,771 | DO NOT BEND FAN BLADES!
That almost always creates a balance problem, or the blades will go back to their original position by the metal having a "memory" of its original shape. The airflow is pulling forward on the blades all the time. I saw the result of a dirt tracker pit crew mwmber getting hit by a fan blade that left the hub while the engine was being revved after a carburetor adjustment. The blade hit the man about dead center in the chest, and buried itself about 3 inches. The guy survived, but he had to undergo multiple surgeries.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 | Success! I had to cut away some of the steel to allow me to bolt the radiator to the inside edge (normal location is outside) of the mount. Also, had to get a top hose that is 2.5 inches taller to account for the extra height. Seems to be working just fine now. Here is a picture of the finished product: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-...885_1602864791_32042089_1744388846_n.jpgThanks Hotrod Lincoln - I did not bend the blades at your suggestion 
Me and my '53!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 68 | By the way this was the problem part http://www.lmctruck.com/features/ca/CARAD.htm It may be fine for other trucks but for the 1953 3600 it was not a great fit.
Me and my '53!
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