The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1939 Chevy 1/2 Ton Truck Needs A Radiator

Wondering if anyone can recommend a replacement radiator for my truck ? Just purchased this truck 3 weeks ago and the radiator in it will make a nice lawn sprinkler. The seller told me the engine is a 235 out of a '57 Chevy Truck...But I haven't verified that yet. Going to buy a new radiator and there seems to be quite a few aftermarket ones for sale. Looking for some advice from someone who has had to find a replacement and what works or doesn't work. Thanks

I replaced my stock recored radiator with a Afco brand aluminum one in my '37. Since I am running a 250 cubic engine, I modified the mounts to fit my application. Mine is mounted way low and forward of a stock location. With that being said, the fit and finish was first rate in my opinion. The only difference from stock was the outlets pointing straight out where as the stock units point towards the motor so the hoses are straight. The core is thicker as are the tanks, so if clearance is a issue, be warned. So far I am really happy with it (been in a year or more), it came with a 18 psi radiator cap, but I run a 14 just for good measure. Not once has ever gone over thermostat temp.

My old radiator was recored and cooled just fine. The problem was the old tanks were so thin, each time it heated up the top tank would flex and over time the solder joint would crack. I was at the point of once a year pulling it out for repair, and the rest of the year, wiping small drops of coolant off the engine and firewall.

Joe

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

Might also have a look at " The Filling Station " They seem to have some stock type stuff available

dynosaurus,
I recently purchased a radiator from Patrick Antique Cars of Casa Grande, AZ. Patrick really gave me a good deal and I'll recommend him to anyone who will listen to me. They are a dealer out let for US Radiators. I'm not at that stage of installing it but once I am, I have it readily available. The only thing, it didn't come with a cap. Still happy to have my old one replaced because it was so far gone that I didn't even bother trying to keep it.

On Track Performance is out of Englewood and they too are a dealer for U.S. Radiator, you might want to look them up and see what they can do for you.

Bread

I will check into them. I'm not exactly sure when I'm going to buy one because I don't want the warranty to expire while it's still on the shelf. I'm finishing the brake rebuilds and just got the gas tank back from being boiled out. I know the engine starts but I haven't tried to drive it down the street yet. A local shop here in Colorado Springs told me to buy a Walker Radiator but it is $812.00. Holy Smokes !!! That's why I'm looking for options and opinions. Thanks for your suggestion.