Hey guys, Anyone here on the board successfully dropped an aluminum radiator in their big car that's a drop in? An aluminum 2 core with 1.25 tubes would be ideal, but typically those radiators are 3 inches thick. The original 3 core is only 2.5, or so. I'm worried about the top, or bottom mount being weird, or not fitting well. Champions 2 core ec161 has 3/4 tubes. Boooo. The 72 GS Cold Case radiator might fit, but that's 3 inches thick. Any experience, or knowledge I can use to my advantage?
US radiator looks like a decent option. Their 2 core, 1.25 inch tube option is 125 bucks extra, for a total of about 770. Getting spendy.
I looked at Champion radiators. They were definitely an option. I didn't like the port on the Champion, by the neck that I would have to plug. I think I am going to try the Cold Case as I feel I have the room for it with a rubber insulator swap out. They also have a little bigger tube size. All the dimensions line up, and the cooler lines fall in the right spot for me. I also like the way the tanks look. Closer to stock. I'll probably update the site when I get it finished up. I thought maybe I'd get a hit on an Electra guy running an aluminum radiator to get some thoughts.
I had to drop one in my 67 Wildcat convertible once in order to get home. I was about 700 miles away. It was a straight off-the-shelf unit and it dropped right in, and made a world of difference. I didn't have to run the heater on full blast on the way home, the car ran nice and cool. I don't know who made it, but it came from Lordco in BC, and IMHO they are a better parts outfit than NAPA ever was, at least here in Canada.
That's encouraging for the folks looking for a decent, low cost solution to aluminum. If it'll get you home, right? My Harrison 3 core has served me well for 15+ years, but after the addition of Vintage Aire last year, it has been touch and go when it gets 85, or so outside. 215-225 is not out of the question with a 180 thermostat, and the AC running. Original shroud, fan, and clutch too. I am hoping a big 2 core and a 19.5-20 inch 7 blade fan will drop me 10-15 on the high side. However, originality is important to me too. I'll keep the 5 blade just to tinker. We will see how it goes.
so in my 72 i actually used a c10 aluminum radiator. Its pretty much a perfect fit. Idr the year. either 67-72 or 73-87 one.
