Asking for advice as to what company supplies the best reproduction radiator for a 65 Wildcat conv with a 401. I'm looking for a radiator as close as possible to original factory specs so I can bolt it straight in. Car is non A/C but would look at a bigger core to cope with the warmer weather here in Australia. I'm sure there are a lot of suppliers in USA but who makes the best product? Post relies here or email me buickman@bigpond.net.au
At the time the radiators were being built by Harrison which became a division of GM. If I were you I would have you orginal recored using the original tanks. When the system is put back original and all the components are up to spec--correct scroud, fan clutch, fan etc--there will be no need for any further capacity. If for some reason you cannot obtain an original radiator --and I believe you can from somone on this Board-- then the closest to the orginals can be seen here: http://www.alumitechreproductions.com/ You will came to contact him and perhaps send a pic for him to be sure he makes the style you need.
There is a used one on ebay for an A/C car. I don't know why it wouldn;t work on a non-A/C. The only difference I know of is the top hose outlet. I thought about buying it for a spare. If cooling is a problem, I'd also think about a fan shroud and a 7 blade fan. However, I think the shroud is more difficult to find than the radiator. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Radiator-1965-Buick-Electra-401-425-Nailhead-Wildcat_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33602QQitemZ280092925841QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW Rick
Re-core is the way to go. Being in Australia, I am sure that will be cheaper than shipping from the U.S. Have a reputable shop do it, and once they do it and spray black paint on it, it will look no different than factory.
I have to agree with the recore idea. If you need one done, I've had excellent results from a local shop. Of course I have cores too:TU: I will put up a photo of the one I had done for mine. It has 3 cores, tubes on 3/8 centers and way more fins so the cooling is awesome. Same core in my 455 wagon with V-6 tanks and NO Shroud keeps that baby at 180! (like half the size of the Wildcat's radiator)
