What are the differences as far as fit and fuction go between 1969 L6, 400, 350 radiators? I would actually be using it with a 1972 455 motor in my 69 GS. Can they all be exchanged from one to the other? I ask this because there was one for sale on ebay from a skylark and it was a 3 row for $50 or so which I thought was a good deal for now before I go and drop almost $300 for a 4 row when I may not need one. The guy also said when it was pulled a couple weeks ago it was being used with a 455 with no problems. I just want to know the differences between those 3 engines for 1969 cars only pertaining to radiators for future reference. I will probably go with a 4 row from a WELL KNOWN vendor simply because they are easier to track down and deal with should something go wrong or not fit right. But this used one sounded like a good deal for now. Anyone?
Rad(ical) Differences Ken, From what experiences I have. A given skylark will have different radiators based on its given options. I have seen most 350 with a/c use a 2 row. I think the 3 row was part of a HD cooling option. When I ordered a new radiator for my 69 GS 350 from NAPA I replaced the 2 row with a 3 row with no problem. Same fit. I think it was 169.00 from NAPA a couple of years ago. I have never ran across any 69 400 cars to compare # of rows. But I have swapped a couple of 455 into small block cars, but never tried to run a 2 row radiator with a big block. Good luck Jake
The L6 is definately smaller than any other Radiators.... Do you have a chassis service manual ?? maybe something in there ?? Suprised BirthdayBoy Jim hasn't said anything yet.....
Hmmmmm. NAPA huh? I don't have a NAPA around here. I know my local mom and pop parts store will look at me like I'm on crack if I ask about a GS 400 radiator. I've heard a lot of good stuff about NAPA and their ability to find old parts like this. The fact that it fit well for you was the double bonus! I do have an assembly manual I think. Or a Fisher body manual anyway. I don't know if I have a service manual, I have to check. This seems to be a real tricky subject as far as 69's go. A lot of people have a lot of different opinions. The most important thing for me is what will fit without having to cut anything, what will cool the best ( I know aluminum will, but besides that ) and where the hell can I find it! Thanks guys. :TU:
Other Options Ken, I was just thinking! Another cost efective option for you would be to have your 2 row recored at a local radiator shop. They can convert it to a 3 row! I just had one done for another friend it cost me $150 for it. I can shop around a little for you down my way if you want. Jake
Re: Other Options That would be great if you could Jake. I always appreciate an additional set of eyes. :beer I'd certainly consider getting a core added to mine, but I tossed it years ago. ou: And at that time I had already added a core to it so it had 3! Live and learn. At that time I assumed I could buy this stuff at Walmart like all the Chevy stuff.
