1966 Skylark Radiator replacement

So the 1966 Skylark GS 401 I just picked up has a leaky original radiator and the local radiator shops want $500 and 3 weeks to re-core it. Which I may do later....but to get her running..






I See us radiator sells a direct fit. They run $500-700 and lead time around 3-4 weeks. Which I believe classic industries and OPGI sells.

http://usradiator.com/buick-gs-1965-66-v8-401-radiator.html
PN - 005157ANN
or in aluminum
PN - AL005157AADZ

So I am trying to find something that fits and is available quickly for less money.

I found a post on someone using a griffin aluminum radiator in a 401 GS car.

But did not have auto trans cooler lines or a drain:
Griffin #26242-X $180
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-26242-x





I did find one from Griffin that did have the auto cooler that has the same dimensions was available and ready to ship from Summit.

Griffin Thermal Products 1-56242-T -$340
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-56242-t


Inlet Location:
Upper passenger side
Outlet Location:
Lower driver side
Overall Width (in):
27.500 in.
Overall Height (in.):
19.000 in.
Overall Thickness (in):
2.500 in.
Row Quantity:
2
Trans Cooler Line Connection:
1/4 in. NPT
Trans Cooler Adapter Fittings Included:
No
Radiator Inlet Size:
1.500 in.
Radiator Outlet Size:
1.375 in.
Tube Size:
1 1/4 in.

Only issue I see is the outlet size, which is 1.375 or 1 3/8"

Which I should be able to be address with an aftermarket lower hose:

this hose may work...

ACDelco 19163097
or
ACDelco 88872602
or
VAICO V200147

 

Put this one in my 67 GS400. I'd guess it would work in a 66. It was $192.
Champion Cooling Systems AE571 All Aluminum Radiator
Available on amazon free shipping. Mine showed up fairly quickly

 

not sure why would fit on a 401 Nail head, the in/out are in the wrong place.

 

Thats my lack of knowledge on the nailhead. Check them though they may have one for your car.

 

found this one too... https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/p...an-sport-wo-air-aluminum-performance-radiator

 

The old radiator has had it... soldered many times and only had 2 rows, doubt it cooled much.



So I bought the Griffin Thermal Products 1-56242-T -$340 on Summit

and it fit pretty well in my 1966 GS.

The only issue was the cooler fitting need to have an adapter added for the lines which I happed to have from another car. But the size and outlet spacing were all good.





The radiator was supplied with a drain cock. I just spray painted it black because I don't like bright silver ones.





Fits well: