I'm putting a 455 in a 64 Special. I'm looking for lower radiator 4 row compatible lower mounts(cradles) for the lower radiator support, and the upper hold down plate to match. Could also use the rubber insulators if someone has them as well Thank you, Tom Miller
I should have them. I'll look and let you know. Took out my 4 core and put in a custom aluminum radiator.
JM - please post a pic of the lowers. I will need them too and have no idea how they differ. Tom - The upper rubber pieces/insulators are available from CARS part number RI656B
Does your new radiator fit in the '64 (downflow) radiator support? In mid '65 Buick changed the entire lower cradle to accommodate the new cross-flow radiator. For 1966, the rad insulators fit directly in the rad support, no extra brackets were used. Avail from CARS or Steele. I don't know what's required for a downflow support with a crossflow rad. I thought Trunkmonkey or Brian may have entered the conversation..... they would know.
Thanks for the info, I did not realize there was a support change 64-65. Last time I big block swapped an early car, it was a 65 special, and I had no issues using 67 GS400 stuff, as I had a 67 GS parts car.
Tom, here's a pic of the '64 saddle next to the later '65 saddle (top) designed for the crossflow radiator (pic courtesy Yachtsman Bill). You'll have to see if/how your new rad fits in the saddle. Check the installed height too. You may need to make some custom mounts, at least for the bottom.
How about a 65-67 top hold down for a V8 car with cross flow radiator? Anything at this point....help a brother out
If I need a top plate for my car I would just buy one for a 68-77 nova... Easy fit.. avmechanic used one... pics in link.. https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?t...th-big-block-swap-into-66-67-skylarks.375018/ https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Perform...fNNc9H8yFE6v9UaNHr4yk8AEsTKu2m4AaAixaEALw_wcB
Tom, not to complicate things any more, but.... There are different top cover plates, a standard, and one for radiator tanks with thicker cores (3 or 4 row). The 65-66 GS had the thicker radiator, as well as some heavy-duty cooling packages on 300 and 340's. Here's a pic showing the difference, std on left, GS/HD on right.
Not sure this will help but the 65 saddle above looks similar my 67. The lower mounts from my 340 with AC look to fit the copper 4 core I bought. Might give you more options.
Tom - I have many top plates- 100% sure have heavy duty ones. I'm in Michigan also. If your not to far away your welcome to come get one(FREE) PM me.
Is the GS400 top plate the same for a 340 4bbl with AC and Heavy duty cooling? Or was there 3 different top plates?
I would say YES same-Only 2 plates that I'm aware of.Wider plate to accommodate Heavy cooling radiator. I would think with AC - came with plastic shroud. Instead of small metal guard attached (picture)
The 67 top plate is different from 65-66 as they use different insulators. The 67 has insulators with nipples that stick straight up from the top surface. On 65-66 they're at the ends and angled outwards. The '67 finger guard is a little different too, it has a recess for upper hose clearance.