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Old 11-06-2019, 03:31 PM   #1
KQQL IT
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Radiator problems.

Anybody having issues with aftermarket radiators fiiting?
Bought a spectra brand CU730 was to tall by a 1/2 or so. It decided to identify as a sprinkler because of my transmission cooler mount thru the fins.

Then buy a champion MC716 and it's short by 1/2''
So I made a "sweet" spacer out of some scrap I had in the garage on Friday night at 8pm.

It can't be this hard to buy a radiator that fits these trucks.
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Last edited by KQQL IT; 11-06-2019 at 03:38 PM.
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Old 11-11-2019, 09:31 AM   #2
Axle
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Re: Radiator problems.

I had to mildly modify my upper mount for the cu730 by grinding out clearance for the lip, which took care of the 1/2" difference. The plastic/aluminum cu730 definately has a bigger pinch edge than the old unit. Other than the cu730, the other cars I've put the plastic/al spectra rads in fit perfectly, and I'd say even better than the all brass units.

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Old 11-11-2019, 08:25 PM   #3
layinrocker65
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Re: Radiator problems.

The spectra radiator replaced my stock big block radiator perfectly
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Old 11-11-2019, 10:09 PM   #4
ron350
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Re: Radiator problems.

I have a 75 C10 with a 350 motor vin V, TH350 and a 3 flue radiator and not a single parts store in town has a drop in radiator. The parts store computer says they have a radiator that is an exact fit so I bring in my original radiator and put it on the counter. After opening theit radiator box and lay it on top of my radiator they give up.

Not about to start chopping on my truck to make radiator fit.
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Old 11-12-2019, 08:08 AM   #5
cadillac_al
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Re: Radiator problems.

I have always interchanged my truck radiators and Cadillac and Oldsmobile radiators. I wonder if a radiator for a 78 Cadillac would look close enough.
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Old 11-13-2019, 04:56 PM   #6
KQQL IT
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Re: Radiator problems.

The 4 row champion sits on the thermostat. At least it works well.
Just weird the copper and brass ones went in nice.
Now on I'm on my 2nd aluminum radiator that fits like crap.
Even the summit brand aluminum I got for the my 68 fit right.
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Old 05-22-2023, 11:50 AM   #7
eric8
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Re: Radiator problems.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ron350 View Post
I have a 75 C10 with a 350 motor vin V, TH350 and a 3 flue radiator and not a single parts store in town has a drop in radiator. The parts store computer says they have a radiator that is an exact fit so I bring in my original radiator and put it on the counter. After opening theit radiator box and lay it on top of my radiator they give up.

Not about to start chopping on my truck to make radiator fit.
Did you ever find one that was a good fit? I’m having this same problem for my 77 with a 350.
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Old 05-22-2023, 01:06 PM   #8
ron350
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Re: Radiator problems.

No i gave up finding a radiator that will fit.
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Old 05-22-2023, 01:47 PM   #9
eric8
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Re: Radiator problems.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ron350 View Post
No i gave up finding a radiator that will fit.
Uggghh. Was hoping for a different answer but thank you anyway!
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Old 05-22-2023, 02:24 PM   #10
old Rusty C10
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Re: Radiator problems.

ya have to find a decent made in America radiator usually i have the OEM re cored
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Old 05-22-2023, 03:25 PM   #11
Richard
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Re: Radiator problems.

Purchased a radiator from these guys 15+ years ago for my 72 https://usradiator.com/radiator-find...uck&_year=1975 Is copper/brass and was still good when I removed it last year.
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