My 61 FL Apache 10

[61_FL_Apache]

Out of necessity I needed to replace my radiator.. I just ordered a Champion radiator today and hope to see it later in the week. I will post pics of that soon.. Im debating on using an electric fan or keep the stock fan.

[61_FL_Apache]

Here are some pics of the removal.




Is this radiator original?

[61_FL_Apache]

New radiator status....

On FedEx vehicle for delivery
May-31-14, 04:08 PDT, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33404

But its not here yet!!!

[61_FL_Apache]

I started working on this today after it arrived.

Old and new



Radiator and fan installed.


Also found a nice upper hose that fits like factory.


I just need to wire up a relay and clean up the wiring up front.

That will be tomorrow.

[bj383ss]

The radiator looks great. What upper hose did you use it looks spot on?

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by bj383ss

The radiator looks great. What upper hose did you use it looks spot on?

Its a Dayco #20607 and im not sure what it came off of.. I took in my ribbed universal hose that was already bent into a shape and the parts guy matched it up with this one.. I had to cut off about 4-5 inches from one end and its almost a perfect fit.. There is a very slight bend at the T-stat housing, but you cant really see it.

[61_FL_Apache]

Here is the finished job! Everything went as expected.





The temp looks good to me.. This was after an hour ride and about 1/2 hr idle when I returned.

[61_FL_Apache]

For the Coke fans.. I thought I would use a Coke bottle for an overflow..

[C@rnut001]

Your new radiator installation looks great. Keep up the awesome job that you are doing on your truck. I bet it is a blast to drive.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by C@rnut001

Your new radiator installation looks great. Keep up the awesome job that you are doing on your truck. I bet it is a blast to drive.

Thank you!! It is a lot of fun!

[Benny-]

I love this build! I found it looking for rear bag setups. Is there any more progress? Did you ever install a radio?

[61_FL_Apache]

Thanks Benny!! Im just driving the wheels off of it!! My thoughts for a radio was using a bluetooth amp.. Something like this.

Amazon.com: Pyle PLMRMBT7S Marine Grade 1200 Watt...
I would have music on a phone or ipod and use bluetooth to get to the amp and power a couple of 6" door speakers. everything would be hidden except the speakers.. I want a clean look when I do it.

Other things have come before it, but hope to do this at some point.

[61_FL_Apache]

Today I got a set of spark plugs in the mail. I believe these plugs were installed by the PO, I had not looked at them until now since I bought the truck.

I discovered it had the wrong plugs in it.. This engine is a 1979 305 and thats the plugs I ordered. Here is the difference I found from old to new.

The old ones are R44TS8, which means they need a .080 gap.. This engine calls for a R45TS and runs a .045 gap. The old plugs were gapped at.045, that was pretty ghetto!

Here is a pic of old and new plugs.

[Benny-]

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

Thanks Benny!! Im just driving the wheels off of it!! My thoughts for a radio was using a bluetooth amp.. Something like this.

Amazon.com: Pyle PLMRMBT7S Marine Grade 1200 Watt Amp Bluetooth 4-Channel Amplifier (Silver): Car Electronics

I would have music on a phone or ipod and use bluetooth to get to the amp and power a couple of 6" door speakers. everything would be hidden except the speakers.. I want a clean look when I do it.

Other things have come before it, but hope to do this at some point.

That looks like a great idea!

Have you noticed any difference in performance with the new 'proper' plugs?

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by Benny-

That looks like a great idea!

Have you noticed any difference in performance with the new 'proper' plugs?

I have not had a chance to get it out on the road yet. I will tomorrow.

I also have a 180* stat to replace and the "correct" temp sender too.. Those are also on tap for tomorrow.

[61_FL_Apache]

Ok. So tomorrow got here a little sooner. The rainy weather we had today moved out and there was some daylight left so I got to install the new temp sender and t-stat.

Here are some pics of what was installed today.





The aftermarket gauge shows 180* for the new stat and the stock gauge is showing a normal temp. The old sender would peg the gauge all the way to the right.. This one looks much better.

[61_FL_Apache]

Road test coming tomorrow or Sunday on the way to a car show.

[DKO]

Nice thread. Just read the whole thing. Keep up the good work. Love the truck! You've really made it your own.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by DKO

Nice thread. Just read the whole thing. Keep up the good work. Love the truck! You've really made it your own.

Thank you!! Its been a fun truck to have and work on.

[61_FL_Apache]

After leaving a car show today I stopped for some food and still had no place for a cup.. This is something I have been planning on fixing for some time now. So after I got home and finished my burger I started on this cup holder. This is the first test fit. I have since cleaned up the welds and painted it. It will get installed tomorrow after the paint dries.

[Northwest Outlaw]

aside from that horrible front license plate, Go Seahawks!, you got quite a sweet ride my friend!
As we've both just installed new champions rads it will be cool to see what the difference, if any, is between an electric fan and a belt driven fan. I'm hoping to get a shroud on mine at some point, but will check in on yours to see if maybe a single electric fan is worth it.
also, thanks for the good exhaust photos, the X-frames on these '61s didn't leave a lot of extra space for pipes to be run! i'm contemplating building my exhaust from a kit (with the help of my welder/hot rod buddy) or just taking it into a shop.
With your x-pipe being right below the T-bar cross member, do you find you have enough clearance? I think our trucks have a similar stance and height so i'm hoping that you're not having any problems so I can copy it. thanks

[61_FL_Apache]

Thanks for the compliments and im a Steelers fan from Florida.. Go figure!! Teams down here suck.. I had to pick a winner back in 1977. I think I did good!

The radiator was one of the best additions to this truck. Little money well spent!!

I have had no rub issues on the exhaust, the torsion bar bolts were lower. That was my hitting point. My build thread should have enough pics for you. I dont have the truck any longer to take any additional, but I did save everything I took of the truck.