1961 Aluminum radiator
- Thread starter MoboMac
- Start date
Aluminum works great but you should have a 2 or 3 row not a 4 row.
MoboMac
Well Known Member
Okay.....I thought more is better...'splain please?
My '62 came with a '68 327 engine and a thin looking radiator which I assume was stock. Also had a shroud. I bought a 409 to install and decided to change out the radiator. Bought a 2 row aluminum with 1" tubes. Cut the shroud back and installed the radiator. Runs all day in hot weather at 180 degrees which I'm very happy about. Guess it might just be the right combo of everything. I do get lucky on occasions. I believe I bought my radiator at Auto City Classics. It dropped right in. All welded. Not sure about any warranty. It's been over 2 years and no problems yet, Carmine.
I like the ones that have the factory looking top tank.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-3-ROW-A...d=282655325881&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-3-ROW-A...d=282655325881&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
^^ Get the one Models posted. Great price and works just as good as the $700 Griffin I have.
I agree in part with this thread. I don't think you have to spend top dollar on a radiator to get the same results from a less expensive one. You just have to make sure you compare apples to apples. I recently bought a Cold Case aluminum radiator for my '71 GTO. I think I paid about $359.00 for it. Great radiator. Made in America. Direct drop in. No modifications. No regrets, but I probably could have found it's equal for about $100.00 plus, for less. Not sure why I didn't check other sources/vendors, but I didn't. So, that one is on me. As long as it continues to work, I'll have no complaints. But, you should check around. There are some deals out there that will serve your purpose and not cost a fortune, Carmine.
The whole point to an aluminum radiator is increased fin surface area. Because you can make an alum with much larger 1" tubes the fin surface area is much greater then a copper/brass with 1/2" tubes. Fin area is what cools the water. Theoretically too many tubes in an alum radiator blocks air flow so an alum radiator is considered to be optimum with 2 - 1" rows not 4 of the small tubes. How ever I have personally used the 3 row version and it worked extremely well, I wouldn't trust a 4 row alum. $200 delivered is about par for the lower cost aluminums. I would buy the one Models listed.
MoboMac
Well Known Member
OK.....Thanks for everybody's input.
I pulled the trigger on a 3 row (welded tube) with the square tank......$115 shipped.
I like the one with rounded top tank.....and can see that one going into one of my other cars...
Will report back once it's installed....and running..
Just curious what paint can be used ....on tanks and mounting brackets?
I pulled the trigger on a 3 row (welded tube) with the square tank......$115 shipped.
I like the one with rounded top tank.....and can see that one going into one of my other cars...
Will report back once it's installed....and running..
Just curious what paint can be used ....on tanks and mounting brackets?
When I want a black radiator I use Eastwood radiator black rattle cans
Good explanation Mike. I was wondering about that myself. Thanks, Carmine.
Haven't had an issue with the Eastwood paint on the bare alum. I do scuff the tank. I would be cautious of also using a primer as it will increase the insulation value of the paint and could hamper cooling.
Just goes to show you how badly we've been ripped off by lazy workers that want $100,000/year, 3 weeks vacation and don't do shxt when they are at work.
MoboMac
Well Known Member
I have numerous cars.....and haven't won ANY lotteries lately.......
I really need to get the best bang for my buck.........Assuming that a BECOOL radiator IS actually made in America.......Classic Industries wants about $1500 plus shipping.... for what I need...
and THAT....is just NOT in MY budget......SO....I'm gonna have to roll the dice.....and take my chances on the $115 unit made with slave labor......