Aftermarket aluminum radiator

88_AHB

88_AHB

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Hey everyone,

Was curious what brand and style of aluminum radiators are you guys running? I'm currently running a cold case radiator (26" core), its only about 2 years old and already failing. Unfortunately, I did not save the original invoice so no warranty. I Did see some products made by Becool,Griffin, Affco and I would prefer to buy a US made product as quality is questionable nowadays. I'm sure there might be some independent manufacturers based in the US that make radiators for our cars?
Any help or advice appreciated. Thanks
 
This is what I have my eye on for when my copper/brass radiator fails
26" Small Block Mopar Radiator
I know the mounting brackets are probably wrong but it's made in USA at a reasonable price. I'm sure it can be modified to fit
 
AMC Diplomat said:
This is what I have my eye on for when my copper/brass radiator fails
26" Small Block Mopar Radiator
I know the mounting brackets are probably wrong but it's made in USA at a reasonable price. I'm sure it can be modified to fit
Click to expand...
This seems like a nice product...sure would be nice if they could confirm this is nearly a "bolt-in" to our rides.
 
M_Body_Coupe said:
This seems like a nice product...sure would be nice if they could confirm this is nearly a "bolt-in" to our rides.
Click to expand...
It looks like it would bolt in to an A body and fit an M with modifications to the brackets
 
There are enough holes in that mounting bracket thst it looks like it would bolt in or at least shouldn't be too hard to modify.
 
88_AHB said:
Hey everyone,

Was curious what brand and style of aluminum radiators are you guys running? I'm currently running a cold case radiator (26" core), its only about 2 years old and already failing. Unfortunately, I did not save the original invoice so no warranty. I Did see some products made by Becool,Griffin, Affco and I would prefer to buy a US made product as quality is questionable nowadays. I'm sure there might be some independent manufacturers based in the US that make radiators for our cars?
Any help or advice appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
I’ve used both Griffin and Becool radiators and condensers in cars I’ve built for customers with success. Fit and finish , general overall quality is great but are expensive.
 
Well.. I'm back again, needing a new radiator. I warrantied my cold case radiator since the last post and now leaking yet again, under a year I'm over this.
Is it possible that I'm doing something wrong with mounting or? Or is it that quality of parts these days is crap?
 
This is what I used in my 76 RR.
www.ebay.com

3 Row Radiator+Shroud Fan For 79~93 Dodge Ram D100 D150 W350 W250 Ramharger | eBay

1 X AA5052 Aluminum Shroud. 1979-1993 Dodge D150 5.9L V8. 1981-1993 Dodge D250/D350/W250/W350 5.9L V8. The fan shroud basically houses the fan blades securing it in place and keeping it from damaging the other engine components that may disturb the smooth and even operation of the engine.
www.ebay.com


3 Row Radiator+Shroud Fan For 79~93 Dodge Ram D100 D150 W350 W250 Ramharger​



asi-autoparts
  • (5122)
So far so good. Hard to beat the price and it is 3 core.
 
88_AHB said:
Well.. I'm back again, needing a new radiator. I warrantied my cold case radiator since the last post and now leaking yet again, under a year I'm over this.
Is it possible that I'm doing something wrong with mounting or? Or is it that quality of parts these days is crap?
Click to expand...

Probably more crap quality.
 
Only thing really that could cause a failure from installation is if the mounting points are uneven, and the radiator twists when tightening the bolts. That would put stress on the tanks or core. Other is if it's loose and can rattle around.
 
Would running aluminum frame isolators cause a vibration issue? Should there be a small rubber spacer from the support to the rad? Do you guys directly bolt yours to the core support?
 
I was thinking of rubber isolators for the mounting bolts. You'd need to enlarge the holes in the rad side brackets. Think larger version of say,,,,,,the isolators on the wiper motor.

Or, a type like in the photo. Problem with them might be the thickness.

I kind of did a quick look around, and it seems rubber mounting an aluminum rad is recommended by many to prevent cracking.
Important also for rubber isolated aluminum rad is to attach a ground wire, to help prevent electrolysis.

Screenshot_20241110-144101_Edge.jpg
 
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88_AHB said:
Would running aluminum frame isolators cause a vibration issue? Should there be a small rubber spacer from the support to the rad? Do you guys directly bolt yours to the core support?
Click to expand...

Not that I've ever experienced. I've had a Champion CC374 in the car now for ten years with aluminum K isolators and never had a problem. My radiator is even rigidly bolted to the core support. Prior to putting really expensive adjustable shocks on it last year it road rough for all those years too.

The Champion CC374 is a universal fit Mopar radiator for 26" core supports. I have mine mounted with the ears it came with on the passenger side and used a piece of plate aluminum to take up the difference on the driver's side. Dad runs the same setup in his coupe as well. We both have electric fan setups, but he did run his with a factory clutch fan and shroud for a couple seasons.
 
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