73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: Custom_10 on October 22, 2011, 08:52:00 pm
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It was a beautiful day to drive today but on the trip the 79 Step side overheated :(. Opened the hood and steam was coming out from around the top neck in front of where the hose connects.
Came home and took the radiator out of the truck. I don't know if its worth brazing around the neck or getting a new one. Looked inside through the neck and core has quite a bit of that crusty white stuff around the tubes, oxidation.
Not sure if it is the original radiator or not, have had the truck for a little over a year. I googled C/K radiators and there seems to be a plethoria of them, aluminum, metal alloy, plastic, direct fit, slight modifcation etc.
I'm sure there are some forum members that have gone through this situation, so advice please.
And don't worry, I ain't buying a plastic one ;)
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The most common is the plastic tank aluminum core replacement. It comes with a decent warranty and is affordable.
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Searching the internet again, many choices claiming they fit my truck but have different core dimension listed. Plastic may be fine, that is what manufacturers are installing in new vehicles, but I like the original look. Local parts store has a copper core, brass tank one listed with the correct size core but the price is not listed. Will go by there this week and hopefully I will not fall over when they tell me the price.
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What are the dimensions of yours? Measure the core and the thickness. How many rows? I put a plastic tank unit in my 85K20 with A/C and have had no issues.
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core- 26 3/8 x17 x1 1/4
2 row
No A/C, manual transmission. The manual transmission radiators cost less but most sell as the AT hook up, if needed I guess. May go with the plastic/aluminum if the are hundreds less in price. I am not going to detail the engine compartment anyway. The truck has the factory I-6.
Thought about a 350 and a muncie but I can not rationalize spending 3-5k on that set up when the old six purrs so smooth.
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Zambonie, by the way I just clicked on the pic of your '74, very nice ride! Your probably going to try and talk me into putting a big block in my step side ;)
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I found one that was copper/brass 3 row and is exactly like my old one from one of the chain auto parts (O'Reilly). It was listed as a 2 row but when it came it was a 3 row. Cost wasn't too bad and I'm glad I did it because I really didn't want plastic.
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Radiator came in, Brass tank copper core. The truck is actually running stronger and no valve chatter. Obviously the warning light sending unit needs changing, the light must have only came on when the truck was way overheated. I was surprised, no tell tale signs of steam or radiator hissing till it was about too late., but economy and engine power was compromised. My '83 step side also needs a radiator soon, will probably buy a plastic/aluminum one for it, but for the factory resto on the '79, found the metal one for a good price.
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I got a plastic/ aluminum core one has a life time warranty on it hard to go wrong there. It's a 3 row max cool paid 135 brand new. Hope that's a good deal I shopped a around a little but not much
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Theres a company from Los Angeles that sells all aluminum radiators for 200 at ebay.