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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: nuknuk on January 20, 2017, 08:39:53 pm

Title: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: nuknuk on January 20, 2017, 08:39:53 pm

I have a 1987 R10 5.7 auto transmission, that I am restoring.  The old radiator is bad with build up and want to replace it.  I'm guessing it is the original brass 3 row with the 19' core and transmission cooler.  So I didn't realize it was going to be hard to find one but, with all the options out there I'm going in circles. So I just want a good replacement with a transmission cooler.  Also I live in Florida and it gets very hot here, so need one that will cool in this heat.  I hoping one of you can lead me in the right direction and what to look for.  Or if anything a part number.  Thank you.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: 86chevytrk on January 21, 2017, 08:31:23 am

Here in California we have a supplier called 1800radiator. I've used them twice and the customer service was excellent. I purchased a truck from Phoenix that neede a radiator and a few minor things to run and drive. I called them and told them the situation. Rather than fly to Phoenix buy the radiator locally to drive the truck home, they found a supplier in Phoenix and will called it for me and didn't charge me extra or nothing. Just the quoted price over the phone. I installed the parts at the sellers yard and drove it 13 hours home through the dessert. Freaking awesome. I hope you find something similar in your neck of the woods. Sorry for the long story. Just wanted to share.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: 82silverado on January 21, 2017, 10:34:29 am

Look for a radiator shop in your area. Sometimes these kind of shops will recommend having the ends pulled and clean out. Put back together and painted looking and functioning like new without the new price. Usually they will have a catalog of direct replacements also. It's worth looking into. That's what I had done to my 86 grand national. Saved a bunch of money vs the high priced replacements online.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: 80Chevy4x4 on January 21, 2017, 10:51:22 am

I bought a 3 core aluminum radiator of Ebay and it works and fits perfect.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: blazer74 on January 21, 2017, 07:31:51 pm

Make sure if u buy an aluminum rad that it has a welded on filler neck.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: nuknuk on January 21, 2017, 09:12:20 pm

I'm just not going to worry with old one, found a two row one at rock auto for a good price.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: hwh on January 21, 2017, 11:59:00 pm

Check into champion radiators that the route I went.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: LTZ C20 on January 22, 2017, 10:16:47 am

Quote from: hwh on January 21, 2017, 11:59:00 pm

Check into champion radiators that the route I went.

Champion radiators are excellent.

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: nuknuk on January 22, 2017, 11:13:20 am

hey thanks for the Champion idea.  Just may be the way I go.  Price seems fair also.  Their website made it easy.  Again Thank You!

Title: Re: replacing radiator, what to buy?
Post by: Captkaos on January 24, 2017, 01:06:54 pm

I have use spectre in the past too.

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