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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: brimac on November 12, 2006, 02:32:00 am

Title: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
Post by: brimac on November 12, 2006, 02:32:00 am

I recently bought a beater 3/4T 73' GMC, with a 350sb, and factory a/c. The radiator has been replaced, at some point, ..with one that is not tall enough. It has no contact with the original  upper "flat" top plate, which is designed to keep it secure. Not good.

I've seen these "shorter" radiators, with "step down " top plates, on some trucks at the salvage yard. I found a 17" and a 19" tall radiator, both listed for this vehicle.  I'm assuming that a replacement should be the same height as the original, for proper cooling.

What factors, ...determine which radiator is used. Saw a "shorty" in a factory a/c truck,  at pick- a -part.
Appreciate the help/info
____
Brian

Edited by: brimac at: 11/12/06 2:34 am

Title: Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
Post by: VileZambonie on November 12, 2006, 08:56:00 am

The smaller radiator offers less cooling capacity and I used to see them on many 6 cylinder engines but I have also seen them on V8 engines. I would just get the larger 4 row radiator and put it in.

Title: Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
Post by: Lt.Del on November 12, 2006, 10:02:00 am

When i ordered a four-core radiator for my 79 when i was dropping a 383 in it, the local radiator shop gave me the shorter kind.  I took it back after comparing it to my stock 3core and said "no way".  The guy there immediately knew that i had the taller kind, as if it was a common problem.

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

Title: Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
Post by: brimac on November 12, 2006, 12:44:00 pm

Thanks guys, ....I'm new to this site. Appreciate the info.  This is my first "real" pick-up  Closest I've been ... is an El Camino.

SgtDel:  So a 4 row is avaliable, in the taller version?
________
Brian

Edited by: brimac at: 11/12/06 9:12 pm

Title: Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
Post by: Lt.Del on November 12, 2006, 09:10:00 pm

oh yeah.  I would recommend a four core radiator to anyone who uses a truck as a truck.  If ever you decide to pull something with your truck....it helps with the add'l cooling power.  It only costs a few bucks more for a 4 core vs. a 3 core....if you are getting a new one, definately go w/ a 4 core.  even if you don't pull anything now, 5 yrs down the road things may change, or it is a nice reselling feature for your truck...new owner may want to buy a truck for pulling.  

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

Title: Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
Post by: Fast68 on March 15, 2007, 04:47:00 am

the 70s trucks commonly had the shorter radiator, even ones such as the 76 k-20 350 th350 trucks had the little radiator in them

they have a special retainr plate the mounts on the front face of he rad support instead of across the top like you usually see


this is what "problem" you are having
is a common "problem"