radiator replacement choices

[p7387]

87 short fleet 2wd

i will be getting around to replacing the radiator, will any brand be ok?
my local supplier had "APD" brand.

while i am at it i will be replacing the upper/lower hoses, heating hoses and thermostat
any other ideas?

thanks

[zieg85]

Waterpump if you haven't done it in a while.  Need a radiator in my 84 as well...

[bd]

...and cap.

[p7387]

any brand ok
"APD" ?

also the supplier said he had two choices
28.25" x 17"  (or 19")
i need to go measure

[BBM3]

I would ask myself these questions.....

Is you current radiator original?
Is it leaking? If so where?
How many cores in your current radiator vs. the new one?
Do you have air conditioning and or an automatic transmission?

How about having your current radiator rebuilt?
If you have your radiator re-cored you know it will fit and should last decades.

I replaced my original brass radiator with an aluminum / plastic one with fewer cores and it works fine
however I kept my original and will someday have it rebuilt.

Final thought...
Before you replace your radiator remove the thermostat, reinstall the neck without the thermostat and while running the engine  flush, flush, flush.

[VileZambonie]

Rows, not cores. A 3 "Core" radiator means the core has 3 rows etc

[BBM3]

Rows, not cores. A 3 "Core" radiator means the core has 3 rows etc

Correct.
Thanks for the clarification.

[p7387]

the radiator appears to be original
the specific leak is where the upper heater hose inserts into the radiator

[p7387]

1987 r10 2wd 305 motor auto
the part store is showing two options for the radiator, one listed at 17" and one at 19"
which is the correct option?
i measured the height of the original to be 19-20", (i think its the original rad)

thanks

[BBM3]

If it were mine I would take your original radiator to a radiator shop and get a price it have it repaired.
If the core is clean and leak free and only the neck is leaking at the tank they may be able to fix it while you wait.
A good radiator shop will inspect, pressurize and submerge the radiator in a tank of water and advise you what you have.
You may find it will cost less to repair vs. new and there will be no questions regarding fitment and cooling capacity.

Wish I had followed my own advise before I replaced mine.

[Irish_Alley]

it could be leaking from a bad or loose hose clamp or are you sure its rad?

[BBM3]

it could be leaking from a bad or loose hose clamp or are you sure its rad?

OUCH! (I just slapped myself on the forehead).
Irish is correct check the obvious / easy stuff first.

Also you can borrow a pressure test kit from the chain auto parts stores.

[p7387]

no its clearly leaking from the joint where the heater hose attaches
i already tried a quick fix with jb weld but no luck

it looks original, its brass

[Irish_Alley]

Jb should of done it. It's either it was applied right or it missed the hole

[p7387]

what about the two size options?
28-1/4 IN X 17 IN core
or
28-1/4" x 19-3/16" x 1-1/4"
thanks