Author Topic: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question  (Read 4122 times)

Offline brimac

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73' 3/4T ...radiator question
« 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

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
« Reply #1 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.

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Offline Lt.Del

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Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
« Reply #2 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.



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Offline brimac

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Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
« Reply #3 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

Offline Lt.Del

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Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
« Reply #4 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.  

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Offline Fast68

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Re: 73' 3/4T ...radiator question
« Reply #5 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"