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BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER.... A's, G's & E's


5 posters

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    morbank
    morbank


    Number of posts : 161
    Location : Thousand Oaks, CA
    Registration date : 2014-07-30

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by morbank Sun Oct 19, 2014 4:59 pm

    Hi All,

    So it looks like the previous owner of my van gummed up the radiator with Bar's Stop Leak and I am now looking into finding a replacement...

    I've read through all of the relevant radiator posts I could find but I just wanted to see if I'm heading down the right path...

    As stated in the heading, I've got a 2nd gen, '68 with a 230ci straight 6 but I'm not sure what kind of radiator I have?

    Link to picture of my radiator: http://goo.gl/6sf7SL

    I was looking at the Champion EC 6066 as suggested by donivan65 (in the "Cruises and Shows,,,,,,2013" thread) and vetted by ndjarrett (in the "more radiator HELP!" thread).

    As mentioned in the thread the EC 6066 is not a drop in replacement but this eBay auction ( http://goo.gl/czaemZ ) shows that the EC 6066's overall dimensions (24.5" high X 18.75" wide) are very close to what I measured my current radiator at (23 1/2" high X 18 1/2" wide). So the EC 6066 looks like a good fit but I wanted to check with you all to see if it would make a good replacement for me?

    Thanks.



    kookykrispy
    kookykrispy


    Number of posts : 1533
    Location : Helendale, CA
    Age : 50
    Registration date : 2009-05-22

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by kookykrispy Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:42 pm

    We used this radiator on a '67 with a six.  It fit pretty well, after just minor mods (read below) to the mounting flanges of the radiator.  

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/230828903261

    See the write up here

    http://www.vcvc.org/showthread.php/24642

    Yesterday a few of the guys from Bustin' Loose Early Vans club came over to my shop and we all worked on club member William's '67.  

    He bought this 'cougar' aluminum radiator off ebay.  Its a high quality aluminum down flow radiator with dual 1" rows inside.  It has a built in transmission cooler, which we didn't use since his van is a 3 speed manual.  We plugged up the trans cooler inlets to keep dirt/debris out in case he ever wants to swap in an auto transmission.  You'll notice this particular radiator features GM style inlet and outlets, top left and bottom right, which is what you want to make sure you get if you do this conversion, that way your stock hoses line up.   The price was very reasonable, $200 including shipping.  For what he paid for the radiator, I was impressed by the quality.  the Upper and lower tanks are beautiful, shiny aluminum, with quality tig welds holding the whole thing together.  It comes with a drain plug too, in the lower left corner.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/230828903261?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 DSC00268

    We removed the old radiator, which was clogged up and not doing a very good job.  We also discovered his thermostat was stuck open.  We replaced it with a spare 180 degree t-stat that I had in my parts stash.

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 DSC00267

    The cougar radiator was nearly a bolt in.  The only mods we had to do, was mark holes in the aluminum flange/bracket on the new radiator and drill holes to correspond with the '67 van's original radiator bracket.  We then took the clip/nuts off the old radiator and transferred them onto the new radiator, lining them up with our new holes.

    The result was this:

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 DSC00270

    The cougar radiator is a little shorter than the stocker, so we had to cut about an inch away from the lower radiator hose, other than that, everything worked wonderfully.  

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 DSC00271

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 DSC00272

    Notice in this pic, the bottom outlet on the cougar radiator is about 2" more inboard than the stocker.  The hoses fit, and everything lined up ok after we trimmed the upper part of the hose by an 1" as previously mentioned.  the 1" was cut off where the hose goes to the water pump.  If you do this mod, make sure to test fit everything first before you drill your holes in the mounting bracket.  The radiator has to be mounted high enough so the upper hose is relatively flat.  You want the upper inlet of the radiator generally aligned with the inlet of the thermostat housing.  In this position it has enough clearance to clear the stock fan.  Larger aftermarket fans make not have enough room.

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 DSC00273

    I believe this radiator will work for first gen also, however since the first gen doghouse is just slightly narrower, you will probably need to trim the cougar rad's mounting flanges...  they are aluminum, which makes it very easy to work with.

    We also installed a new GMP water pump at the same time, and filled it with coolant/water.  After testing we were quite pleased.  The system was maintaining about 195-200 degrees.  And looks great doing it too!
    morbank
    morbank


    Number of posts : 161
    Location : Thousand Oaks, CA
    Registration date : 2014-07-30

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by morbank Sun Oct 19, 2014 8:55 pm

    Thanks so much for the detailed info kookykrispy! Looks like a great replacement. I'll report back with any progress.
    Vantasia
    Vantasia


    Number of posts : 1412
    Location : New Jersey
    Age : 69
    Registration date : 2013-08-18

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by Vantasia Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:00 am

    I was gonna suggest same one...
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/67-70-Mustang-Cougar-aluminum-radiator-V8-left-inlet-right-outlet-/230828903261?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ACougar&hash=item35be798b5d&vxp=mtr
    I saw a vendor selling these at Engishtown, NJ fall swap meet and they look great, show price was $170 cash and carry, I plan on buying one at the spring meet...
    Twinpilot001
    Twinpilot001


    Number of posts : 6186
    Location : spokane ,Wa.
    Registration date : 2009-09-28

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by Twinpilot001 Mon Oct 20, 2014 7:55 am

    on ebay -there are some alunimum radiator sellers- never buy one with plastic tanks!  for chev  radiators- i look for a dodge truck -70's models - some apps have the chev sized & locations for inlets & outlets!! -WITH side mounting flanges!!!!!!!!!!!! cheers  There are also some chrysler big cars & plymouths also with 440 cube motors -same era that have same - ive bought 2 for chev & fords- all came with elect fans & were under 200 bux  with shipping too!! Twisted Evil  heres one i noticed today -havent used it though!!=  

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/19-Tall-X-27-Wide-ALUMINUM-RADIATOR-EXTREME-DUTY-HC-6003-RAD-/330824958901?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d06b443b5

    Hope in tye above install ?? the radiator Hoses were replaced? That top hose is bad!!!!!!!!!!!! Evil or Very Mad affraid
    Xelmon
    Xelmon


    Number of posts : 361
    Location : Smell-A, CA
    Registration date : 2011-10-11

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by Xelmon Mon Oct 20, 2014 9:30 am

    My only worry with mixing Aluminum rad and a Iron block is that the two will undergo what is called Galvanic Corrosion. Since they are dissimilar metals, you may end up with this white milky particulate/paste build-up.

    Kooky, do you know what coolant is used, and if there has been this issue with this particular setup?
    Vantasia
    Vantasia


    Number of posts : 1412
    Location : New Jersey
    Age : 69
    Registration date : 2013-08-18

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by Vantasia Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:30 am

    If you want to spend a little more, this company sells what looks like an exact repro brass OEM radiator for the 230 inline 6, looks correct but you'd have to check the dimensions.  They are for pickups but I would think GM used the same radiator in the vans....They have a 2 row and better 3 row for more dough...
    http://www.americanclassic.com/asp/dyncatv2.asp?which=amclsall&p1=initial&p2=Radiator+and+Engine+Cooling+Items&iyear=1964&ytype=to&exyear=

    scroll down to radiators...
    kookykrispy
    kookykrispy


    Number of posts : 1533
    Location : Helendale, CA
    Age : 50
    Registration date : 2009-05-22

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by kookykrispy Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:23 am

    You just use the normal green coolant, and make sure it is at least 50/50.

    Less than 50/50 or running 100% water can cause corrosion problems.

    I have run plenty of aluminum components in my hot rods, radiators, intakes, heads. All fine as long as you keep that minimum 50% glycol
    Xelmon
    Xelmon


    Number of posts : 361
    Location : Smell-A, CA
    Registration date : 2011-10-11

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by Xelmon Tue Oct 21, 2014 3:46 pm

    kookykrispy wrote:You just use the normal green coolant, and make sure it is at least 50/50.  

    Less than 50/50 or running 100% water can cause corrosion problems.  

    I have run plenty of aluminum components in my hot rods, radiators, intakes, heads.  All fine as long as you keep that minimum 50% glycol

    Hm, awesome!!
    morbank
    morbank


    Number of posts : 161
    Location : Thousand Oaks, CA
    Registration date : 2014-07-30

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by morbank Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:10 pm

    Thanks for all the info all. I need up ordering the 67-70 Mustang/Cougar radiator that kookykrispy posted about... I will update here with any progress.

    However, those American Classic repos Vantasia mentioned could be a great solution as well.

    Thanks to all for the input.
    kookykrispy
    kookykrispy


    Number of posts : 1533
    Location : Helendale, CA
    Age : 50
    Registration date : 2009-05-22

    Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6 Empty Re: Replacement Radiator for 2nd Gen '68 with 230ci Straight 6

    Post by kookykrispy Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:21 pm

    Xelmon wrote:
    kookykrispy wrote:You just use the normal green coolant, and make sure it is at least 50/50.  

    Less than 50/50 or running 100% water can cause corrosion problems.  

    I have run plenty of aluminum components in my hot rods, radiators, intakes, heads.  All fine as long as you keep that minimum 50% glycol

    Hm, awesome!!

    For what its worth, this is basically what the owners manual for my edelbrock aluminum performer RPM heads says. Minimum 50% glycol in the coolant.

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