67-70 Mustang/Cougar aluminum radiator V8 left inlet right outlet will fit a 1966 G10 van

Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with a less costly replacement radiator by using one from other makes/ models that will fit /work for 1966 G10 van 6 cyl. 230?
I ask because...
I have a friend in a local VC who used a "67-70 Mustang/Cougar aluminum radiator V8 with left inlet right outlet" off eBay for about $200 and has had no issues with it. By the images, it looks about right and measures in as well. He did have to modify the bracket, and he said it was a tight fit but it did fit. The bracket mod seems easy enough and is mainly trimming off excess material and drilling new mounting holes to match up. Listing image pictured here:

Any recommendations?
Here's the backstory on the old radiator that was original;
It was leaking enough to need a top off after driving for just 15 min. It was previously repaired (poorly). The estimated repair is $250+ re-cored at a local radiator repair shop who has been in business for almost 100 years.
Aluminum electrolysis issues aside, the brand new $200 mustang/cougar radiator option is sounding pretty good right now.

I put that radiator in 2 vans, works great.
'65 had a 6 cyl. my '66 has a 283 V8.

I used the same one. minor fab work but it will fit.  

Thanks! I knew I would find some experience on the vintage vans forum. I searched around the interwebs and did not find anything confirming that it may work for a G10 van or even fit. The eBay seller had no idea if it would fit either. Thanks! You saved me some $$ which I can use for other things like the exhaust/ muffler.

Assuming that this is for a 6cyl doghouse as they appear to be 20 inches wide..... The second gen v-8 crossflow is 28 wide overall to fit within a 30 inch space..... I found these:

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/52008/10002/-1

at Jegs for $153..... No internal trans cooler, though....

Thanks for this update on the JEGs option. It is good for anyone else searching the G10 radiator topic. I put in the larger radiator I posted about and it did need some fab/modding to a snug fit but it worked! I ended up replacing the old metal fan because at high RPM's it was flexing and nicking the new larger radiator. I replaced it with an inexpensive flexalite plastic fan. It still flexes at high RPMs but it's not hitting the radiator and it is much quieter than the old metal fan was. Maybe even has a better airflow too but since I now have a three-row aluminum radiator instead of the original brass single row stock one that could be a factor in my lower running temperatures now.

Hello,

This is old, but here is something that I'd like to get sorted out.

Shopping for a radiator for my 64 g10... 67 - 70 Mustang / Cougar as recommended, they all come up with pictures showing hose connections top right and bottom left. These are down flow and completely opposite from the pics you have shown here above.

Here's a sample: https://usradiator.com/radiator-finder?make=Mercury&model=Cougar&_year=1970

I tried: radiator.com; US Radiator; Cooline; Carparts. They all show pictures with connections at top right and bottom left.

Rockauto, Partsgeek, O'Reillys, 1A Auto are all sold out and don't show a picture.

What am I missing?

wishbone

Yeah, I always thought Fords had the outlets flipped.....
Take measurements and shop carefully and you will find a fit......Suggest looking at early v8 Nova for sizing..
These come as narrow as 22 inches....

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Chevy-SBC-BBC-Universal-Aluminum-Radiators,3557.html?sku=917347-28

Thanks Don,

That one from Speedway looks right.

wishbone

I purchased the 22" version for the early nova. It didn't appear to have the volume of the cougar rad. The cougar radiator came 'back in stock' before I ever mounted it so I went that way instead. It is still on my shelves unused if anyone is interested BUT, it is on the shelf because the cougar rad is a better option!

I can understand how more volume is a better option. 3 rows are always better than 1 or 2.

But, using the Cougar radiator, do you need to install hoses that travel all the way across the top and bottom of the radiator, since the inlets are opposite from the engine? I'm referring to a Chevy 250 inline 6.

The pictures in this discussion are different than what I encountered shopping Ford radiators online. See this picture.

https://usradiator.com/radiator-finder?make=Mercury&model=Cougar&_year=1970

Thanks,
wishbone

Scroll up to post #3, I have a pic of the original and the cougar rad. The aftermarket cougar rad I bought has hoses correct for chevy, Not all cougar rads are like that. I purchased it on ebay but could not find the listing today. Ask on vcvc, that is where I originally got the link.

Just searched vcvc and found the link, it is no longer available.

Measure your overall size and shop ebay for aluminum radiators..... They are available in both crossflow (side tanks) and vertical and some have trans cooler.....

Same thought as AZDon
1962-1967 Nova looks to be comparable - Dynamicradiators list HPR423 3 row radiators on eBay $146
Looks to be the same height maybe 1/2" wider for 1st Gen (trim brackets?); good for 2nd Gen.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/232205428847

              This is the '62-'67' nova radiator. I just pulled it down a couple days ago to take to the Nats. 'IF' anyone wants it. I bought this several years ago but liked the cougar radiator better. I trimmed the flange to fit but never installed it.

so is the cougar Rad still available ?

Rick's 66 Chevy Van wrote:so is the cougar Rad still available ?

   The link I saved was dead, I searched ebay but had no luck. Maybe available but I couldnt find it.

i cant find it either

The seller on eBay for the cougar radiator was tomsclassics. You could try messaging him.

FYI - the 65 Nova has very good dimensional matchup to original 1st Gen.

ok so where can i find the 65 nova rad?

I made a note to myself; the one I saw was from Dynamic Radiator HPR423 - 1962-1967 Nova.
Try thier Facebook page or contact seller on eBay "dynamicradiators"

I have one that I never installed, make an offer.

just sent you pm let me know if you got it

nothing yet