Alternative radiator for GS?

[crabboyjimmy]

 
Heya hiya,
    Putting a 401 in a Non GS 66 Skylark. Ive got most of the long list of things I needed to make it happen,( rear sump pan and pick up, GS manifolds, frame pads and mounts etc...) but I dont have the new radiator yet. Will a radiator from a different car fit, or is there a pre-fabbed one on Ebay that would work? And if so, which one would it be? This is turning into a rather spendy learning experience ;-)


Many Thanks

[BuickGS65]

http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=344.msg2579#msg2579

I think Walt has an alternative?

[GS66]

Where are you located Jimmy, I have one.

[WkillGS]

There are universal aluminum radiators that will fit. I used a Griffin #26242-X. "Measures 27.5" x 19" , it's a 2-Row Universal Fit Cross Flow Radiator with 1" Tubes".
Fits a lot of Mustangs so it's a common size. You can get one with wider tubes for more capacity.
Mine is about a dozen years old and keeps my 401 cool even when it's in the 90's outside.
There have been reports in the past few years of newer ones failing. Might be a good idea to do more research or try another brand.

I posted some pics here:
http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=38.msg2606#msg2606

[crabboyjimmy]

I'm in the Seattle area. Mom's side of the family are all mustang nuts. I'll see what they have.  Will I need to fab different radiator mounts?

[WkillGS]

Just some rubber cushions for the mounts, similar to stock GS.

Summit racing has several brands avail, and a nice search filter to select proper size and inlet/outlet location. Some cost under $200.

You can also get a repo GS radiator. Radiator.com has them.

[BuickGS65]

You can also get a repo GS radiator. Radiator.com has them.

This info really should be added to the "Parts Sources" sticky thread.

[WkillGS]

US Radiator also has reproductions. They offer both traditional copper/brass and aluminum. Various core types depending on application... from stock to hi-performance. I'm seeing pricing from $400 to $600. It's possible they make them for the larger resto suppliers.
Here's a neat video on their manufacturing process...... looks like a traditional custom fabrication shop!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfQl4Fxz51U

Their webpage:
http://www.usradiator.com/

In summary, you can go cheap and use a junkyard rad from a 60's-70's Ford, get a universal aluminum for under $200, or step up to a repo for $400+. I've used the first two options and also had my original recored back around 1986 for just over $100.

[Jonesy]

After reading numerous posts on radiators, I have a question. I want to recore my original. Where can I order a core? I would like a 4 core and or a 3 core with larger tubes? Any recommendations?

[Rollaround]

Thanks for posting the video Walt, it was very interesting. 

[cwmcobra]

I was going to buy a US Radiator repop until I found that the tanks on radiators for both A/C and non-A/C GS's are the same.  So I had my non-A/C radiator recored with a 4-row instead of the standard 3-row.  The local shop that did the recore ordered the part, so I don't have any info on where and how to order.  If you want the original look and have radiator tanks that aren't all beaten up, in my opinion this is the way to go.  Nothing like having original Harrison tanks!

Chuck

[Jonesy]

Thanks Chuck, this is the way I want to go and was posting to see if anyone knows of a place to purchase the core. Mine is a non-AC, manual car.
  I'll take the radiator in to the shop that does the recore and have them dig one up.
  Do you have a number for your shop? I could call them and pick their brain?
 I know you're in Michigan. My wife and I bought retirement property up there last year.
 

[cwmcobra]

The core that I purchased was from Keystone Heatex HD, part number CT-5202.  It's correct for the 4-row A/C 65 GS.  See the bottom of page 57 in this catalog: http://www.heatexhd.com/pdf/heatex_catalog_custom.pdf

I haven't found where they are sold anywhere online.  Being a Keystone subsidiary, they probably only sell to radiator shops.  Mine was shipped from the Heatex location in Roseville, MI.  I don't know if it was manufactured there, but might be.  So, I suggest you check this part number with local radiator shops and see what they can do for you.

PM also sent.

Chuck