65GS.com - Buick Gran Sport Enthusiasts!
General Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: brickwhite on April 22, 2021, 09:35:13 AM
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So the 1966 Skylark GS 401 I just picked up has a leaky original radiator and the local radiator shops want $500 and 3 weeks to re-core it.
Which I may do later....but to get her running..
(https://i.imgur.com/rWSdpmT.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/P2YvUD6.jpg)
I found that US Radiator sells a direct fit. They run $500-700 and lead time around 3-4 weeks. Which I believe classic industries and OPGI sells.
http://usradiator.com/buick-gs-1965-66-v8-401-radiator.html (http://usradiator.com/buick-gs-1965-66-v8-401-radiator.html)
PN - 005157ANN
or in aluminum
PN - AL005157AADZ
So I am trying to find something that fits and is available quickly for less money.
I found a post on someone using a griffin aluminum radiator in a 401 GS car. "THANKS Walt"
http://65gs.com/board/index.php/topic,38.0.html (http://65gs.com/board/index.php/topic,38.0.html)
But did not have auto trans cooler lines or a drain:
Griffin #26242-X $180
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-26242-x (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-26242-x)
(https://i.imgur.com/EcwUpgI.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7krq7qq.jpg)
I did find one from Griffin that did have the auto cooler that has the same dimensions was available and ready to ship from Summit.
(https://i.imgur.com/940adpK.jpg)
Griffin Thermal Products 1-56242-T -$340
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-56242-t (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gri-1-56242-t)
Inlet Location:
Upper passenger side
Outlet Location:
Lower driver side
Overall Width (in):
27.500 in.
Overall Height (in.):
19.000 in.
Overall Thickness (in):
2.500 in.
Row Quantity:
2
Trans Cooler Line Connection:
1/4 in. NPT
Trans Cooler Adapter Fittings Included:
No
Radiator Inlet Size:
1.500 in.
Radiator Outlet Size:
1.375 in.
Tube Size:
1 1/4 in.
Only issue I see is the outlet size, which is 1.375 or 1 3/8"
Which I should be able to be address with an aftermarket lower hose:
this may work -
ACDelco 19163097
or
ACDelco 88872602
or
VAICO V200147
or this radiator...
https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/product/65-66-buick-gran-sport-wo-air-aluminum-performance-radiator (https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/product/65-66-buick-gran-sport-wo-air-aluminum-performance-radiator)
https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/product/65-66-buick-gran-sport-wo-air-aluminum-performance-radiator (https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/product/65-66-buick-gran-sport-wo-air-aluminum-performance-radiator)
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The old radiator has had it... soldered many times and only had 2 rows, doubt it cooled much.
(https://i.imgur.com/QBf9Wie.jpg)
So I bought the Griffin Thermal Products 1-56242-T -$340 on Summit
and it fit pretty well in my 1966 GS.
The only issue was the cooler fitting need to have an adapter added for the lines which I happed to have from another car. But the size and outlet spacing were all good.
(https://i.imgur.com/4OBelYr.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/7jypddb.jpg)
The radiator was supplied with a drain cock. I just spray painted it black because I don't like bright silver ones.
(https://i.imgur.com/2mzXK3y.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/x6c1Occ.jpg)
Fits well:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZTuZafR.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/1ktLPxn.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FH2eOVh.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/X4wjaeu.jpg)
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Excellent report. Thanks.
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Yes, thank you. Very helpful since I might be doing the same thing!
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That's a great solution. Nice work.
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Wow that radiator from Summit/Griffin is $490 now