New Radiator Help

[rittenrotton 4]

I need to purchase a new radiator and I am a little overwhelmed and could use some guidance. I have a 70 coupe with a ford racing 306, a/c a spal electric fan. It doesn't have to be period correct and I was thinking aluminum. heard champion is a good brand but I have also heard griffin is one of top brands, but very pricey. I live in NYC and traffic is my life (except in the mornings or early weekends. Can any one help me with some recommendations? 

[barnett468 418]

why do you need a new rad?

exactly which spal fan do you have?

 

[Cantedvalve 128]

Northern Radiator is what I roll with. Inexpensive, but well made.  Here is the one that I am getting ready to install.  I had it modified for brackets for the Flexalite fan I am using, and a NPT bung for the temp sensor for the fan.

[rittenrotton 4]

My radiator developed 2 small leaks and living in NYC there aren't too many radiator shops. The one I did bring it to quoted me $120 for the repairs, so....thats my reason for getting a new radiator.

I was mistaken, I don't have a spal, I have Prpcomp PC2054S 16" S blade electric fan. 

Cantedvalve - looks real good, I'll look into that brand!

[1969_Mach1 333]

I have a Griffin, 24" wide with 2 rows of 1-1/4 tubes.  It's a nice radiator,  and advertised as a direct fit radiator.  The tanks are formed like the originals and it uses the original saddle mounts.  Because the core is thicker than original, I did have to drill new holes in the lower saddle mounts to move them farther from the radiator support.  Then install spacers, about 3/8" thick, between the upper saddle mount and the radiator support.  Lastly, the stock fan shroud slots had to be widened to drop the shroud down far enough.

I don't drive the car in hot weather and I prefer the stock look.  So, if a good radiator wasn't so expensive, I replace it with a high efficient core copper brass radiator from US Radiators.

[shelbyshelby 52]

Here's a cheap version that uses the factory style tanks and mounts. Sold by autocity1958 on eBay. I installed it in a 69 a year ago but my car is only yard driving so far so I can't how good it cools. Mounts with factory mounts and the factory shroud is supposed to bolt up too. 

[Brian Conway 264]

I think spending the $120 would be money well spent.  Brian

[barnett468 418]

22 hours ago, rittenrotton said:

My radiator developed 2 small leaks and living in NYC there aren't too many radiator shops. The one I did bring it to quoted me $120 for the repairs, so....thats my reason for getting a new radiator.

I was mistaken, I don't have a spal, I have Prpcomp PC2054S 16" S blade electric fan. 

Cantedvalve - looks real good, I'll look into that brand!

And was it running hot?

[rittenrotton 4]

I was debating on Griffin but they seem kind of pricey.

 

I agree Brian but they say it could cost more than $120 depending on how much work it needs, for $100 more I could get a new one.

 

It never got over 200 sitting in traffic with the a/c on. I was debating on switching to Evans coolant once I get the new radiator as I've heard good things about its effectiveness at cooling.

 

Does anyone have any experience with or know anything about Summit Racing's brand of aluminum radiators?  

[jholmes217 65]

13 hours ago, shelbyshelby said:

Here's a cheap version that uses the factory style tanks and mounts. Sold by autocity1958 on eBay. I installed it in a 69 a year ago but my car is only yard driving so far so I can't how good it cools. Mounts with factory mounts and the factory shroud is supposed to bolt up too. 

I have the big block version of this.  Probably 750 miles since putting it in to replace a leaky radiator.  Fit in the saddles perfectly.  I'm running it with a 1969 reproduction fan and clutch, reproduction fan shroud, Edelbrock water pump, and 195 degree thermostat.  Stays nice and cool, even in heavy traffic during the summer.

[Vicfreg 771]

I am using a DeWitt direct fit radiator.  Made in Michigan.  All aluminum, but coated with a special black compound to look like original.  

[skidmarky 50]

I bought a Champion 3 row aluminum radiator, P/N CC340. $196.99 delivered. Installed it and drove 1000 mile round trip to Louisville for the NSRA in August. No matter how hot or how I drive I cannot get the engine above 190. Direct bolt in. Very happy with it. Search Ebay for it.

[rittenrotton 4]

Thanks everyone for your help & suggestions, I ended up purchasing the same Champion Radiator you have skidmarky..

[RPM 1,190]

20 hours ago, skidmarky said:

I bought a Champion 3 row aluminum radiator, P/N CC340. $196.99 delivered. Installed it and drove 1000 mile round trip to Louisville for the NSRA in August. No matter how hot or how I drive I cannot get the engine above 190. Direct bolt in. Very happy with it. Search Ebay for it.

Champion's website pic shows the same top tank as mine, which was not a direct bolt in. Skidmarky, did the stock upper mounting bracket fit your champion? 

While my Champion keeps my 393 between 185 & 200°, making new brackets added to the fun. 

[skidmarky 50]

19 hours ago, RPM said:

Champion's website pic shows the same top tank as mine, which was not a direct bolt in. Skidmarky, did the stock upper mounting bracket fit your champion? 

While my Champion keeps my 393 between 185 & 200°, making new brackets added to the fun. 

This is the smaller radiator, doesn't use the upper or lower brackets, bolts directly to the radiator support.