elwood565

I woke my 1971 98 out of its winter hibernation this weekend to come upon a very upsetting discovery...I need a new radiator. It has rotted out and is leaking fluid like its going out of style. The radiator company in my city, who could recore them and repair them, went out of business. My mechanic sourced a new one which is a direct replacement for my original factory equipment 3 core radiator, and she quoted me about $575 installed.

Since I have to/am choosing to replace the stock radiator, I was wondering about any options I have in upgrading to a heavier duty model, if there is such a thing available. My mechanic did not know of any, nor did her radiator supplier have anything like that.

This is why I am turning to you guys. Does anyone know of any options out there for a heavy duty radiator for my 1971 98 with the 455? Whether its aftermarket or what have you?

Or if anyone has or knows of where I could get a stock replacement for mine?

Any and all help would be appreciated.

Thanks folks!

-Bob

(If this isn't the proper/best place for this topic, please feel free to move it beloved Admins!)

J-(Chicago)

A-Len radiator in Westmont, IL can get you what you need, or there's an old timer in Joliet, IL that recores originals. I think it's about $300-400 for the re-core job. I can dig up the number for you if you like.

I used a 4 row from a 70's Chevy 4x4 I believe.

elwood565

Hey thanks J. I'll talk to A-Len radiator for sure. The 4 row swap that you did interests me though. What kind of a job was it?

Run to Rund

www.radiatorbarn.com

2blu442

I may have a good used one from a 1973 Olds 98. If you want I can take some photos of it this weekend. John

elwood565

Hey J, do you think the guys at A-Len could get me the beefier radiator from the chevy 4x4 like you got? I wonder if there is any modifications that would need to be done to make it fit?

-Bob

elwood565

2blu, I appreciate your offer, but I would imagine that it would probably cost just as much to have it shipped to Chicago that to just bite the bullet and buy a new one. I'm glad I know you have one available though, and I'll let you know if I end up needing it.

Thanks!

J-(Chicago)

I had to use an upper hose from a 66 Dynamic. The lower worked fine.
The thing with my car is..... it's modified. I don't have a fan shroud, or ac condensor, so whatever I want will pretty much fit.
I made my own hold downs out of plate steel, and the bottom pads are made from sections of old radiator hoses strapped to the core support