Radiator installation help needed

[di81977]

I don't really have an overheating problem, but it is the one thing I worry about when driving my car for an extended amount of time. I am contemplating upgrading to a 24 1/4" 3 or 4 row small block ac/big block radiator.

Currently, I have a 20 1/4" 1970 stock Mustang radiator wtih a 3,000cfm electric fan. Not sure why it has a 1970 radiator, but it is (RH upper, LH lower). Fits fine, just requires the correct water pump.

This forum has some very knowlegable people. Hope someone can answer a couple of questions:

1) Will a 24 1/4" radiator bolt into my small block, non AC car? Would this modification just require the upper and lower saddle brackets to install (vs front mount)?

2) I probably want to go with a 1970 radiator again (already have an aluminum, high flow pump). There seems to be a difference between the 67-68 and 69-70 saddle bracket. Any idea if these differences are due to the radiator or the attachment points on the car? I guess what I am asking is, which bracket should I use?

Thanks for the help!
David

 

[di81977]

If anyone is interested, here is what I have found out:

24" radiator will fit, no mods required, just new brackets.

Saddle mount brackets are different between 68 and 70. Difference is not due to the radiator, but the location of the bar that the hood latches onto on the 68. The 68 requires a saddle bracket with a notch to clear the hood latch bolt.

I will know for sure if this works this weekend when I do the install. It was also recommended to me that I put in a new 160 degree thermostat and drill a 5/16" hole and mount with the hole at the top.

If you are thinking about a Copper radiator, prices are going up fast! Copper prices have risen sharply. The standard 24" radiator in the 2008 NPD catalog was $295, it is now being quoted at $398! This does not make sense but the 3 Row, large tube, extra fin count radiator made by the same manufacturer is still being sold for $260.

 

[franklinair]

David,

I agree the 24" radiator will fit, no problem, using the '68 upper & lower brackets. You mentioned the different water pump, so I don't know for sure if you would have to relocate the radiator's lower water hose neck - or put in the '68 water pump. As far as the thermostat, I am a firm believer in the 180 degree unit, drilling a 1/8" hole for a slight bypass configuration.

Neil