Rad-iator ideas

[420GOAT]

im on a budget and i was thinking of pulling a radiator from a 3rd gen Camaro.....dual fan setup from a TPI car......i can fab brackets.....but any other things i should look for? i was considering using a pick-up radiator for my 67.....i know this is not original but the costs of Camaro radiators is outrageous....just 'cause it is Camaro......thanks.

[sd1968z28]

$250 buck will buy a radiator at any shop in usa, if thats too expensive you better get another job cause things get pricier everytime you turn around?

[420GOAT]

$250 won't even get me a standard v-8 radiator ....let alone any kind of perf/big block application ....for two bills i was thinking jegs/summit aluminum universal.....auto parts store wants at least 300 on special order. for around a 100 i can get a radiator, shrouds, fans.....last camaro i built was a ss/rs and everything in my sick mind had to be us made or nos......not this time. i probably do need a better job....I SELL CLASSIC VW PARTS. any way i wanted to know if any one has ever done this and was just feeling it out.....thanks.

[rich69rs]

Classic Industries, as an example, on page 660 of their current on line 67-69 Camaro catalog, lists 12 small block and 15 big block applications.  Prices for SB radiators vary from $220 to $275; BB radiators vary from $270 to $320. 

That would be the way I would go, and did a couple of years ago, when I purchased a replacement radiator for my '69 RS from Classic Industries.  The original radiator now is on display hanging on the garage wall.  I am not a big fan of trying to recore old radiators - at least in my experience it usually is not the best $$$ investment.  Just my two cents.

[420GOAT]

ok guys you got me!!! not only am i frugal (aka cheap) but i also yearn to be different.......if anything ill probably spring for an aluminum job since i made sales target and will get a bonus.....see how i did that....just for attention.......  any mods though?.....anyone.

[sam]

Well in that case 420GOAT I guess you really did not have to ask!

[hotrod68]

Hey. Goat--if you can find an old Buick Electra with a 455 you can easily make that radiator work! It fills the frame rails side-to-side (you'll have to dimple the tanks), but it works, and you can even use the later-model shroud and top plate. In years past I was as cheap as you are--gasp!--and didn't have the bucks to buy a new radiator to cool my high-compression 400, which would spew like a geyser in town with the original 2-core radiator. Most any older big-displacement GM land barges had the same radiator. Might be worth a try if you have a lot of boneyards close by. This time around I bought a new 4-core radiator from Rick's for a little over $200. Good luck!

[420GOAT]

there are plenty of yards within a mile and i wanted some ideas to kick around .....i love talking to people who are innovative and creative.........almost anyone can get parts off the shelf and that is cool, but i always love to hear about what worked and what mods needed. i lke the buick idea but any car before 75 is difficult to find in L.A. yards. i still want to hear what worked since this a message board.......thanks.

[tom]

GOAT,

 I might still have a few parts (very few) around someplace form my 59 bug. Any value there?

Tom

[420GOAT]

there's some and it depends on the condition......check THE SAMBA VW .COM for a comparitive pricing.