'79 Radiator size......help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: York PA
'79 Radiator size......help
Okay....got some things broken down and pulled off to replace my radiator, but I want to order my new one awhile. I am a bit confused as to which size my '79 has. Catalogs list 79's with a width of 2" and 2 5/8". Some of the catalogs I have been looking thru don't really advise which size fits which model (L-48 or L-82)
I have an L-48 with A/C and automatic. So....is my replacement rad going to be 2" wide or 2 5/8". I tried measuring mine....but I get NOTHING even close to those measurements. (and it is the original radiator..I am just obviously doing something wrong) Can someone help?
I asked a few places at Carlisle today...and I got both answers...some guys said if I have auto and A/C I have 2 5/8" and others said since it was L-48 it had to be 2". Hmmmm..which is it? :confused:
I have an L-48 with A/C and automatic. So....is my replacement rad going to be 2" wide or 2 5/8". I tried measuring mine....but I get NOTHING even close to those measurements. (and it is the original radiator..I am just obviously doing something wrong) Can someone help?
I asked a few places at Carlisle today...and I got both answers...some guys said if I have auto and A/C I have 2 5/8" and others said since it was L-48 it had to be 2". Hmmmm..which is it? :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: '79 Radiator size......help (Jons79)
I believe that you can order the larger 4 core radiator that was used on the L-82. If I'm not mistaken, you will only need to change out those 4 rubber support pieces that suspend the radiator in place.
There is not much price difference between the two radiators. Check out www.autozone.com They seem to have pretty good prices on new radiators with a good warranty.
I replaced mine with stock replacement 3 core because I was afraid that it would require to many modifications to upgrade to the 4 core radiator. But after pulling mine I could see that those rubber pads are the only things needing to be changed for the upgrade.
There is not much price difference between the two radiators. Check out www.autozone.com They seem to have pretty good prices on new radiators with a good warranty.
I replaced mine with stock replacement 3 core because I was afraid that it would require to many modifications to upgrade to the 4 core radiator. But after pulling mine I could see that those rubber pads are the only things needing to be changed for the upgrade.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 1
From: Sealy Texas
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: '79 Radiator size......help (Jons79)
You probably have a 2" radiator; they're very wimpy by nature, but in your geographic region you might not need a larger radiator as bad as us down here in the South. Still, as a precaution, I would suggest the 2&5/8" radiator just so you never have a problem with overheating.
Ken
Ken
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 18,478
Likes: 3
From: Quincy IL
Re: '79 Radiator size......help (Jons79)
with L-48/AC/Auto you should have a 2 5/8" radiator.when i replaced mine in spring of 97,the only radiator i could find was a Modine brand radiator. the AC Delco replacement was no longer available,and the local parts store wanted $299 for the Modine. from a previous experience,i went to another local parts store and bought it for $264,including tax & shipping. the radiator is the standard copper/brass radiator,it works fine,and will only require some trimming of the bottom rubber pieces to fit. i also put in the foam seal pieces on either side of the radiator and the two pieces that go in the front corners on top of the radiator. these keep the air coming into the front,directed thru the radiator and not around it. i also changed to a 180 degree thermostat and very seldom does it run over 180.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: York PA
Re: '79 Radiator size......help (Jons79)
Now...does anyone have a suggestion as to where to pick up new seals/rubber mounts for my new 2 5/8" radiator? Anyone have experience in this I would love to hear how much you got stuff for and where. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,961
Likes: 1
From: Sealy Texas
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: '79 Radiator size......help (Jons79)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 7,218
Likes: 399
From: Northern CA
Re: '79 Radiator size......help (Jons79)
I also upgraded to the thicker 4-core 2-and 5/8ths radiator (Modine) with excellent results. You can still purchase the wider rubber support inserts from GM and they simply press into your radiator brackets.
Also a good time to change to a heavy-duty fan clutch if you don't already have one. Zip sells the radiator to shroud seal kits for minimal cost. -Good Luck!
Also a good time to change to a heavy-duty fan clutch if you don't already have one. Zip sells the radiator to shroud seal kits for minimal cost. -Good Luck!
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