If you have, hopefully you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. I just want to know which way you went to fix it.

Basically, the BeCool radiator is a perfect fit. EXCEPT for the "lugs" that are installed top and bottom that slip into the mounting brackets from which the radiator is hung. Apparently, those are over-sized blanks that are intended to be ground down to fit your car. Just sticking the radiator in the car with the "lugs" left as shipped, the radiator is about 3/4" too tall and the upper brackets won't go in.

My dilemma:

Option A: I can keep them tall and profile them a bit and keep the rubber out of the mounts. I figure this will help by not having a spot for water to build up and sit under the rubber...this is probably why the lower radiator brackets are prone to failure. The downside is that the aluminum will be sitting directly in the steel pocket. Unless I cut up a bit of rubber off a bike tire or something.

Option B: Break out the grinder and knock down the "lugs" to where they better match the original radiator height. Then I can keep the stock rubbers in the mounting brackets. The downside is that I can't go backwards with this. If it doesn't work out for whatever reason, I'd need to get new lugs welded on and try again.

Has anyone dealt with this before that can give me their thoughts?

Thanks!

Keith

 

I do not know anything about the BeCool swap. But being in maintenance and a construction pipefitter for over 47 years, you NEVER put two dissimilar metals together. Like galvanized or regular steel to copper or aluminum to any type of steel,other than a high grade of stainless steel. You get electrolysis. In other words,you create a weak battery and the copper or aluminum will be eaten up in a very short time. I hope that this helps you , Keith, Lou.

 

how about returning it and getting a DeWitts radiator?

 

Tom Dewitt has been trying to send out his message for years.

The only one that gave me pause came up recently when the top brackets would not fit over his welds near the rad cap fitting. I can't recall if that was resolved.

 

Be Cool is a high quality and well respected name in the street rod community. I would be very reluctant to modify the radiator as that means it yours no matter what. Is it suppose to be a direct fit? Did you call them and ask for suggestions? If they can't talk you through a proper solution I would be looking to return it. As stated above this is the reason a lot of us suggest a DeWitt (and yes several will jump in a say there are alternatives that cost less and I'm sure there are). I think if you bought a Be Cool in the 1st place you weren't looking to save money you were lookng for a high quality radiator. When it comes to the cooling system I try to find the highest quality parts available even if I have to spend more than I may want too. I'll try to save money somewhere else. Good luck in what ever you choose to do.

 

I put a be cool in my '76. The tabs were a bit of a pain but mine went on with by starting one bolt then pushing down on the other bolt area till I could start the other one. It wasn't fun and took more than one try to get it to work. I wouldn't do it around little kids, a church parking lot or on a quite Sunday afternoon. That way you won't have say your sorry for the cussing you'll do.

 

My BeCool is quite old, bought it in the late 90's. I didn't have to modify anything. It's been a great radiator, never any trouble from it. When I take the cap off and look inside it still looks new inside.

 

I did the same with mine, I also trimmed the rubber a little. Of course, the POS leaked from day one... Thought it was the lower hose, but when I removed it a couple of yrs later, it was a seam leak...