Radiator Swap 71 into 76
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
probly need the radiator support...also, and some bits and pieces, check lower hose outlets, and grab the lower hose also if available, it will take some adapting, but if its cheap and for a driver , doable.
Last edited by oldalaskaman; Sep 26, 2012 at 11:11 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 5
From: Denham Springs LA
My 76 has a Bbc in it with electric fans. It runs hotter then I like. I have a radiator from a 71 thinking of giving it a try. Wanted to know if it would fit between the frame rails, it looks very close.
Thanks
Roger
Thanks
Roger
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 5
From: Denham Springs LA
Seals are in good shape, except for the "poster board" looking material that seals around the structural member that pass through the fender well, on the drivers side. The passenger side is fine. I made a temporary one out of cardboard for the drivers side, didn't seem to make any difference.
My car is running cooler then it used to (removed thermostat and installed surge tank) but I am still working on it to get it cooler.
Now max temperature is 200F on the highway. It's also 200F sitting still in traffic, or driving slowly in traffic. The problem I was having was on the highway it would slowly creep up to 220F, and still going. I would pull off and let it idle or drive slowly and in 10 minutes or so, it would cool back down to 200F.
My radiator is a Dewitts with dual spal fans.
Thanks,
Roger
My car is running cooler then it used to (removed thermostat and installed surge tank) but I am still working on it to get it cooler.
Now max temperature is 200F on the highway. It's also 200F sitting still in traffic, or driving slowly in traffic. The problem I was having was on the highway it would slowly creep up to 220F, and still going. I would pull off and let it idle or drive slowly and in 10 minutes or so, it would cool back down to 200F.
My radiator is a Dewitts with dual spal fans.
Thanks,
Roger
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
If your temp is going up while highway driving and then drops down when you slow up or idle, it sounds like your lower radiator hose is collapsing. You won't actually see it unless you take the hood off and lay across the engine and have someone go about 65 mph, which I don't highly recommend. Replace your lower hose and make sure the new one also has the spring inside it.
Duane
Duane
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 5
From: Denham Springs LA
Duane,
I'm gonna check the lower hose using my helmet cam. I'm gonna mount it under the hood, with a flashlight and take it for a spin. Its drizzling this afternoon, and supposed to rain all weekend so it might not be until early next week, but I will check it.
When the engine is warmed up and idling, and up to 2000rpms or so, the hose is very firm due to internal pressure.
Roger
I'm gonna check the lower hose using my helmet cam. I'm gonna mount it under the hood, with a flashlight and take it for a spin. Its drizzling this afternoon, and supposed to rain all weekend so it might not be until early next week, but I will check it.
When the engine is warmed up and idling, and up to 2000rpms or so, the hose is very firm due to internal pressure.
Roger