22 Inch Radiator options - 1970 302 car |
Post Reply |
Author | |
1970Ranchero
New Member Joined: 14-September-2020 Location: CA Status: Offline Points: 10 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 27-March-2021 at 2:19AM |
Hi All,
The original 22 inch radiator in my 1970 (302 2 bbl automatic car) is shot and I am looking for a “drop in” replacement Trouble is there seems to be no 22 inch radiators on the market I can find. Only 26 inch options. Has anyone found a replacement radiator (factory 22 in or otherwise) that could work? Thanks! |
|
72FordGTS
Admin Group GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5846 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Why not take the 22" original to a rad shop and have it re-cored?
|
|
Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
|
dan0R30
Senior Member Joined: 30-June-2020 Location: USA Status: Offline Points: 637 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
U.S. Radiator claims to make one, and the page shows it cross-references with a 71-72 Mustang with a 302 (which is typical and opens up a lot of doors)
Using one of the part numbers, I see there is one in stock at NPD |
|
Dan
1970 Ford Torino hardtop - 351C 4V - FMX - 9" 3.89 TrueTrac |
|
72 RS 351
Senior Member Joined: 04-September-2014 Location: Knoxville TN Status: Offline Points: 2767 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Ouch, those are high. I would also take an old radiator to a local shop. They should be able to build a new one, even completely from new parts, for less money than $500 etc. I'd also check into the many companies that say they can build to order, all AL units. Most late model cars have plastic side tanks, and lots of them now can be replaced with AL units, available on eBay or Amazon etc. Those generally cost about the same as OEM, $150ish for many or them.
|
|
Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
|
1970Ranchero
New Member Joined: 14-September-2020 Location: CA Status: Offline Points: 10 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks guys!
And as others mentioned, the big issue I have been running into is cost...$500 is a bit out of my budget I did take it to a local shop, but they wanted even more more, closer to $600! Does anyone know of any cheaper alternatives by chance? Appreciate the help.
|
|
72 RS 351
Senior Member Joined: 04-September-2014 Location: Knoxville TN Status: Offline Points: 2767 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I would say concentrate on the dimensions, all of them, the one you have and any specs you can find online. If not buying a catalog item that's "supposed to fit", then the dimensions are a must to locate another choice. With the dimensions, then you can contact businesses that can make the part, and discuss how they can make it. I'm sure there are companies that can make it easily, the trick is finding places that are willing to, and feasibly. Other parts of the country will have different labor rates, the total cost, so it's very likely someone far away can get it done for a decent price. That's why I mentioned the AL radiators on eBay, there are companies trying to produce all kinds of products cheaply and create high volume sales. Those the trick is to find one that you think you can trust the quality and return or customer service they have.
|
|
Don
73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000+ rpm 351-4V &4R70W 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
|
72FordGTS
Admin Group GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5846 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Ouch, that is expensive. I had my rad rebuilt by a rad shop a few years ago for about hald that, and I upgraded it to a thicker high efficiency core. If you are looking for something cheaper, like Don says, you can find a universal fit radiator, but the quality can be suspect on many (especially the offshore brands). The Ford parts catalog shows your rad was originally 21 11/16" x 17 27/32" x 1 1/2"
From a quick search, this one is close enough (other than thickness) that you might be able to make it work: |
|
Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
|
1970Ranchero
New Member Joined: 14-September-2020 Location: CA Status: Offline Points: 10 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks guys. I think I am going to opt to have mine rebuilt. The lowest quote I got was $380 from a reputable shop, so I think I will take it. I was thinking about an AL radiator, but I have to factor in the trans cooling lines, and a lot of them don’t fit right/don’t have threaded ports to attach the lines.
Man, I wouldn’t have thought getting a 1970 radiator would be this expensive!
|
|
californiajohnny
Moderator Group Joined: 05-October-2013 Location: winlock, wa Status: Offline Points: 14609 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
everything s gone crazy lately! and im afraid its only going to get worse
|
|
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
|
n2fordwagons
Senior Member Joined: 20-July-2013 Location: GA Status: Offline Points: 2252 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Sorry. Late to the party. Did you find a radiator? My 71 with a 302 already had a new aluminum radiator, when I bought it. The previous owner said he had to tweak a few things, but it wasn't a huge deal to install it. Let me know if you'd like pictures, or like me to try to figure out more details on the radiator. Maybe I could find a part number, etc?
|
|
Jeff
71 Torino Brougham 72 Gran Torino Squire |
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |