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22 Inch Radiator options - 1970 302 car

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1970Ranchero View Drop Down
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    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!

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72FordGTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-March-2021 at 2:22AM
Why not take the 22" original to a rad shop and have it re-cored?
Vince

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dan0R30 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-March-2021 at 7:30AM
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

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72 RS 351 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-March-2021 at 10:53AM
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
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 1970Ranchero Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-March-2021 at 6:30PM
Thanks guys!

And as others mentioned, the big issue I have been running into is cost...$500 is a bit out of my budget Cry

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. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72 RS 351 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28-March-2021 at 3:42AM
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
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72FordGTS Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28-March-2021 at 6:00AM
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

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 1970Ranchero Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29-March-2021 at 6:23PM
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!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-March-2021 at 5:29AM
everything s gone crazy lately! and im afraid its only going to get worseAngry
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28-May-2021 at 12:38AM
Originally posted by 1970Ranchero 1970Ranchero wrote:

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!

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

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