RE: Replacement Radiator Question

["Dennis C." <dennis.2914@xxxxxxxxx>]

Don,

I am sure that under normal conditions you are absolutely correct 
however here is my story:

I found a reproduction fan shroud however it did not fit due the the 
location of the side straps in relation to the tanks.  When it was 
re-cored the tanks were set too far back.  I went looking for a radiator 
shop to move the straps, here is my story so far:

I am in Yuma Arizona where in the summer there are nights when it does 
not get down to 100 degrees, normal temperature during the summer is 110 
to 118 degrees.  I could park the car in the summer like some of you 
guys do during the winter but I still want to drive it.

I went to an old guy in a radiator shop in Yuma and told him my 63 SF 
was over heating -

He said old Mopars don't over heat, I must have the wrong thermostat, he 
looked and found an old unit that looks exactly like the Milodon one 
that is sold today.

I told him I had a high flow thermostat -

He said my timing was off.

I told him the timing was correct -

Finally he went out and looked at the radiator and told me I had the 
wrong core.  I only had 10 fins per inch and asked who did the re-core.

I told him it was done in Arkansas where my brother and I built the car 
-

He said the radiator was my problem, it would work in Arkansas but not 
in Arizona. He also said a shroud would not help but he did relocate the 
side straps so I could mount the shroud.

He was right, it did not help and probably hurt.

I would be interested in knowing the fin count on your radiator however 
I have spent too much time and money and I am ready to be done with the 
problem.  I want to be able to drive through Yuma when it is 115 degrees 
out and be able to stop at a light.

As a final note, I have extremely enjoyed all of your comments, your 
experience is priceless.  I have a file with just your email comments.

Dennis C.


Don Dulmage wrote:
> 
> I read all these cooling deals. I have fixed many with a simple pulley 
> change. It gets over ninety here in Canada quite often (was 82 
> yeasterday)and occasionally we d see 100F. Still car runs fine as do the 
> 
> ones I fixed. I think the tech must still be around on site. it works 
> and 
> costs a lot less that several rads doubleyoked mikawaky pumps and 
> nuclear 
> thermostats. I know , it is too simple. Cant help that. It works
> Don
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Rich Kinsley" <rlkinsley@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: <dennis.2914@xxxxxxxxx>
> Cc: <1962to1965mopars@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 9:53 AM
> Subject: RE: Replacement Radiator Question
> 
> 
> >
> > I too have gone through about 3 semi-stock radiators in a quest to
> > actually cool the beast. Finally I found an aluminum crossflow radiator
> > from Summit with a trans cooler. I did have to take it to my radiator
> > shop to have the lower neck repositioned. I also added a drain pitcock
> > which it did not have. Even with all this work I only have about $330
> > total in it including a 16lb cap from Summit. I can't say how well it
> > will work yet as I'm not quite done. It certainly looks like I have more
> > cooling area. I did have to fab some supports but you could just have
> > the radiator shop install it for you. I doubt it would cost over $200
> > for that install.  There was a small issue with the horns too as they
> > were too close and I had to reshape the brackets for clearance. My
> > custom battery box also had to be notched but it missed my battery OK.
> > All in all it wasn't that hard to do and it looks very nice. I found
> > some hoses that fit OK after some searching. I used a Gates 21673 on the
> > top and a NAPA flex hose #FM-44 on the bottom. This may not be the same
> > for hoses in your case as mine is a poly. I am getting a high volume
> > t-stat too as I think that may have also been an issue with my high flow
> > pump. I'll send you some pictures seperate. I did send some to Gary H to
> > add to my list pictures.
> >
> > I totally understand your dilema. Good luck, it is doable.
> > Rich Kinsley '64 Dodge Polara 4dr 318poly w/goodies
> > =====================================================================
> > Dennis C. wrote:
> >>
> >> I have given up on my stock radiator.  I had it recored but the new core
> >>
> >> only has 10 fins/inch and is not able to do the job in my 63 SF with a
> >> 383.  It is doing ok now but I live in Yuma Az. and the weather is just
> >> starting to get warm.
> >>
> >> I did a search on the Internet and came up with:
> >>
> >> http://www.usradiator.com/default.htm
> >>
> >> I talked to them and although none are listed on their site they do make
> >>
> >> one for my car.
> >>
> >> I don't have the time or skills to adapt a rediator, I want a direct
> >> replacement unit.  I've given up on trying to keep the stock look.  I
> >> would be interested in knowing other choices that some of you may have
> >> had good experience with.
> >>
> >> Thanks
> >> Dennis C.
> >>
> >> 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 Van Conversion
> >> 1964 Plymouth Belvedere 318 Auto
> >> 1963 Plymouth Sport Fury 383 4-speed
> >> 1949 Dodge Pickup 289/C4 soon to be changed
> >> 1998 Honda Valkyrie Standard
> >
> >
> >
> > Rich Kinsley '64 Dodge Polara 4dr 318poly w/goodies
> >
> >
> > ----
> > Please address private mail -- mail of interest to only one person --  
> > directly to that person.  I.e., send parts/car transactions and 
> > negotiations as well as other personal messages only to the intended 
> > recipient, not to the Clubhouse public address. This practice will 
> > protect 
> > your privacy, reduce the total volume of mail and fine tune the content 
> > signal to Mopar topic.  Thanks!
> >
> > '62 to '65 Mopar Clubhouse Discussion Guidelines:
> > http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/mletiq.html.
> >
> > 
> 



1996 Dodge Ram 3500 Van Conversion
1964 Plymouth Belvedere 318 Auto
1963 Plymouth Sport Fury 383 4-speed
1949 Dodge Pickup 289/C4 soon to be changed
1998 Honda Valkyrie Standard


----
Please address private mail -- mail of interest to only one person -- directly to that person.  I.e., send parts/car transactions and negotiations as well as other personal messages only to the intended recipient, not to the Clubhouse public address. This practice will protect your privacy, reduce the total volume of mail and fine tune the content signal to Mopar topic.  Thanks!

'62 to '65 Mopar Clubhouse Discussion Guidelines:
http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/mletiq.html.