4 core Big Block cooling on 68 cutlass

[68conv455]

I'm getting ready to modify the lower radiator mounts to accept the wider 4 core radiator. My car originally came with an inline 6. Does the additional radiator thickness go toward the front, back, or do I keep the center line exactly where the old one was. Is there an easier way to do this (aka. inexpensive parts from a catalogue).
Thanks.

[Oldsguy]

The important thing is proximity to you fan. I always understood it this way, the closer the better (within reason). If you could place the new radiator so the space between the fan and the back side of the radiator is close to what it is now with your stock radiator I would think that would be good. I do know there are different lower radiator supports for different applications, as you eluded to, some are wider to accommodate the wider radiator. Is the 4 core radiator one of those from one of the speed catalogues?

[68conv455]

The new 4 core is a stock replacement type from complete radiators (ebay). It looks good and except for depth measures out the same as the low capacity one I pulled out. I figured I would tap into the classic olds knowledge base since I'm trying to wrap up all the miscellaneous details before I drop in the new motor. (this takes a lot of restraint since my eyes want to see the big engine between the fenders....You know what I'm talking about). In this case the engine will not necessarily impeed radiator changes so I guess I can wait. Unless.....someone has the answer.

[68conv455]

By the way. Complete radiators pulled through. UPS lost the original shipment and they totally stood behind it and backed up the sale with a second shipment. For $200, I think they are worth it.

[68conv455]

This is what I need to modify

[Oldsguy]

I have seen people bend those things, sometimes with poor results. I think you can get some reproduction items for the thicker radiator. Don't quote me here, you should check with one of our documentation experts but I think certain models with options like W-30 had a thicker radiator stock with the corresponding wider lower mounts. You may find those at a place like Year One or something.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

I have seen people bend those things, sometimes with poor results. I think you can get some reproduction items for the thicker radiator. Don't quote me here, you should check with one of our documentation experts but I think certain models with options like W-30 had a thicker radiator stock with the corresponding wider lower mounts. You may find those at a place like Year One or something.

Ames Performance (www.amesperf.com) sells the 4 row lower brackets for GTOs. These should be the same as for Cutlii. That doesn't solve the top plate problem, however.

[esisson]

I think these will require you to completely remove the OE brackets. May require a little fabrication also. Not sure if you want to go this way or not, just another option!

http://www.absoluteradiator.com/Universal.asp

Steel Radiator Mounting Brackets

Steel mounting brackets for easy installation of universal fit radiators. Brackets bolt to car core support and radiator sits in saddle of brackets. No welding required. Two top and two bottom brackets included. We recommend the use of rubber monting pads, listed below, when using these brackets.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by esisson

I think these will require you to completely remove the OE brackets. May require a little fabrication also. Not sure if you want to go this way or not, just another option!

http://www.absoluteradiator.com/Universal.asp

Steel Radiator Mounting Brackets

Steel mounting brackets for easy installation of universal fit radiators. Brackets bolt to car core support and radiator sits in saddle of brackets. No welding required. Two top and two bottom brackets included. We recommend the use of rubber monting pads, listed below, when using these brackets.

Unfortunately, these look like the one-size-fits-none brackets. The correct brackets are designed to cradle the solder seam between the end tanks and the core. This is the strongest part of the radiator. Also, the long vertical leg has nothing to bolt to in the A-body application. If one has welding skills, I'd just get a second set of the factory brackets from a wrecking yard and splice two sets together to make the wider brackets. Repro rubber inserts are readily available.

[68conv455]

The Ames set looks good and should work. Thanks. I'll start a new thread for the top plate issue. I'm sure many of us here has had to tackle this one.

[Dapapadon]

I'm a member on a Chevy truck forum. The guys over there usually just cut the bracket in half, drill out the spot welds on one half, move it out wider and re-weld it. Then you would need the 4 core rubber mount. I believe they move the side towards the engine back. Others weld in the aftermarket brackets already mentioned.

I asked about a 4 core radiator for my 67 CS project car, none was available. But they could re-core my existing radiator to 4 core. That wouldn't have required different mounts. I know, you already have the radiator. Just posting for anyone else considering this. And I didn't get a radiator with the project car so I bought a 3 core.

You might want to decide what to do about the top plate issue before you tackle the bottom mount.

Don

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by Dapapadon

I asked about a 4 core radiator for my 67 CS project car, none was available. But they could re-core my existing radiator to 4 core. That wouldn't have required different mounts....

That's interesting, since the 4 row core is physically wider than the two/three row end tanks. That's why the brackets are different.

Of course, the easy answer is to buy an aluminum radiator. It cools better than the four row, weighs less, and fits the smaller brackets.

[Dapapadon]

I didn't have a radiator, so the conversation ended there. Might not have been possible. But it was Mac's Radiator in Portland, OR and they do every thing from repairs to alum. radiators to retrofitting Vintage Air A/C units.

Good to see you back Joe!

Don