Last98

Help please. I bought and returned two Spectra radiators to Autozone since they didn't fit. Despite being advertised as "OEM", fine print said "Some modification may be required". O'Reilly had a Murray 3-row and 4-row advertised as "fits OEM". I bought the 3-row since I thought it was more likely to fit (depth-wise) and it was $70 cheaper. The car sat in a garage for 30 years and has 49K miles. The brake hardware and radiator are shot. I removed and kept the OEM Harrison radiator. The car has aftermarket volt/pressure/temp gauges. The Murry radiator dropped right in, no problemo. I drove the car on a 95-degree day with the new radiator, A/C on. The engine ran at 220 degrees until I did a long 7% grade. It inched up to 225, but seemed OK. I decided to go for broke and drove up a very steep 18% grade. After a few minutes the temp went to 240 and some fluid (50/50 mix) boiled over into the overflow tank. I plan to drive the car around 500 miles a year (if that), mostly to a show or two and to keep the engine lubed. I don't forsee any mountain driving with the A/C on on 95-deg days. However, I am thinking of exchanging the radiator for the 4-row. O'Reilly says they will exchange merchandise if it hasn't been installed and you have original box and packing and receipt, which I do. I feel taking the new radiator out, cleaning it real well and sticking it back in the box is a bit dishonest, but I have returned questionable stuff before and never lost any sleep. Two questions. Has anyone returned stuff to O'Reilly before, and if so are they sticklers? Second question, should I:
A) leave the 3-row in and forget about it, it will do and returning is dishonest
B) definately do the exchange if they will do it
C) return the 3-row if possible and have the OEM re-cored
D) eat the $200 for a 3-row and buy the 4-row

Thanks, it is ultimately my decision, but you know how it is, if I get some advice from you experts, my decision will be more informed.

svnt442

Well 3 row and 4 row saddles and top plates are different so if the car came with a 3 row then that's what fits. If you want to upgrade to a 4 row you're going to have to spend more than the $200 difference to make it work properly.
Also I work for O'Reilly and I can tell you that since you have installed it you can not return it unless there is a warranty issue with it.

MDchanic

In 1970 the only engine sold in the 98 was the high compression 455, which required a four-core, especially with A/C. That's what you need.

As for returning it, well, that's up to you.

- Eric

jaunty75

I'm curious why you didn't try this first?

Given the conditions you were driving under and the fact that you don't intend to do that kind of driving regularly, I would leave in there the radiator that's there. See what's involved with getting the old one re-cored, and if it can be done successfully for what you're willing to spend, I'd get that done and put it back in. Otherwise, I would leave well enough alone.

Last98

"I'm curious why you didn't try this first?"

Inexperience, I got in a hurry, I thought the old radiator looked beyond repair (it isn't), thought recore would be $100 more (it is). I need to slow down and realize I can't make the car showroom condition in one day.

Lady72nRob71

You can always sell the used radiator and get most of your $$ back... Might take some time, but it is possible.

jaunty75

So getting your old radiator re-cored would cost $100 more than the cost of a new one? Wow.

I had the original radiator in my '73 wagon recored for $75. A new one would have cost four times that.

Last98

Victor's Radiator in Pomona said the core (brass and copper) was $240 for the part and $60 to to do the job.

jaunty75

Your situation is different, then, from mine. In my case, no replacement parts were needed. In your case, it sounds like your radiator is farther gone and he has to replace parts, not just repair what's there.