On a 71 Cutlass with 455/auto and an aftermarket (parts store) 4-row radiator: what are the options for overflow reservoir and mounting?

Thanks!

 

I used a windshield washer reservoir mounted in the factory holes. Just the right height and looks very correct. I used a cap for a 69-70 Cadillac. Years later replaced it with a Corvette cap. Just have to enlarge the I.D. of the cap a hair, it's a bit too tight.
If you currently have your jug on the right side, just move it to the left.

 

I have a 350 w/aftermarket Cold Case rad, mounted an aftermarket square reservoir bottle right to bottom of front of the right inner fender -

 

Dorman sells a number of ‘generic’ overflow containers I adapted one to mount similar to the 72s w overflow along the pass fender. eBay and summit etc sell a aluminum round overflow container that looks nice on non stock cars

parts place sells a correctish factory style one for more money than options 1n2

 

Are you filling the radiator to the top? Oldsmobiles without overflow bottles are only supposed to be filled to about 3" from the top of the radiator, to allow for expansion.

 

I bought one from Napa for my '68, Since I was planning to add OAI I was limited to where I could put one. The Napa one is probably Dorman & it was only $8! It comes with a plain black vented cap but I had a new later model GM cap in my stash so I used it. The tank has 3 mounting tabs so I had to drill 2 small holes in the upper core support tie bar & make a small bracket that bolted to one of my headlamp surround bolts for the bottom tab. It fits in the space perfectly & has a factory look to it plus no antifreeze can leak out that my cat could lick up! You can just see it in the lower corner of the pic.

 

Perfect. That’s what I’m after. Mines far from showroom quality and not stock.

Also, this radiator has the outlet under the cap for an overflow. Suppose I could cap it off, but would rather have a reservoir.

 

You don't want to plug that overflow fitting!! That's your safety "valve" ,without a reservoir there's suppose to be a hose on that fitting pointing down towards the ground to let coolant escape if your cap exceeds it psi limit.The reservoir that I bought works perfectly, there's a cold fill line ,the coolant rises when it's hot & goes back down to the fill line when cold. Don't forget to get a proper radiator cap for an overflow (closed) system ,should be a 15 lbs round cap with no ears

 

Rob, we may have spoken on this before, but I forget, could you comment on how the OAI hose, the hood, and the AC compressor get along in terms of clearance? I'd like to do similar on my 67.

 

Koda, I'm using an Edelbrock O4B intake that raises the carb at least another inch really helping the fit of the OAI hose over the a/c. Other than flattening the right side hose a little on the bottom , everything fits fine even the hot air tube for the air cleaner.