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Replacing radiator in car - appears to be non original.
1969 cutlass S, 350, auto, A/C.
Ive always noticed poor fit on radiator lower hose. With recent engine work, I’m replacing radiator. Current outlet is 1 1/2, but when I order new hose it appears to be 1 3/4, I’ve been looking at replacement radiators and noticed some have 1 1/2, some 1 3/4 outlet. Was larger outlet used on a/c or performance cars?
thanks
The 1970-older cars used a 1.75" lower radiator outlet and a 2" water pump inlet. The 1971-up cars use a 1.5" radiator outlet and a 1.75" water pump inlet. The lower radiator hoses are different as a result. If your 69 has a 1.5" lower radiator outlet, it's not the original radiator. Many vendors only stock the later style radiators with the 1.5" port and require use of a rubber bushing to fit the hose on the older cars. The real question is, what water pump do you have, 1.75" or 2"? If you have a 1.75" water pump and a 1.5" radiator, use the lower hose for a 1971-72 car. If you have a 2" water pump and a 1.5" radiator, use the lower hose for a 1969 car and get the bushing to adapt the larger hose to the smaller radiator.
If you don't care about originality make the swap to the 1971 and up setup. The later lower radiator hose fits better as it doesn't hit the pitman arm/frame. As Joe mentions if you do this you'll have to change to the correct water pump, lower radiator hose and correct radiator.
If you don't care about originality make the swap to the 1971 and up setup. The later lower radiator hose fits better as it doesn't hit the pitman arm/frame. As Joe mentions if you do this you'll have to change to the correct water pump, lower radiator hose and correct radiator.
Since his current radiator has a 1.5" outlet, he already has the 1971-up radiator. I'm willing to bet that his water pump already has the 1.75" inlet port.