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Just finished up and took it out for a test drive with no issues. Temp stayed around 195-200 which is pretty much where it ran before.
For those that aren't aware, I had to replace the radiator in my '72 U code Supreme. I struggled with finding a factory appearing copper/brass, and after an empty search for the direct replacement (they were plastic/aluminum), I settled on the Spectra Premium CU351, which was actually not listed for my car, but it was a 3 row, factory appearing copper/brass, so I went with it.
Installation was pretty straightforward with no issues other than a bit of a struggle to get the lower hose off, but after some coaxing, it finally came loose. It was a perfect fit with no issues whatsoever 😀.
Before I post some pics, here's a little back story. I had two radiators with the same part number on hand just in case. One came from Auto Zone (that's the one I installed), and the other I ordered from Amazon... again, same part number CU351).
Now, here's where it gets interesting. The one from Auto Zone had exactly the "look" I was after (pay particular attention to the filler neck) (The other two labels are what was under the Duralast label).
And this is the actual Duralast radiator...again, look at the filler neck.
Now, look at the filler neck on the one I got from Amazon...again, same part number.
And that's not all... here's the technical info...
Duralast: 35 rows, 7 fins per inch and 7/16" spacing between rows.
Amazon: 27 rows, 5 find per inch and 1/2" spacing between rows. Seems Duralast was the better choice.
Ok, enough rambling, here are some pics after installation. And thanks to everyone who advised me during this project 😀
Could you enlighten me on that plastic hose clamp? I've never that.
Yup... that's a Gates Power Grip. Thermoplastic...the hotter they get, the tighter. I first used them when I put new hoses on a while back, and I couldn't be happier with them. Nice clean look. Only drawback is you have to cut them to get them off, but it's worth it to me.
Yup... that's a Gates Power Grip. Thermoplastic...the hotter they get, the tighter. I first used them when I put new hoses on a while back, and I couldn't be happier with them. Nice clean look. Only drawback is you have to cut them to get them off, but it's worth it to me.
Nice! Ironic: the same part number for different units, both from the same "manufacturer." I guess the PN goes for the application, and not for the unit.
Indeed when it comes time to remove those gates power grip hose clamps, it can become a mess. Some have cut into the hose to get them loose. I bought some hook shaped blades that fit into a regular box cutter. They can get in between the clamp and the hose without cutting the hose. Have it handy, on a cruise like Power Tour for example I used to keep one in the small tool box in the trunk..The link below is what I have. The other downside is you will need a heat gun or at least your wife's hair dryer to shrink the clamp. That could be an issue on a cruise if you need to replace a hose, water pump etc.
