Oldssupreme

Hi! As I've been working on getting the car running on its own, my heater core (which I believe is original) started leaking all over the floor of the garage and the cutlass. So if I'm going to replace that, I figured I'd probably replace the radiator as well. Any recommendations for both the heater core and radiator? What's good and whats garbage? And am I looking for a 3 or 4 row radiator? Or should I have this one rebuilt? What does that run? I'll have to look oto see if it is original or not. Is this one any good? or either of these?
https://www.napaonline.com/en/search...=nol-veh-conds
Thank you!
Chris

Fun71

I would not recommend replacing the radiator just because the heater core leaked. Over the years I have replaced the heater core probably 5 times without ever touching the radiator. Personally, I am not a "replace it just because" kinda guy, I replace things when they are broken and leave working stuff alone.

If you are seriously concerned about the radiator's integrity, bring it to a radiator shop and have it inspected and pressure tested.

Oldssupreme

Ok. Well when I looked inside I saw a lot of “growth” of corrosion on the passageways. I’ll attach a photo.

1969w3155

Have a local radiator shop re core it using the original ballast tanks.

Oldssupreme

How could I tell if it’s original? It’s definitely been on since 1994 when I bought the car but I don’t know if it was replaced before that.

Fun71

This post has a lot of pictures and info that may help you to determine what you have:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ipping-119733/

1969w3155

"Harrison" should be embossed on the ballast. That was the supplier for GM/Olds.

Olds64

If you are going to buy a Spectra radiator just get a replacement from your local auto parts store. It's the same thing (aluminum core with plastic tanks) and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Oldssupreme

Ok! Thank you so much everyone!

gs72

If your not worried about it looking stock, I put a all aluminum Cold Case radiator in my car and am very happy with it. It is a two row radiator but the tubes are 1.125" wide and it cools as good or better than a traditional 4 row. Actually it would look almost stock if you fogged it with some black paint. just my 2 cents.

Gary

Fun71

Per your question, a three row radiator would be factory correct for your application, but more cooling capacity is never a bad thing.

olds_freak

What one did you use? Because the one I have right now that's supposed to be direct fit isn't close to fitting. It's about 1/2" wider than the factory saddles and on top of that is too thick to fit in the factory saddles.

RetroRanger

they sell wider saddles for the top plate (welding req) and for the bottom same thing or somepeople reform them.

Oldssupreme

Are the spectra or any others able to fit within the factory saddles? I’m sad to hear the cold case won’t fit because I was thinking of that one. Thank you!

olds_freak

Yeah after a little more research that's just the way they are. You have to use the 4 row top plate and lower saddles to get it to fit.

Gary's 2 442-S

I have The Cold Case Radiators in both of my cars. They are both direct fit and was able to use my top plate on both. Both cars came with 4 core radiators.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rad-gma42a

Oldssupreme

Thank you guys. Gary since your car was originally a 4 row car I suppose that explains why yours would fit with no mods. Thank you!