Radiator Leak in 1977 Toronado XS

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Old May 3, 2023 | 10:36 AM
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Radiator Leak in 1977 Toronado XS

Please tell me if anyone has found a source for an affordable replacement for the 1977 Toronado! Thank you for your help!

Originally Posted by jaunty75
One week and $600 later, we have a new radiator.

Old May 3, 2023 | 11:33 AM
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Olds64's Avatar
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Lily, I moved your post. Check out this thread too.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...diator-169911/
Old May 3, 2023 | 12:41 PM
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Lilly, no one makes replacement radiators intended for the second generation Toronados ('71 through '78) that I have ever been able to find.

But, based on an article in Front Wheel Driver, the bi-monthly magazine of the Toronado Owners Association, I have found a radiator that works.

Go to your nearest Autozone and get a Duralast B624, which costs about $250. It's made for late '90s Chevy Tahoes and Silverados, and but it drops right in for the Toro. I have one right now in my '77.

Two things to keep in mind.

1. The upper radiator hose attachment point is 1.25" in diameter while the hose is 1.5" in diameter. This is easily resolved by getting a reducing adapter for about $10 at O'Reilly. Gates part number 26390. Autozone will probably have this, too, but maybe a different brand and part number. Just tell them what you need when you're getting the radiator.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/search?q=gates+26390

https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...624/237359_0_0


2. The upper transmission cooler line connection point is about two inches too high. I was able to carefully straighten here and bend there the existing line on my '77 to get it to reach, but if you can't do this, you can probably have an extension made at a local auto parts store.


Good luck.

Last edited by jaunty75; May 8, 2023 at 09:18 AM.
Old May 3, 2023 | 01:05 PM
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Outstanding and many, many thanks (just like last time)! Your advice and timely replies are very much appreciated!
Old Jun 10, 2023 | 09:01 AM
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I just had the radiator in my 72 Toronado rebuilt. Wasn't cheap because the cores were bad, but it turned out like new and fitment was obviously correct in the end. Find a reputable radiator shop and call them, and ask if they do rebuilds. Might be worth your time. I found a few radiators online that claim fitment, and it was about 1k for them, or $300 for a chinesium radiator that got horrible reviews on fitment and quality.

I brought my old one into the radiator shop and it cost $992 out the door to have my old one rebuilt. Had it done in 4 days. Pic attached.

Old Jun 10, 2023 | 10:31 AM
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Thank you very much for the suggestion. On mine it is a very small crack that intermittently was leaking. After cleaning it up with steel wool, I JBWelded it and so far it seems to be holding. My next step if that fails will probably be to braze it - there is a man an hour away that still does that. All else failing I may have to take the rebuild plunge. Enjoy your '72, it is one of my favorite years!
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