Wanted to show you guys my finding on an affordable replacement radiator for my 52 buick. I would say this radiator would be a good replacement for many other models. Large enough mounting brackets to drill any holes that you might need to make. I needed to re-core or replace the radiator in my 52 buick. A stock replacement was over $600. To get it re-cored it was $300+. Figured there had to be a radiator from Advance Auto Parts that I could make work. Went to their site and did a generic search for radiators. They had over 500 radiators on there! After spending a hour looking at the sizes and mounting brackets I finally found one that I thought would work. I always like buying from Advance Auto Parts because they keep a lot of parts in stock and I can order online and use their great coupons. Then pick it up that same day. I used the coupon code TRT41 which gave me $40 off $100. Radiator part number: 433397 A little smaller then the stock one. Cost: $115 + tax Modification: Only had to drill 4 mounting holes. I will be adding a trim piece on both top sides of the radiator to finish it up and make it look more stock.
Have you driven the car with that radiator yet? Looks like it fits fairly well, but does it cool like it's supposed to? Chris
Good find. I have seen mentioned(rumored) that a Dodge Dart radiator will also fit our cars. Do you know the application of yours? I haven't had a need for a new radiator yet so have not looked any deeper into it.
No I have not driven it yet as I am still getting it road worth as it sat in a barn for 14 years. I have only let it idle for 5 minutes. Did not over heat but it might be a different story when I drive it. Will report back if it is not cooling it enough.
If the rad is the same square inch area and same thickness it should be fine. If it is a little smaller should still work under most circumstances.
Looks period, too. Can't figure out what it's original application was either, all I come up with is "Ford truck".
Thanks for the radiator information. But, I am curious about that 'moustache bar' on the upper grille. Appears it has been cut and welded/brazed. I had thought, perhaps erroneously, those are potmetal (zinc diecast). What say you? Ray
I bet what appears to be a weld is a rust stain where the hood gaps are. I've worked on a few of these and they all seem to get that. They are indeed die cast, and seem to very often be broken. A good crack free one is hard to find.
I thought that radiator looked real familiar. late 70's Ford F series with a six http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MHT1/433397/01386.oap?year=1970&make=Ford&model=F-100+Pickup&vi=1119811&ck=Search_01386_1119811_-1&pt=01386&ppt=C0331 Hit the compatibility tab to show what it originally fit. Now I have to do some measuring as that comes real close to being the right measurements for my 48.
The "moustache bar" like you guys saw has surface rust but it's in great condition besides that. Not sure if I will get it chromed or paint it like some guys do. Have not figured out what I am doing about the paint. I talked to advance auto parts live chat guy but they were no help. They could not figure out what this radiator fits on.
Any update on if this radiator was ok? I need to do a radiator in mine and looking for a cheaper route like this. Have you driven it yet or hard tested it? Thanks
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