Replacement Radiators?

[ckhorne]

I dropped off my radiator to a local shop to have it cleaned and rodded out. It was leaking, but I thought it was going to be otherwise fine. I got a call back from the shop and they said the inside was shot - full of rust and mud, and that it was too far gone to repair. A new core would run me ~$500.

So... does anyone know of a replacement that's a drop-in or near drop-in fit? (Or happen to have a good one they're willing to part with). I'm not restoring to factory-new; it'd be nice to have the original radiator, but not worth $500 to me.

[ckhorne]

I ended up searching last night for a couple hours. Obviously, there's no aftermarket drop-in replacement for the Patrol. There are a number of aftermarket radiators, but it seems that most modern radiators are designed to be wider and shorter than what fits into the Patrol (without a lot of modification anyway).

The dimensions for our radiator are around 20.5" wide x 19" tall. Our radiator hose ports are GM / Chevy style (driver high / passenger low), and are 1 3/4" hoses.

This is the most appropriate that I've found, other than having a custom one made: Northern 209632 Drag 20 X 19 All Aluminum Race Pro High Performance Radiator I don't see my Patrol racing, drag racing, or anything that needs high performance, but the dimensions fit. So I ordered it. $179 with free shipping, although I'll need some tabs welded to the sides.

I also ordered two reducers for 1 3/4" hose to 1 1/2" hose from amazon (here).

I'll take pictures along the way, in case anyone else has to go through this.

[RiverPatrol]

Sounds like it has potential. Please keep us posted.

[ckhorne]

The radiator is the perfect size.

I took the new radiator and the front bib to a local fabricator to get some angle brackets mounted on it. They did a good job on it, although didn't take into account that the bottom bracket bushings would change the final mounting positions on the top when everything was tightened down. Either way - it still fits well.

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It took me a few trips to the auto store to find the other parts to make it all hooked up. Here's the final list, in case anyone wants to go down this route:

• Northern 209632 Radiator - 20x19". $179 on ebay
• Gates 26391 Hose Reducer x2
• Dayco 70780 Radiator Hose for the top connection
• 7 psi radiator cap
• 1/8" MNPT 1/4" Hose fitting
• Overflow bottle - The stock Patrol doesn't have an overflow bottle, but it seemed like a good idea

Overall cost was around $350, including the welding.

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For the bottom radiator hose, I'm using two 90 degree hoses, and I'll be using Esteban's copper pipe mod to both join the two hoses and to tee off for the heater hose. I wasn't able to find one easily - I'm waiting for one I found on Amazon.

You'll lose the fan shroud, and it won't be black. If you're going for stock, this probably won't be your best route, but any other route will be far more expensive.

[ckhorne]

Two more pics of the installed version:

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[RiverPatrol]

Very clean mod. Thanks for sharing.

[Esteban]

Very clean mod. Thanks for sharing.

x2

Very well done. Excellent mod and you've done all the thinking for others. Congratulations!