MikeGA
Newbie
Posts: 8
Reg: 10-29-24
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01-08-25 12:30 PM - Post#2876895
I need a new radiator for my 1965 with 327 and automatic transmission. I want a factory look - don't want aluminum radiator and/or electric fans. US Radiator lists one for small block V8's with Auto and A/C. Anyone have experience with this radiator, or other similar?
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 toro455
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1514
Loc: Western NY
Reg: 06-15-02
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01-08-25 01:08 PM - Post#2876897
In response to MikeGA
I recently looked for a CuBr replacement for a friend in Norway for his Eldorado and US Radiator had those listed as well. I looked a little more and there was another company from NJ which is getting radiators both from the US and Mexico. I spoke to one of their guys who seemed like he had first hand experience handling/packing/shipping the parts so not simply office sales. I would need to dig for the name again but based on the conversation with the person I spoke to I was thinking of ordering from him/them. The friend in Norway is letting things settle down from the holidays before pulling the trigger.
The US version they had was not listed specifically as "US Radiator" branded.
One thing you likely will not see listed but you may want to ask is the fin (air center) gauge and the tube gauge. The deeper the tube the more susceptible they are to thermal/ pressure cycle. So while a single deep tube sounds great for surface multiple narrow tubes will likely last longer. Increasing the gauge helps though and some single tubes are divided across the depth (very common for Aluminum but not certain I've seen a divided depth CuBr tube).
As far as oil coolers the old "corn cob" coolers were equivalent to about 1.5 plates. Those could be different between sources as well. There is a third kind which is round like the corn cob but without visible dimples but I cannot recall the equivalent number of plates.
The Eldorado is harder to find parts for. For your Impala did you check places like YearOne, Hubbards, Summit, The Parts Place or Classic Industries? I ended-up getting my CuBr heater core from Summit racing.
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MikeGA
Newbie
Posts: 8
Reg: 10-29-24
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01-08-25 02:02 PM - Post#2876899
In response to toro455
Thanks! Yes, the US Radiator 3-core is listed at Summit and other places.
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65OldSchool
Newbie
Posts: 37
Loc: Western Washington
Reg: 10-27-20
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01-08-25 04:37 PM - Post#2876900
In response to MikeGA
Another option if you have an existing radiator, any reputable local shop can re-core and rebuild what you have. This retains the factory look and all attaching hardware.
Also, when I had mine rebuilt, the shop recommended and installed a custom crossover pipe in the top so that water now flows top to bottom diagonally across the entire radiator instead of vertically down one side that basically used only half of the radiator. This corrected the '65 radiator's poor factory design. (GM corrected this in 66)
The resulting diagonal flow lowered my operating temp by 20 degrees and eliminated the need for an aluminum radiator and electric fan(s). Parts, labor, and tax came to about $900.
Bart
1965 SS 396 4-Speed
Tuxedo Black |
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toro455
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1514
Loc: Western NY
Reg: 06-15-02
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01-08-25 06:19 PM - Post#2876903
In response to MikeGA
I found the place in NJ. It's called RadiatorExpress. Here's a link which hopefully goes directly to 1965 Impala 327 radiators. If not just search RadiatorsExpress and navigate. They also listed other heat exchangers but I only clicked on radiators:
https://www.radiatorexpress.com/part-lookup/radiat...
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toro455
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1514
Loc: Western NY
Reg: 06-15-02
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01-08-25 06:39 PM - Post#2876905
In response to 65OldSchool
I didn't realize the '65 had inlet/outlet both to one extreme side. That seems crazy. Would it be totally blasphemy to update the hoses and radiator to use the configuration of the '67-68? That would place the inlet/outlet diagonally apart. I would suspect a person could just get the '68 upper hose and maybe the thermostat housing.
Here's a link to the 68 parts so the sizes can be verified:
https://www.radiatorexpress.com/part-lookup/radiat...
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65OldSchool
Newbie
Posts: 37
Loc: Western Washington
Reg: 10-27-20
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01-08-25 10:50 PM - Post#2876913
In response to toro455
Whatever path you take, I highly recommend a diagonal in/out flow. I'm running at 180 degrees instead of 200 now with a big block on a 90 deg day. No other changes. Yes, it will climb up a bit at a stop light but cools right back down once underway.
The internal crossover pipe also keeps the same hose and t-stat housing.
Bart
1965 SS 396 4-Speed
Tuxedo Black |
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MikeGA
Newbie
Posts: 8
Reg: 10-29-24
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01-09-25 07:41 AM - Post#2876921
In response to 65OldSchool
Thanks all for the tips. I'm wondering if a 66 radiator with the upper hose opposite the lower will bolt in?
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 docjns1
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 443
Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 11-12-19
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01-09-25 03:41 PM - Post#2876931
In response to MikeGA
big block and sbc w/AC had a wider radiator and different mounting spacer to rad support so be careful with whatever you decide. When I bought my car there was nothing there and radiator was mounted directly to the support with lots of space to fanblade and no shroud. turns out it's an AM rad from 1-800 Radiator. I had to use the big block/AC spacer to move it closer the engine but still not correct. The smaller rad uses a deeper spacer that narrows toward the engine for use with smaller radiator
Steve
*********
'65 Impala SS, Crocus Yellow/blk
327 / 300 L74
M11 3 on the tree
12 bolt 3.31 open dif |
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toro455
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1514
Loc: Western NY
Reg: 06-15-02
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01-09-25 04:08 PM - Post#2876932
In response to docjns1
Steve,
There are '68 Impalas configured with the narrow spacer, SBC, and radiator inlet on the driver side. After 1968 the compressor switched to the driver side but, looking at you photos, the 1968 set-up seems like it would work. I cannot see your thermostat housing well but I guess that's different.
Scott
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MikeGA
Newbie
Posts: 8
Reg: 10-29-24
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01-13-25 07:07 AM - Post#2877030
In response to toro455
Thanks guys. From looking at your photos, I already have the narrower big block and/or small block with AC spacer.
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japete92
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2358
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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01-13-25 08:35 AM - Post#2877037
In response to MikeGA
Thanks all for the tips. I'm wondering if a 66 radiator with the upper hose opposite the lower will bolt in?
It does not matter where the upper radiator hose 'dumps' into the radiator. What matters is how the coolant is 'piped' and flows within the radiator.
Pete
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toro455
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1514
Loc: Western NY
Reg: 06-15-02
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01-13-25 08:53 AM - Post#2877040
In response to japete92
Pete,
The internal "core" is the same regardless of the inlet position but placing the inlet/outlet at opposite corners encourages the flow to even out, throughout the tubes, more so than if the inlet is directly on top of the outlet.
Maybe I misunderstood what you wrote so if I did my apologies in advance.
Scott
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docjns1
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 443
Loc: upstate NY
Reg: 11-12-19
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01-14-25 02:33 PM - Post#2877095
In response to toro455
Scott, Not 100% sure but if the oil fill on '68s was moved to the valve cover the t-stat housing could/would be angled to allow the upr hose to connect at driver's side. On mine the oil fill would interfere if I were to change that t-stat housing angle. Maybe somebody here has an original 65-66 w/AC who could tell considering the compressor would be pass side?
Steve
*********
'65 Impala SS, Crocus Yellow/blk
327 / 300 L74
M11 3 on the tree
12 bolt 3.31 open dif |
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MikeGA
Newbie
Posts: 8
Reg: 10-29-24
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01-28-25 07:59 AM - Post#2877469
In response to docjns1
Closing the loop on this - I ordered and received from Summit the OER copper/brass three-row radiator for a 66 Impala with SBC and A/C. The inlet is on the LH/driver's side. It fits and functions perfectly in my 65. Very pleased. I had to swallow hard on the price ($600) but still very satisfied. I'm using it with the plastic shroud for the same application, Hayden 2747 fan clutch, and reproduction GM 772 7-blade fan.
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 Magnetocheck
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 545
Age: 70
Loc: Charlotte, NC, USA
Reg: 09-05-22
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01-28-25 08:11 AM - Post#2877471
In response to MikeGA
Sounds like a winner. Post a pic when you get it all set up!
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible
Member, National Impala Association
--It's weird being the same age as old people! |
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SSuper Dave
Member
Posts: 562
Loc: Pearland TX
Reg: 10-02-05
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01-28-25 04:52 PM - Post#2877478
In response to Magnetocheck
Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten!
1968 Caprice coupe, 327/275, TH400, Ash Gold/Ivy Gold, Tach Dash, Tilt, Buckets, Console, AM/FM, Rear Defog, Disc and Rallys.
1970 El Camino, 350, TH400, 12 bolt posi, a blank slate! |
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Brickwhite
Contributor
Posts: 377
Loc: Colorado, Denver
Reg: 09-05-19
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01-30-25 12:27 PM - Post#2877514
In response to SSuper Dave
https://www.ebay.com/itm/291519786183
$200
I used this aluminum one in my BBC car, worked great. Painted it black.
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65acadian
Member
Posts: 291
Loc: Manitoba, Canada
Reg: 08-15-04
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01-30-25 10:55 PM - Post#2877526
In response to Brickwhite
You and I think a lot alike. I did the same thing with the same radiator from the same supplier.
https://www.canadianponcho.ca/forum/-1965-1970-can...
Edited by 65acadian on 01-30-25 10:59 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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toro455
"9th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1514
Loc: Western NY
Reg: 06-15-02
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01-31-25 07:40 AM - Post#2877535
In response to 65acadian
I got way too optimistic on my project and bought an Aluminum version years ago. At the time the stamped tank version, linked above, wasn't an option but it certainly looks like a good option now.
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