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  •  » Question on upgrading 68 California special radiator

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    11/03/2022 5:58 PM  #1

    Evan
    FYI FORD Member

    Offline

    From: San Diego
    Registered: 4/14/2013
    Posts: 70

    Question on upgrading 68 California special radiator

    Hey guys my dads 68 California special radiator sprung a leak up top. He took it to a radiator shop that originally was going to fix it but turns out when they got to looking at it it’s pretty much toast. My dad is now looking for a replacement radiator and was looking at maybe doing a 24” vs the standard 20” that was in it.

    Does anyone know if this will just bolt in in place of the old one where the side covers were on the old one?  Or will we need to make a custom bracket to hold it in?  Also anyone know of a decent one to get for not an outrageous amount of money?  Seems like they are all over the place on material and cost.

     

    11/03/2022 9:02 PM  #2

    Rudi
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

    Offline

    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,787

    Re: Question on upgrading 68 California special radiator

    A 24” will fit but not plug and play. The larger rad will need 24” upper and lower saddle mounts
    After removing the side baffles I had to cut the tabs off of the four corners of the rad support at the opening when I went to the larger rad because of bigger engine and cold air system.
    I wonder what’s the reason for wanting a larger rad, overheating, adding AC.
    New brass original type 20” rads are available and will fit exactly as the original.

    Last edited by Rudi (11/03/2022 9:06 PM)

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    11/03/2022 10:13 PM  #3

    MS
    Forum Originator

    Offline

    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 11,735

    Re: Question on upgrading 68 California special radiator

    24” is a great upgrade.
    Get the 67-68 upper and lower mounts with the rubber inserts, plus a 67-69 24” fan shroud.

    It all bolts right in.

    AVOID Champion aluminum radiators with the squared off top tanks. They just look weird plus those sharp corners will hit the hood. Cold Case and Griffin plus some others make a 2 row aluminum radiator (equivalent or better than three row copper/brass) with stock looking upper tank. Or a copper/brass three row will work quite well.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    11/04/2022 6:30 AM  #4

    BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA
    Carrollton, GA Bash Host

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    From: CARROLLTON GEORGIA
    Registered: 4/14/2013
    Posts: 2,334

    Re: Question on upgrading 68 California special radiator

    MS wrote:

    24” is a great upgrade.
    Get the 67-68 upper and lower mounts with the rubber inserts, plus a 67-69 24” fan shroud.

    It all bolts right in.

    AVOID Champion aluminum radiators with the squared off top tanks. They just look weird plus those sharp corners will hit the hood. Cold Case and Griffin plus some others make a 2 row aluminum radiator (equivalent or better than three row copper/brass) with stock looking upper tank. Or a copper/brass three row will work quite well.

    this one fits and looks good...I had just replaced mine about 2 weeks before my wreck... I have a new one in the box waiting to go in my 65 now. Make sure what side your hoses are on though.



    https://www.ebay.com/itm/352292324281

    Last edited by BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA (11/04/2022 6:32 AM)

    Its really me....I fixed my caps lock .
     

     

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