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5/26/2023 7:31 AM  #1


New Radiator

I've been thinking about getting a Champion aluminum radiator for my '67 302 auto air. I read some reviews online that caused me some concern - poor quality, shoddy welding, bad customer service, etc. Understanding that things posted online are "just maybe" inaccurate I thought I would ask the folks without a dog in the fight. Any experience with Champion? Would I be making a mistake? Thanks for any input.
Rick Wall

 

5/26/2023 7:42 AM  #2


Re: New Radiator

You just cannot get the degree of champion UGLY with any other radiator.
I prefer one that resembles the look and shape of a factory unit.
Champion put the CH in cheapo


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

5/26/2023 8:42 AM  #3


Re: New Radiator

Yeah, yeah they are not as pretty as a 1000 $ Griffin but we are all not millionaires.
As far as functioality is concerned the Champion rad works as good as any other one on the market and a helluva lot cheaper.
My  24 " three row Champ has been installed for about ten years with absolutely no issues. Its problem for me  was at the time no shrouds were available and i had to fab one.
Since I got mine there are a few that came out with  pretty stamped tanks at reasonable prices, I have no expirience witha any of them.
An O/E style brass/copper tank is also an option, you should be able to fit one in your car with a few tweaks.



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

5/26/2023 8:51 AM  #4


Re: New Radiator

In my 65, I have an aluminum radiator: Summit SUM-380461, which is made by 'Northern', # 5030P.
I have A/C and have had no issues with this radiator. 


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

5/26/2023 9:08 AM  #5


Re: New Radiator

Money is the reason why the ugly 24" rad in the 67. The bad part was cutting the perfectly good rad support to fit, but it was necessary. I painted it black to feel better.

I should add that I did use a big block shroud and top rad holders with some work to draw attention away from the ugly. 

Last edited by red351 (5/26/2023 9:17 AM)

 

5/26/2023 9:46 AM  #6


Re: New Radiator

You don’t have to pay big bucks or be a millionaire to do it right. These on ebay work great and are priced right.  They make them with inlet on passenger side for 65-69 and driver side for 1970.  Proper original style brackets and fan shrouds are readily available.


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

5/26/2023 10:35 AM  #7


Re: New Radiator

I installed a 24 inch four row Champion and had no issues until it developed a pinhole leak on one of the tubes. I paid about $125 for that radiator. I installed a Champion three row radiator about 3 years ago and still working fine. If money is an issue, I would not hesitate to install a Champion.

If you want to repair it or use it for mock up, you can have my old four row Champion. I also have a big block radiator with a similar pinhole leak that you can have.

 

5/26/2023 11:32 AM  #8


Re: New Radiator

MS wrote:

You don’t have to pay big bucks or be a millionaire to do it right. These on ebay work great and are priced right.  They make them with inlet on passenger side for 65-69 and driver side for 1970.  Proper original style brackets and fan shrouds are readily available.

 
Nice looking rad, good price as well.
I would have opted for that if it was available when I got the Champ. Still  . . . . no regrets.🤪


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

5/26/2023 2:15 PM  #9


Re: New Radiator

I looked at their 67 small block radiator earlier.   It says it has a stamped tank as well, but it looks nothing like the big block.   But it does seem to look better than the squared off tanks. 

I modified my core to use the 1967 small block radiator.  Its a couple few inches wider.

Nice price, too.


If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
 

5/26/2023 5:23 PM  #10


Re: New Radiator

I still have the copper and brass radiator in mine and have no intention of going to aluminum.
I figure that if I have issues, I will get mine repaired or re-cored.

Last edited by Toploader (5/26/2023 5:24 PM)


1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
 

Board footera


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