Summit universal radiators?

[Mac]

My `63 C-10 has a leaky radiator and I'll be looking to replace it before winter. I've heard of people using these Summit aluminum rads. Question is; are they good for street use? The truck has a mild 283, maybe a 305 someday. No AC.
TIA

[wayne petty]

where is your radiator leaking from...?    it can sometimes.. if you have any decent radiator shops around be fixed easily...

are you planning on installing a cross flow? or a down flow..

they have some exact replacements at summit.. and for the same price.. plastic and aluminum offshore replacements at AZ...  but the AZ units have a lifetime warrantee... i know.. i have used it.. just as long as you can remember your phone number..    AZ did show a copper/brass unit.. but it might be replaced with an aluminum plastic tank version..

this set of measurements might come in handy when selecting a replacement..

Notes:   3 rows, 17 3/8" x 24 3/4" x 2" core size
Core Size:    17 3/8 x 24 3/4 x 2 inch.
Number of Rows:    3
Inlet Tank:    2 1/2 x 25 7/8 inch.
Outlet Tank:    2 1/2 x 25 7/16 inch.
Inlet:    1 3/4 inch. Top Left
Outlet:    1 3/4 inch. Bottom Right
Mounting Type:    Channel
Transmission Oil Cooler:    12 inch.


this does not answer your exact question..  sorry...

[Carnut]

Fellow across the street from me dropped a 80's Imala SS drivetrain into his 66 Chevy Pickup.

I was surprised to see an aluminum crossflow radiator in it. Looked like it belonged there, guy said it was from a 90's camaro.

heh, heh, the guy didn't have any gauges in the truck, was running everything with a little netbook beside him as he drove it.

Had all the electronics hooked up and working, and made me feel very old and stupid looking at it all.

[Beck]

I used one of the universal units in my '62 PU. It works fine with my motor, but it makes very little heat. The problem was mounting it. It was a pain compared to an original replacement. It would be worth the extra bucks to be able to just bolt one in. Mine is crossflow. I had to make all new brackets with rubber mounts.

[Digger]

PRC makes nice aluminum ones too. My problem with any of them is I can't fix them. With a copper one, If you spring a leak in east Podunk somewhere you can usually find solder and a propane torch to repair it good enough to get home.
Just sayin---

[zzford]

I'd go with a good copper/brass replacement. They can be easily repaired in the furure.

[jaybee]

Speedway Motors has a line of universals as well.

[Mac]

This is the one that seems right for outlets and size.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-380325/
It's 1" tube 2 row crossflow.  
I realize I have to fab cushioned mounts and I guess those should be at the corners so stress is on the tanks and not the core.

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I've got a budget Summit  aluminum radiator in my  Dodge Lancer with V8..  It has been in service for near 7 yrs..    Aluminum water pump on the engine too.

I use the red life time  Prestone  radiator coolant - antifreeze stuff in it

[phat rat]

I'm not sure but it seems as though I've heard the racing radiators have fewer fins. If that's correct you might be better off spending a little more on one designed for the street. More fins equals more cooling surface

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I will also mention  on my aluminum rad install,  It is mounted in home built rubber saddle mounts top  n  bottom.

I have a ground wire from the rad to the chassis to help stop that electrolysis  thing.  I read some where that was a good idea.

[Mac]

I'm not sure but it seems as though I've heard the racing radiators have fewer fins. If that's correct you might be better off spending a little more on one designed for the street. More fins equals more cooling surface

This is what I thought I had heard, too. Offsetting that would be the fact that aluminum is better at radiating heat.

I'm encouraged by Crosley's use and I remember hearing the chassis grounding trick, too. Good point.

[phat rat]

I have an aluminum 2 core cooling the BBC in my cpe. It's only about 17 X 26 but it does the job