Aftermarket radiator options ('51 B3B)

[ktb]

I'm afraid my original radiator (part number 1272446 D) is beyond reasonably-priced repair - upper tank thin and cracked; leaking at upper core seams; lots of debris inside.  I will look around a bit for an original in good shape, but probably leaning toward a cheaper aftermarket radiator.  I've seen Champion Radiators mentioned a few places on this forum.  Has anyone tried this particular radiator (EC52PLY) with mounting bracket modifications?  I'm concerned with fan clearance as mentioned by another member who had to go with an electric fan.  Any other concerns?  Thanks!

 

https://www.championradiators.com/dodge-coronet-radiator-1949-1952

 

 

 

[ktb]

OK, just found another topic here suggesting this one (CC4749 for Plymouth Coupe 1947-1949).  It has a downward angled upper neck that may or may not work better than the horizontal one above.

 

https://www.championradiators.com/product/CC4749

 

 

 

[Los_Control]

Wonder why you would need mounting bracket mods?

 

My aftermarket radiator had slotted mounting holes in the middle of the radiator .... I removed brackets from the original and bolted to the aftermarket .... works fine.

My used $50 radiator is 3" thick all the way from top to bottom .... I believe it is a larger 3 core radiator.

 

The one you show is a bargain price, is advertised to fit your application .... I have never heard a bad word against Champion. I would think it would fit?

 

Because of West Texas and multiple months of +100F weather .... I might check the pricing on a thicker radiator just for more capacity.

I would bet the one you show will work fine.

 

I painted mine black, looks like it might be original ... unless you know it should be honeycomb.

On a side note, My old one is in the scrap pile, it does have a good tank if you want to spend $1k to get yours re-cored.

[Los_Control]

When you buy radiator hoses, the store always lets me go in the back and select a random hose that is correct size and has the correct bends to make it work .... just cut out the piece you need. .... 2nd one may be easier, 1rst one is no problem either.

[ktb]

Thank you Los_Control!  I found the previous forum topic about having issues with fan clearance, and it looks like CC4749 was the one that interfered.  So I am leaning toward EC52PLY or CC52PLY with the horizontal outlet upper neck.  As for mounting bracket modifications, I just meant attaching the original radiator brackets to the aftermarket aluminum mounting tabs.  

 

https://p15-d24.com/topic/32233-after-market-radiator/

 

 

 

Edited 16 hours ago by ktb

[JBNeal]

US Radiator has a few Dodge Truck options to consider.

[Los_Control]

What I did, removed brackets from original and mounted to the radiator .... My concern was I needed to raise the radiator up to clear the bottom radiator hose and this puts the fan cooling the lower 1/2 of the radiator, not the middle .... it works fine.

 

 

 

[ktb]

39 minutes ago, JBNeal said:

US Radiator has a few Dodge Truck options to consider.

Thank you Brian, those look really nice, but probably out of my price range.

 

24 minutes ago, Los_Control said:

What I did, removed brackets from original and mounted to the radiator .... My concern was I needed to raise the radiator up to clear the bottom radiator hose and this puts the fan cooling the lower 1/2 of the radiator, not the middle .... it works fine.

Thank you L_C, looking good!

[Lingle]

I've been very happy with the quality of radiator from DCM I got.  it was a aluminum aftermarket one, that I had them make changes to make it custom.  they also often have used parts they may be willing to sell so might be worth calling them.  their website has the radiator as configured for stock listed but being aluminum, cheaper than a copper core, but likely still spendy.