Thread: old radiator with new power

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I've got the stock radiator for my 1937 IHC 1/2 ton truck, into which I'm putting a 350 with 350 h.p. Does it make sense to upgrade the old rad - if so, how? Or is a new one a better and cheaper way to go?

Since overheating is one of those problems all of us rodders encounter, I always put in a new radiator and big fan and get that issue out of the way up front. It will take the enthusiasm out of hot rodding real quick when your hot rod is, well, HOT.

The original may work if redone, but if your budget allows for it, just bite the bullet now and be done with it.

Don

Replace it for sure,ever seen the inside of your house water heater after a few years??? A go aluminum such as Griffen etc.

Yup, me too. Get the biggest aluminum you can fit in the space the original radiator took up. Heck, trim some sheet metal and get a bigger one. Make sure it's a dual pass radiator. If you're running an automatic (seems most everyone does these days)then also get a high quality tranny cooler. Money spent on these things is money well spent. Nothing ruins a good cruise day more than a flippin' car that overheats, or a leaky old radiator. It's an investment, not an expense!!!!!