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Radiator Recommendation

D

dpixel

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Anyone have a replacement radiator recommendation for a 1972 Dodge Charger 5.2l 318 w/auto trans and ac. I believe it's a 26".
I'm looking for a direct fit (mounting holes, hoses, fan shroud, trans lines, etc). I'm looking at a Summit at the moment. It's a daily driver in the nice weather. Nothing fancy. I guess I'm looking for decent quality at a decent price.
Sure, I would like a copper reproduction that would last another 50+ years...lol, but the prices are too high for those.

PXL_20210507_194215287.MP.jpg
 
Speed Cooling. AKA ECP Radiators makes aluminum 2 row units that are cheap and do a great job. I have them in both of my Chargers.

5 Rad 9.JPG


It bolts right in and the stock 26" shroud fits.

5 Rad 14.JPG


2 years ago, they were right at $300 shipped.
 
Champion in Ca seems to have best price point with suitable quality that I have found.
 
I've never heard of any of these. These are all fantastic options and just what I was looking for. Thanks guys. :thumbsup:
 
Will the factory shroud fit the Auto City Classic 26"? And what about the plastic drain plug? Does that hold up?
 
dpixel said:
Will the factory shroud fit the Auto City Classic 26"? And what about the plastic drain plug? Does that hold up?
Click to expand...
Yes the shroud will mount right up. I had to trim the bottom holes on the radiator mounts a little but minor. I was able to swap the drain out to a regular brass one.

IMG_2463.jpg
 
dpixel said:
Will the factory shroud fit the Auto City Classic 26"? And what about the plastic drain plug? Does that hold up?
Click to expand...
Yes, the mount holes need to be enlarged for a sheet metal nut to work though. As far as the drain plug goes, I only have a brass plug in mine currently as the peacock valve I was using broke.
20230909_091655.jpg
 
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Does the OP have the 4 bolt or 5 bolt shroud?
 
Got a Auto City Classic. Factory shroud fits fine with slight modifications...
shroud.jpg

Had to elongate one hole...
elongate.jpg

And added some adapters for the transmission lines...
adaptor.jpg
 
I've heard nothing but good about the Auto City radiators. Let us know when you're finished how it works for you.
 
It seems that both 4 and 5 bolt shrouds were used, was just asking. Bob at Glen Ray told me where to get a new 5 bolt, but I will have to modify my Champion to mount it.
 
j-c-c-62 said:
Champion in Ca seems to have best price point with suitable quality that I have found.
Click to expand...
You DO NOT BUY A RADIATOR on price........the most important consideration is PERFORMANCE.....can it keep the coolant at the proper temperature on a 100 degree day in traffic In the summertime? PURCHASE THE BEST RADIATOR AVAILABLE.....a max cooling reproduction radiator from GLENRAY RADIATOR. It is guaranteed to perform for as long as you own the car.....all brass and copper construction, with a new cap. Do not waste your money on brand X, just because your buddy says so. Talk with BOB at GLENRAY FOR AN EXACT FIT RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. His product is expensive.....my # 2998956 radiator I purchased from GLENRAY was approximately $1400 plus shipping plus tax. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD THAT PRICE, SAVE YOUR $$$ UNTIL YOU CAN AFFORD IT.......don't purchase an oddball unit, then bitch when it doesn't perform like you expect it to......just because your buddy it's cheaper.....you get what you pay for......you will be glad you purchased GLENRAY........just my personal opinion......
BOB RENTON
 
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RJRENTON said:
You DO NOT BUY A RADIATOR on price........the most important consideration is PERFORMANCE.....cab it keep the coolant at the proper temperature on a 100 degree day in traffic In the summertime? PURCHASE THE BEST RADIATOR AVAILABLE.....a max cooling reproduction radiator from GLENRAY RADIATOR. It is guaranteed to perform for as long as you own the car.....all brass and copper construction, with a new cap. Do not waste your money on brand X, just because your buddy says so. Talk with BOB at GLENRAY FOR AN EXACT FIT RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT. His product is expensive.....my # 2998956 radiator I purchased from GLENRAY was approximately $1400 plus shipping plus tax. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD THAT PRICE, SAVE YOUR $$$ UNTIL YOU CAN AFFORD IT.......don't purchase an oddball unit, then bitch when it doesn't perform like you expect it to......just because your buddy it's cheaper.....you get what you pay for......you will be glad you purchased GLENRAY........just my personal opinion......
BOB RENTON
Click to expand...
Unless it is free, I do. I buy a radiator that will do the job I need done. The fairly low cost "Champion" I have sitting in front of me checks off a number of boxes, and as mentioned price is only one box. I would think the opinion of a person that has actually acquired one would be another box.
My life experience forces me to weigh another's opinion based somewhat on how much skin they have in game.
I've got none, so spend your money with whoever tells you what you want to hear, everybody will be happy, and that is fine by me.
 
The dudes that automatically default to spending the most money (under the false impression that it guarantees the best product) are as bad as the guys that always go for the lowest price. Use your head. Ask around. See what worked for others and make a decision based on that.
You don't need to spend $1400 dollars on a radiator unless you have to have a reproduction unit that looks as if it were made in 1969.
There are numerous options that work as well or better for 1/3 the price. Why spend more than you have to spend?
 
Put the radiator in today. One of the trans lines was in a different location by about 6 inches. Other than that, pretty cut and dry.
The original petcock transferred perfectly.
petcock.jpg

Had it running for about 45 minutes and a short drive. No leaks. Temp was perfect.
Will spend more time driving tomorrow.
under_hood.jpg
 
As you all know, the sky is the limit on how much you can spend on these cars. I didn't go that route. I've owned this car since 1996. Bought it for $450, keep it maintained and just enjoy driving and working on it.
The original radiator was leaking in 4 different places. It was time...lol
 
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