26 inch radiator issue.

[Jetpilot]

Here is my issue. I am replacing a small radiator in my 69 dodge charger with a 26 inch radiator. the old radiator mounted to the core support. the new radiator does not seem to match up to any holes in the core support. I was wondering if the 26 inch radiator needed any mounting brackets etc. to attach it to the core support. Also, if you just rest it on the bottom core support, it sits so high, the cap touches the hood when it is closed. Yes it is an after market champion radiator. I have read about mounting issues with some of these but not any issues on them being too tall. I think I may be doing something wrong.

thanks

 

[terzmo]

I have put 26 inch rads in 3 of my cars...all BB...all champion...and never had your issue. Did you get the right one for the model car because they are direct fit,except when doing a 22 to a 26 but even then,it is easy. This one was converted from a 22 rad to 26

 

[WileE]

The 22"& 26" supports are different.

 

[bobtile]

Have to change the core support.

 

[ga66mopar]

Only the pass side sheet metal is different on the larger opening for the larger radiator. Something is wrong if the radiator is too tall.

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

i just drilled some new holes, spaced out the top of the brackets slightly (so you don't bend them). if your putting a 26" in you'll know what i mean. i didn't bother with the opening, although it looks like there could be a slight advantage if you trimmed the passenger side (like mentioned above) mine cools just fine. it should not sit to high, is the bottom sheet metal bent up? try bending it down a little and see if that helps.

 

[terzmo]

When I changed from a stock 22 to a 26...all's I did was mount the 26 on the right side(driver) with the stock mount holes....level it and drill new mount holes on passenger side. The rad opening was a tad covered by the support but it lined up perfect with the fan and shroud. The pic submitted earlier shows that installation. I did not have to change the rad support. The car has a 498 stroker and cooled excellent.

Also...if you look at my avitar of my 67 r/t...that has a champion rad and it bolted right in. Some of the factory mounts(rad) may need a bit of shaving to get the holes lined up perfect. If Your rad is too tall...I'll wager you have the wrong one for the car. They have one for almost any application and I am a supporter of their product as they are extremely fair to work with.

 

[Gpuller]

Like others have said. The drivers side holes will be the same between 22" and 26", just the passenger side holes will have to be drilled. I did the same thing in my '66 only running the stock 26" rad, didn't cut or modify the rad support, just drilled holes.

 

[Jetpilot]

I went and measured the original radiator core and it measures 18 inches wide by approx. 19 inches tall. The stock motor is a 318. When you mention "spaced out the top of the brackets" what actually do you mean? My original radiator has nothing to space out. It has metal extensions that extend out about six inches on each side and they run the length of the radiator and they are not adjustable.

thanks

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

I went and measured the original radiator core and it measures 18 inches wide by approx. 19 inches tall. The stock motor is a 318. When you mention "spaced out the top of the brackets" what actually do you mean? My original radiator has nothing to space out. It has metal extensions that extend out about six inches on each side and they run the length of the radiator and they are not adjustable.

thanks

means i used a spacer between the brackets and the core support because there are raised bosses for the smaller radiator on the core support that inter fear with the bigger radiator. not very thick, probably about 3/16-1/4" off the top of my head without measuring. and just on the top of each side, nothing on the bottom. as i recall the radiator core was hitting without them, not ideal. this is a really basic swap. depending on what application your 26" radiator is for, like the guys said above the drivers side holes might even line up.

 

['73bird]

I "dry fitted" my radiator and the hood will close i just have to push on it a bit. Any suggestions on getting it to sit lower. The core measurements are the same as my old radiator. The problem seems to be the neck which looks to be 2 inches higher than original

 

[moparedtn]

Have to change the core support.

Should, yes.
Mandatory? No.
Ask me how I know.

 

[moparedtn]

I have put 26 inch rads in 3 of my cars...all BB...all champion...and never had your issue. Did you get the right one for the model car because they are direct fit,except when doing a 22 to a 26 but even then,it is easy. This one was converted from a 22 rad to 26

Did pretty much the same with the 26" replacement Spectra I scored off Amazon for $43 (!!). Drivers' side bolt holes work ok, made a couple new ones on the right side, seemed to line radiator up fine on fan centerline.

 

[terzmo]

Did pretty much the same with the 26" replacement Spectra I scored off Amazon for $43 (!!). Drivers' side bolt holes work ok, made a couple new ones on the right side, seemed to line radiator up fine on fan centerline.

That's right...I cannot see why a support replacement is needed except for cosmetics. Most people will not notice

 

[69a100]

Here is my issue. I am replacing a small radiator in my 69 dodge charger with a 26 inch radiator. thanks

I didn't know Mopar made anything bigger then a 26" radiator? Please, do explain about this, I might learn something?

 

[moparedtn]

That's right...I cannot see why a support replacement is needed except for cosmetics. Most people will not notice

Yeah, and I figure I can always go back and enlarge the opening in the support if needed later on.
So far, knock wood - it hasn't been needed.

 

[moparedtn]

I didn't know Mopar made anything bigger then a 26" radiator? Please, do explain about this, I might learn something?

Go back and read it again.
He didn't say he was putting in anything larger than 26" in, but that he was replacing a smaller radiator (which likely is a 22" one) with a 26" one.