Correct Radiator for 69 Road Runner

[1969VAGTX]

The 69 Road Runner that I am getting ready to purchase has an aluminum radiator installed. I would like to switch it back to the factory correct style radiator. What I am unable to determine is whether it should be a 22" or 26" radiator. I have seen pictures with both setups, but I want to make sure it is right. The car is a 383 with automatic transmission (with power steering if that makes any difference). Not sure if there would be any other indicators. Would appreciate some feedback.

 

[R413]

Got a fender tag or Broadcast sheet? What size core support is in the car?

a 383 without any options Like trailer tow, HD cooling or an axle package is a 22” radiator 2949053

 

[Jerry Hall]

Easy way, measure the width of the core support opening in front of the radiator. Unless it's been changed, your answer is there.

 

[3white74]

I have a 22 inch ....2949053 .... correct radiator if you need that one .....let me know

 

[chtampa]

Good for you. Aluminum radiators on Muscle Cars are like Spandex on a fat chick. She could be the nicest person, but wearing something cheap makes her look like a scuz bucket.

 

[Don67Satellite]

Good for you. Aluminum radiators on Muscle Cars are like Spandex on a fat chick. She could be the nicest person, but wearing something cheap makes her look like a scuz bucket.

 

[1969VAGTX]

Thanks for the feedback. Think I have some idea now of how to determine the correct radiator. As an aside, the car does have the fender tag, but no broadcast sheet that I am aware of.

 

[69roadr]

Thanks for the feedback. Think I have some idea now of how to determine the correct radiator. As an aside, the car does have the fender tag, but no broadcast sheet that I am aware of.

Fender tag should State what size radiator is in it and say "end" after the number

 

[Runner 68]

Good for you. Aluminum radiators on Muscle Cars are like Spandex on a fat chick. She could be the nicest person, but wearing something cheap makes her look like a scuz bucket.

That's debatable.
It all depends on what else the so called Fat Chick is packing. Don't judge her by the color of her lipstick alone.
A well made polished aluminum radiator makes and engine compartment pop.
Black, original, painted boring assed radiators look like @ss IMHO.

 

[R413]

Fender tag should State what size radiator is in it and say "end" after the number

Unless it was made at Lynch Road, plant A in 7th digit of the VIN.

@1969VARdRnnr what is the 7th VIN digit. Can you show your fender tag?

 

[chtampa]

That's debatable.
It all depends on what else the so called Fat Chick is packing. Don't judge her by the color of her lipstick alone.
A well made polished aluminum radiator makes and engine compartment pop.
Black, original, painted boring assed radiators look like @ss IMHO.

I prefer to embrace the equipment that the Engineers at Chrysler developed for use in the vehicles that the Mopar community apparently love. Is there any evidence that an Aluminum radiator functions any better than an OEM, or is this just a fast and cheap alternative like sidepipes and airshocks? Cudos to the car owner that makes the extra effort to remain loyal to the heritage of the brand. Personally, when I see a restored vehicle with an aluminum radiator or a parts store battery it indicates a start of other shortcuts or copying what they have seen. Aluminum radiators have a place in customized streetrods where lipstick is warranted. Again, the mixing of parts from various themes shows a lack of planning, unless that was your plan in the first place. My opinion of course and I also hate driving through a neighborhood and seeing a purple house as it violates my fragile sensibilities. I love the subtle look of boring asses, they hide surprises. <insert smiley green emoticon to not piss off anyone>

 

[WileE]

I prefer to embrace the equipment that the Engineers at Chrysler developed for use in the vehicles that the Mopar community apparently love. Is there any evidence that an Aluminum radiator functions any better than an OEM, or is this just a fast and cheap alternative like sidepipes and airshocks? Cudos to the car owner that makes the extra effort to remain loyal to the heritage of the brand. Personally, when I see a restored vehicle with an aluminum radiator or a parts store battery it indicates a start of other shortcuts or copying what they have seen. Aluminum radiators have a place in customized streetrods where lipstick is warranted. Again, the mixing of parts from various themes shows a lack of planning, unless that was your plan in the first place. My opinion of course and I also hate driving through a neighborhood and seeing a purple house as it violates my fragile sensibilities. I love the subtle look of boring asses, they hide surprises. <insert smiley green emoticon to not piss off anyone>

And here, I like "fast & cheap", lipstick, and purple houses.......

 

[69Coronetrt]

......What I am unable to determine is whether it should be a 22" or 26" radiator. I have seen pictures with both setups, but I want to make sure it is right. The car is a 383 with automatic transmission .....

IF the car has:

Only A/C (H51 coded on tags from LA, Lynch Road and St. Louis) it will have a 26" 055 radiator
Trailer Towing (A35 coded on LA and St. Louis tags but not on LR) gets the 26" 054
Axle Package (A31 and A36 coded on LA and St. Louis tags. Show as 642, 643, 591 and 594 AXLE assembly codes on LR tag) get the 26" 054.

You should find 26 on the fender tag if the car has any of the above.

A standard 383 automatic with none of the above gets the 22" 053 radiator. This will not be coded on the fender tag.

Meaning....no 26 on the tag = 22'' radiator.

 

[RJRENTON]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a slightly overweight chick wearing a little bit of "enhancement" help....as beauty is the eye of the beholder.....or.....as an old cigarette advertisement use to say: "it's roung and firm and fully packed....and sooo...satisfing"....but....one must draw or experience their own conclusions..... just my opinion of course...
BOB RENTON

 

[chtampa]

Here you go!

 

[RJRENTON]

Here you go!
View attachment 1222735

Perhaps, you will recall the old expression that the San Francisco '49er prospectors used: "Gold is where you find it".....OR.....defined by one's expectations, experiences.....and......underlying NEED......
BOB RENTON

 

[chtampa]

Perhaps, you will recall the old expression that the San Francisco '49er prospectors used: "Gold is where you find it".....OR.....defined by one's expectations, experiences.....and......underlying NEED......
BOB RENTON

I'm sure there is some gold in those two girls.

 

[1969VAGTX]

Unless it was made at Lynch Road, plant A in 7th digit of the VIN.

@1969VARdRnnr what is the 7th VIN digit. Can you show your fender tag?

Seventh digit is a "G" which I believe indicates it was built in St. Louis (at least according to the decoder I used online).

 

[1969VAGTX]

IF the car has:

Only A/C (H51 coded on tags from LA, Lynch Road and St. Louis) it will have a 26" 055 radiator
Trailer Towing (A35 coded on LA and St. Louis tags but not on LR) gets the 26" 054
Axle Package (A31 and A36 coded on LA and St. Louis tags. Show as 642, 643, 591 and 594 AXLE assembly codes on LR tag) get the 26" 054.

You should find 26 on the fender tag if the car has any of the above.

A standard 383 automatic with none of the above gets the 22" 053 radiator. This will not be coded on the fender tag.

Meaning....no 26 on the tag = 22'' radiator.

None of the codes you reference above are on the fender tag. The only place the number 26 appears coincides with the build date on the fender tag. So I take that to mean it came with a 22" radiator.

 

[1969VAGTX]

Here you go!
View attachment 1222735

Now you guys are just hijacking the thread. I don't need to see this outside of the "restricted" forums!