V6 Radiator Woes

I've been reading this forum here and there for a little while, and I must say thank goodness for technology and those who use it. I've got a '68 CJ5 with the Dauntless V6. I use it exclusivley to plow (Benzie Co., MI). The radiator is ate up pretty bad near the bottom center, but never leaked noticeably before last week. The guys at thejeep.com said that radiators were not made for these anymore. Any suggestions on where to look (local junkyards can't help)?
:v6:

 

you can take that one to a radiator shop and have them redo it. have em turn it into a 3 core while you are at it..=)

 

I had mine re-cored about 11 months ago, it cost about $230. It came out great and has worked perfect.

 

a 65/66 mustang radiator is near the identicle dimensions of the 4 cylinder radiator used in the 55-71 cj5s. and if it can cool the 289 v8, it can cool the 225 v6. the upper and lower hoses are at the correct locations for the buick v6, but the lower fitting on the radiator is slightly larger than the lower water inlet on the motor, so that needs to be adapted, which is easy enough. i bought a brand new 3 core radiator for $110 to my door. looks like it'll be a peice of cake to hook up, but i haven't done so yet. something to look into. easy to find, and probably much cheaper than having your 40 year old unit recored.. plus you can get these radiators in 3 or 4 core versions. also, they all come with an oil cooler option for the mustang auto trans. I'll likely rig the oil cooler up to work on my motor - just another bonus.

 

I did the re-core @3 months ago too for $230. Only place I found new ones was Radiators.com..... to the tune of $450.....

 

So if the mustang radiator is ~same dimensions as the 4cyl radiator, what is the size of the 4cyl? I assume a different size than the V6 radiator. Would it be easy enough to fit into place if the new mustang radiator is a different size than the one from my V6? I realize its the same body and all, but I've never seen one with a 4cyl to compare how it would fit in. It does sound cheaper from how you described it. Otherwise I suppose having it redone at a local shop isn't too bad.

 

radiators come in two widths 17" or 22"

 

Mine is ~17"...Does anyone know the width of the radiators used for 4cyl? If this is an easy match I might look for one from a mustang (sounds cheaper).

 

17"

 

My v-6 radiator in the 68' is 22" high x 17" wide , 2 core

 

thought the rad width changed after 1969 model year due to overheating issues with :v6: .

 

http://www.accountwizard.com/clients/shop.asp?Web=kaiserwillys&AW_SessionID=AWEngine2006000001739851251512511k51D251kId1k51D251SSite2e72E972e&page=item&itemid=2932
The stated dimensions are the core size, so with the tanks it should be 22"HX17"W. The price is $325 so it sounds like recoring may be the way to go.:v6:

 

In the new Vintage addition of 4Wheel Drive Hardware, page 11 lists a radiator for 1965-71 CJ 225 V6 2 core part #98416 for $349.99 and also a 1967-72 CJ 225 V6 3 core part #98417 for $369.99

 

i can check on the exact dimensions of my stock f head radiator and the 65/66 mustang radiator this weekend for you. but i know the core, the tanks, and brackets, and just about all other critical dimensions are just about identicle. i can't speak of the similiarities with any stock v6 radiator as I don't have one to compare. given its performance and price differences, the mustang radiator was a no brainer for me.

 

I to am in the same boat with the rad problems. The local shop wants 350.00 to recore i talked with radiator.com today and found that closest rad is from a 64 ford gallaxie which is 17x 20 mine is 17x 22 so i'm going to compare them side by side this weekend and see if with a little mounting fabrication this is the best route. The top and bottom hoses are both mid to pass. side. They told me 199.00 plus a little for uncle sam. I'll let you know what I find.

 

This is a very interesting discussion.

I haven't crossed the radiator bridge yet. My son works at a shop that also sells and re-cores radiators. I was thinking that I would get with the owner when the time comes and see if he had a new one that would fit or maybe re-core the old one. My radiator is off a 4 cylinder and I am installing a Buick V6. Looks like a new radiator, perhaps a mustang, would be a good way to go to avoid the lower outlet on the wrong side problem. They could probably put the correct size outlet on there for me too.

Great information.

JC

 

I was looking at Kraigs site www.jeepdoc.com and the CJ5 rad was less that 200, showed to fit V6... might want to check it out. On my Commando, they want boco $$ for rad, but I've been told that the measurements are the same as a CJ5, but I will have to move the mounts. So this is the route I was looking to do.

Ben

 

I think the ones at jeepdoc are for 72-86 v-6 which has diff dimentions that the 66-71. the only place ive seen them new is at four wheel drive hardware and those are 350.00 plus.