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Radiator Question

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by wingnut, Jun 30, 2004.

  1. wingnut

    wingnut New Member

    Anyone know where I can get a new radiator for a '55 CJ-5 with the V-6? I found ones for '72 and later, but I'm assuming they won't fit and early model.

    I checked Advance, Napa, Autozone, Summitt, and 4wd Hardware.

    Thanks.
     
  2. A Mandery

    A Mandery Member

    Turner 4 wheel drive site. AM
     
  3. Hippo393

    Hippo393 Jeepless

    Hi wingnut,

    If all else fails, one of us can measure the dimensions of the appropriate radiator for your application. Those measurements (height, length, width) can be taken to any reputable radiator shop and they can recommend a similar size if they don't have the exact one. Just note the inlet and outlet locations, and they have the computer knowhow to find one close.

    I have a '77 Toyota radiator in my '64 CJ-5A because of the dimensions of the ruined one that was in it matched it (although it's FAR from matching the stock size radiator). Good luck!
    -Alan
     
  4. jd7

    jd7 Sponsor

    I've used them from a comando with a v6. Might try the jeepster comando website see them there from tome to time. :v6:
     
  5. wingnut

    wingnut New Member

    This brings up another question. One of the main reasons I want to replace my current radiator (beyond the 'while I'm there...' syndrome) is that the lower inlet seems to be on the wrong side for the V-6. The lower radiator hose is about 5 feet long and loops under the crank pulley to the radiator. I assumed this was because when the swap was done they left the stock radiator in and just used a long hose to make it work.

    When I looked at Turner's site...

    http://www.thejeep.com/onlinecatalog/p86.htm

    ...they have a radiator that's listed to fit '1955-69 CJ5, CJ6'.

    Is the setup mine has the same as a CJ5 that came stock with the V-6?
     
  6. MOP

    MOP Active Member

    Is the setup mine has the same as a CJ5 that came stock with the V-6?


    Nope. The lower radiator hose on mine is about 12" long, and curves a fair bit. should be on bottom of passenger side of radiator.
     
  7. beeser

    beeser Member

    Hmmm... The latest 4WD Hardware catalog shows a radiator for the V6.
     
  8. lafester

    lafester Sponsor

    turner 4wd used to sell them also.
    i believe there is only one co. making them and i don't think they make very many at a time as they seem to appear and dissappear in the various catalogs. they are pricey and i think the best way to go is to get a used one off ebay or other classifieds and have it rebuilt or recored if necessary.

    it does sound like your rad is not stock.

    good luck!

    chris
     
  9. jjfalconer

    jjfalconer New Member

    Just bring your current radiator to a radiator shop and have them change the side the lower hose is on. While you are at it have them clean the radiator.
     
  10. beeser

    beeser Member

    How much are the shops in your area asking to recore a radiator (3 row)? Those around here in San Diego want almost as much as the $350 price in 4Wd Hardware's catalog.
     
  11. beeser: Yikes!!!! :shock: I was talking to the Radiator shop next to where I had my steering column done and they said to recore the 3 core Jeep rad. would bo about $90 bucks if I take it in and re-install it myself!!

    The reason I was there, was my Yukon needs to be recored. Not worth it to take apart, seal the side tank leaks, and just "rod out" the old radiator. New core, which of course needs to be re soldered to the tanks, installed, is $250. Lots of work to get these dang new rads out with trans coolers and oil coolers and such. :(

    Only thing that I can think is the "enviro rules" in CA now.
     
  12. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    I think the recore on my truck was $150, with a new 3-row core, with the radiator out of the truck. This from the only shop in the Boston area that does recores AFAIK.
     
  13. beeser

    beeser Member

    Jim,
    Everything seems to be getting more expensive here these days. If you don't mind getting a confirmation from your shop, maybe I can bring my spare radiator with me the next time I'm in Lake Havasu.
     
  14. beeser: Sure. I've got to take my Yukon down there to get done in the next couple of weeks or so. I'll get a firm price from them, instead of "bout 90 bucks" if you bring it in.

    Years ago, I had to re seal the tanks on my Triumph TR6, TWICE. Local shop in Van Nuys did it both times for 50 bucks. The last time, they "silver soldered" the tanks on at 4 places, then lead soldered them the rest of the way. Triumphs, like Fords, had a very shallow channel for solder. :(

    BTW, I have a spare one too! :) My orig one has been "epoxy puttied up" at the bottom. No leaks yet! :D
     
  15. beeser

    beeser Member

    Radiator came to mind after taking my Jeep for its weekly spin around the block to knock loose the spider webs. Afterwards, I noticed a small (very small) amount of coolant seeping out through the upper hose connection. Incidently, how fast and how far do ya have to go to knock the webs off?
     
  16. About "out of the driveway"! R) Any more and you're "riskin it"! :twisted:
     
  17. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Based on your year, your rad should have been for a 4 cylinder. The 4 cyl rad will work, but as you already know, the outlet should be changed to the passenger side of the lower tank. This is no big deal, any competant rad shop can do it.
    Also be aware that there are 2 different widths of radiators: 17" wide and 22" wide. IIRC, this has to do with the grille opening on the engine side.
    So if you order a new one, make sure it will be the same width.
    Unless of course, your grille/radiator has been modified/changed previously in some way or another by yourself or PO.
     
  18. 66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    got mine from mile high jeep in denver. took about 3 months to show up.

    depends on how many spiders, and how big is the web.