Vintage Mustang Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Radiator fit in a '68 Mustang coupe

Jump to Latest
5.2K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  DIHLON  
J
#1 ·
After reaching about 95% completion on my '68 rebuild I finally took it to a local shop for a good inspection and a tune-up. They are known for their work on classic cars and gave it a full once over. In the end they suggest a new radiator to replace the original that kept having some small leaks, which I had already planned to do eventually. They went to their resources and found a radiator which fit the specs perfectly. BUT, on install it came in about 1/4 inch too tall and the hood wouldn't close. They spent a good bit of time on it, but it just wouldn't fit right.
They have been chasing another radiator for a couple weeks now and are having problems finding one to fit.
I saw a number of older discussions here on radiator fit, and would like to find if someone has for a new source that could have the correct radiator.
My '68 originally was a 289, but I went with a 302 during rebuild. I wouldn't think their should be any difference in vehicle structure to cause a rad not to fit. Any suggestions? Tks
 
#2 ·
I had the same problem with my '67, finally found one a little shorter at Ron Davis Radiators. I used a big block rad and the saddle mounts that went with it. The only problem was the lower radiator outlet, it is somewhat more towards the center than the small block radiator and the outlet is slightly larger, and it is a 24" radiator. It's easy to trim the core support to fit the wider radiator and you get the benefit of better cooling due to the larger radiator.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blueovalfan68
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#3 ·
Why not just get a correct replacement radiator? Either that or one of the new aluminum jobs that look factory. Excellent fit.
 
J
#4 ·
The one that didn't fit was one of the new aluminum jobs. Don't know where they sourced it, but they went through all the specs of the old one and matched them to the new one. Guess 'height at the corners' wasn't one of the big specs.
 
#5 ·
I installed a BB '68 radiator for AC car from NPD years ago. Fit my 289 car but I did have to make some side mount plates from aluminum flat stock to replace the block off side plates of the smaller 289 radiator. I also used '68 lower saddles and top support.
 
#7 ·
Cold Case two row aluminum. The tubes are 1.25". The tanks are shaped like the original stamping.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Vintage Mustang Forums
posts
4.2M
members
101K
Since
2001
A forum community dedicated to vintage Ford Mustang owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about restoration, modifications, NOS parts, troubleshooting, VIN codes, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Vintage Mustang Forum Mod and Custom Forum Want Ads Concours Forum Build Forum