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Size thread of drain plug on 66-289ci stock radiator?

6.7K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  baloo  
#1 ·
Actually, the radiator I have is a 4-core Champion radiator, stock dimensions (except for thickness).
The car is a manual 1966 vert with 302 (but water pump mounted so passenger side of the radiator has both inlet and outlet rad hoses, like the original 289).

I have owned the car maybe 3 months, and it has been down for 2 3/4 months for things such as replacing fried headlight harness, seat extension, seat belts, electric fan, and AC installation -- so MAYBE driven 20 miles by me

I want to use the drain plug hole to insert the thermostat switch for my newelectric fan, however, I am not sure of the hole size and thread.
Presently, there is a magnetic oil drain plug in that hole, and it appears to be 7/16". SAE thread -- I THINK -- at least it appears to tighten up and fit.

I assumed that the Champion radiator would be identical in all aspects to the original 66 Mustang radiator, but I'm uncertain because I have seen (and myself inserted) SAE bolts forced in NPT holes and vice versa.
Checking the internet, I saw two different size plugs are mentioned -- 1/4" and 1/8" NPT (pipe thread!). Nothing about an SAE thread.

I tried calling Champion Cooling, but both their lines went to recording, AND THEIR MAILBOX WAS FULL.
I emailed them using their website, but the email bounced back. (Contact Us )
Huh??!!

1) Anyone with definitive knowledge on the size of a drain plug in a stock 66 Mustang V8 radiator?
2) Anyone know if the Champion replacement rad would have the same size hole?
3) Anyone ever mounted a screw-in thermostatic fan switch on their Mustang V8? Any suggestions for another threaded opening on the block or manifold?

Thanks in advance.


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#8 ·
Here's a pic of that oil drain plug that is in the radiator drain plug hole. Yes, it is SAE or metric threads, and it's magnetic. Pix show the plug head to head with a 1/4NPT brass fitting (1/4NPT won't begin to fit the opening).
Funny thing, while looking for Champion radiator descriptions, I saw a Mishimoto radiator ad where they say they include a magnetic plug! First time I have ever heard of this also.
See their description for a rad for a Foxbody (they don't make a rad for early classic Mustangs):
Mishimoto MMRAD-MUS-79: Direct Fit Aluminum Radiator | JEGS

QUOTE: "...For further protection, this radiator includes a Mishimoto M12 x 1.5 Magnetic Drain Plug to collect metal fragments circulating in the cooling system. This drain plug utilizes a robust dowty seal for exceptional protection against seepage or leaks...."

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