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Good radiator for a Flatty

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by jeepfreak81, Dec 14, 2006.

  1. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Tried the search, but I don't think it was working, it didn't match radiator in any forum :?

    I was looking at the Fiero radiator that has been used in the ECJ5's, but how is it mounted, on end instead of normal?

    The radiator I have was about 4" too tall :(

    I am also looking at a 65-66 Mustang radiator I guess :?
     
  2. willysworker

    willysworker Member

    I have a '80 GM Monza v6 cross flow radiator in my 3a with a 225. I don't have a shroud and it cools it very well. I do have a 900 cfm pusher fan in front. I like it because it cools down the motor after shuting down and keeps the temp spike under control in summer heat. Check out the CJ3a red dog photos. http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/WillysTech/photos/browse/7270
     
  3. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    good looking jeep, and clean install. How bad was it to fab into place?
     
  4. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Another good option is the desert Rads they put in the flatties - FWIW - I run a stock 4cyl rad with a 225 and with good position and fan I run just fine, even wheeling.
     
  5. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    desert rads?
     
  6. willysworker

    willysworker Member

    thanks, the hardest part was finding which radiator to use. At 1 thru 10 I'd say a 7 on difficulty. Several trips to wrecking yard looking at ways companys mount cross flows really helped. 1x1 tube iron uprights for the top clamps was maybe the hardest part.A lot of trial fit-up was required but all in all worth the extra effort. It all came together smoothly after that and is sturdy with excellent cooling.
     
  7. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Desert Radiators – they were mostly in M38s and CJ exports to Desert climates. I have seen several locally that have been pulled. The core is about 2X thicker and has a much larger cooling capacity than the stock ones. You swap the bottom hose location and they bolt right in.

    Wish I would have picked a couple of the dozen I saw a few months ago.
     
  8. cj-john

    cj-john Member

    I used an S10, aluminum cross flow. It is out of a 2.5 4 cylinder but works great. I used 2 electric fans from a Subaru Legacy. Actually the Legacy used one big fan and one small. I used two small ones. No problem cooling my 231 and the perfect width and highth for my fiberglass front fenders.
     
  9. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?


    x2
     
  10. Slaghammer

    Slaghammer Member

    Not sure if this helps but during the 4.3 swap, I measured what size would " fit " the best and went to a local radiator manufacturer and he built it at a very reasonable cost. He got kind of enthusiastic about making something other than the everyday replacement radiators and even had me bring the grill / slash shroud to him for mounting tabs etc. I went with a 16" puller fan that allowed for a thicker core ( 4 core cross flow ) This photo isn't real good will give you some idea. Again, might be worth looking into rather than going with a stock radiator size.

    [​IMG][/IMG]
     
  11. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    I was considering having one made, I know they quoted me a reasonable price for my YJ, but I had them repair what I had instead, guess I will definitely get a price...

    Do you happen to have your measurements still, if they were handy I could run there right after work today?
     
  12. Slaghammer

    Slaghammer Member

    I'll go out and measure this AM. Are you going with engine fan or electric ? I didn't like where the engine fan would center on the radiator and that was another deciding factor in going with electric. Ive got the fan wired to a toggle switch on the dash so its up to me to keep an eye on the temp gauge. Could have used a thermostat switch with a cut off toggle for deep water but didn't. Don't need the fan in cool temps unless stuck at a light for awhile. Just had a thought: Call your radiator guy and see what size cross flow cores he stocks as a starting point ( tanks, inlets, outlets, drains etc are added to stock core sizes if I remember right. Or measure the optimum size for you and see how close he can make it.
     
  13. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    I have an electric I will be putting on, already had it, and I dont have the mechanical one. Thank's for measuring -- but only if you have time :)

    I have an electric in my YJ now so the installation should be the same.
     
  14. jeepaholic

    jeepaholic Jeepfreak81's fabricator!

    Beat me too it
     
  15. Slaghammer

    Slaghammer Member

    Height is 16" Width is 20.5" 2 5/8" Thick Took these photos as they might give you some ideas. Edit: Went with a cross flow so tanks are on the side instead of top and bottom to keep the height down. Hope this helps a little. Jeff.

    [​IMG][/IMG]

    [​IMG][/IMG]
     
  16. jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    wow that was fast! Thank you!!!
     
  17. Slaghammer

    Slaghammer Member


    Not a phrase you normally hear !! R) R)
     
  18. willysworker

    willysworker Member

    I don't think a 5 radiator will work in a flatty. He needs one narrow enough to fit between the frame rails because of shorter grill height. Also I would not hang one on the sheet-metal grill. With flatfenders it's best to keep them separate. Mount radiator on uprights welded to the frame. For front body clip mounting use only the center mount on the grill, bolt grill to fenders and only bolt fenders to the body. Get rid of the (vertical hat channel) wheel well fender mount. The frame flexes a lot and when all the stock fender and grill mounts are used, they develop lot's of cracks and mounts are ripped up. Using only the center grill mount lets frame pivot under body as it twists. Hanging the radiator on it is just to much weight and it survives a roll over much better when frame mounted. This experience is more than IMHO. This is old school and it works.
     
  19. Slaghammer

    Slaghammer Member

    Good info :beer:
     
  20. Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    If you look at my web shots (Dang I need to update pics) under the Black 46 when it was rolled you can see what Willysworker is talking about. The rad was mounted with veritcals off the new front cross member - it's got a full angle cage and survived fine.