Radiator is toast

[deathsled]

My aftermarket rad (three core so fan spacer has already compensated for thickness) has breathed its last.  Not worth repairing according to the rad shop (of which there are very few rad shops these days I might add).  Looking for suggestions on a replacement.  I looked at ACP three core as a possible viable solution.  Made in USA out of California.  I do also have that never used original 1966 desert radiator mothballed but hesitant to use because a. extreme rarity and b. apparently modern-day rads will outperform it.  More a conversation piece than anything.

[Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas]

I'm using a 3 core radiator that I bought in 2011. Got it at a defunct auto supplier
I see a company called "cold case radiators" has something similar. Price has gone up since I purchased mine
Look them up and see if they fit your needs. I have my original repaired, but haven't reinstalled it in the car

[98SVT - was 06GT]

Brassworks makes a quality product - but they are VERY proud of them. They might be able to put a new core into your current radiator. Aluminum is an option but even painted black has an aftermarket 90s look.

https://www.thebrassworks.net/collections/1960s-ford-radiators/products/1965-ford-mustang-radiator-reproduction

[deathsled]

Thank you for your suggestions.  I am considering both options. 

[deathsled]

Going to have the desert radiator gone through and if it passes with the radiator shop, then why not use it I figure.

[deathsled]

Three core from Ford in 1966 for a Mustang???

[Steve McDonald Formally known as Mcdonas]

I'm using a 3 core from Spectra and it has never overheated, has run warm while driving in the DC 4th of July Parade

[shelbydoug]

It all depends on how original you want to be.

Years ago I replaced the original 2 core with a three core 69 or 70 351 Ford radiator. From memory I believe the tag is a D0... so that means it is a '70. I'll look if you want the full tag.

Since my car is factory A/C, there was no chance of over cooling. Personally I think that it should have always been a three core. I don't see the logic of going to 2 core, unless it was just a cost thing initially.

That two core is going to run hot in desert type conditions and you don't want to break down while you are driving through Death Valley.


At the time I had a Boss 351 C in the car and the water pump outlet is on the opposite side as the early cars, so that radiator I am talking about IF you are using it with your 289 with the original water pump will need to have the inlet on the bottom tank relocated. That is no big deal for a radiator guy to move at all.

[deathsled]

I have the desert radiator with Rex rads over in East Dundee to go over it.  They have been in business since 1909 according to their website.  I plan to use the rad in the Shelby because it is from the day and rare even though no Shelbys ever came with the Ford desert radiator option.  My reason to use it is one day I'll be gone and I can state within a high degree of certainty that the rad as a stand alone will get thrown out by my son while going through my possessions.  Better to have it in the car so when he sells it (I have no doubt he will as fast as he can) at least the next owner might discover its rarity in the car.  Sort of an Easter Egg for the next owner down the line. (If anyone even cares at that point given our current very strange trajectory on about everything in this world.)

[shelbydoug]

I learn something new every day. I have never heard of a desert radiator option.

[deathsled]

I learn something new every day. I have never heard of a desert radiator option.

I had an old post on the thing and then it all went dormant over Covid, practically forgot I had it (though not entirely).  Now it has resurfaced to haunt my dreams.

https://www.saac.com/forum/index.php?topic=1347.msg11334#msg11334