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Radiaator Installaton

Justin Fleming

Justin Fleming

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So this truck I have been working on appears to have a different radiator installed from what, I am not sure, but the factory brackets were modified to fit and the shroud is just kind of wired into place. It certainly is a large 4 core old school radiator with tin tanks on it.

The concern I have is I would like to have the correct brackets so everything bolts up correct and does not look like some hillbilly engineering. The other concern is I believe that the fan is to far inside the shroud now. The additional width on the radiator pushed the shroud closer to the engine block sticking the fan 100% inside the shroud. I was always under the impression that the fan was supposed to be 50/50 inside/outside of the shroud.

Let me know your thoughts and ideas..

thanks

20160228_180134.jpg

20160228_180147.jpg
 
Yeah, those brackets look like there for a 3 row radiator. Get some brackets and cushions (top & bottom) for an 83 K30 w/ 454.

As for the shroud I think you're right, it looks too deep (probably the original sbc shroud). Get one for the same app,I action as above.
 
I've read the fan blade works best with it in the shroud 1/3rd of the way,and 2/3rds sticking out..

In my experience when I swapped in a 454 in a few vehicles and was able to re-use the original fan shroud,the fan did sit almost completely inside the shroud,but it didn't seem to cause any issues,none overheated or ran hot as a result...but someone in AZ might have troubles,as it isn't very hot here too long too..

I have had engines overheat in traffic if the fan was 1" away from the shroud though,I had to put a long spacer and mechanical fan on that vehicle,and ditch the clutch fan,in order to get the fan in the shroud more..(I was unable to find a BBC fan shroud)..

Seeing you need the correct radiator brackets,perhaps you can score the fan shroud off a donor at the same time at a salvage yard..
 
square bodies are limited and rusted away here in michigan. It is almost impossible finding junk yard parts here. But will continue to look or hopefully someone on here may have the right stuff just laying around and ready for sale....

thanks
 
Sadly its the same deal here--slim pickings in salvage yards as far as square bodies go--and the few you might see,are usually stripped to a shell...

Someone here living in CA or other state with more parts trucks might be of help...

Worst case scenario,you could fab up your own radiator brackets or extend the originals to work on the larger radiator..and maybe you can trim the shroud some,but I'd leave it be unless it has issues...
 
You just need the top plate for a big block truck. If you haven't already, install the lower cushions too.
I don't believe that you will find a shroud that will be perfect for this application since the factory never built a 4 row, small block 4x4. Keep on mind that the length of a big block and small block are different enough to change where the fan is by about 2 inches or more. And then 2wd versus 4wd moves the engine.
I did this conversion on my '90 K5 a few years ago. I have also been told the same as you on the fan to shroud alignment, but mine has been fine even with the fan in too far. I took it to BB14 and used the A/C while wheeling in a black truck!

20150801_182702.jpg
 
I had to trim the shroud on the radiator side, and I think that I remember having to trim the sides as well as the top.
 
6872xtc said:
You just need the top plate for a big block truck. If you haven't already, install the lower cushions too.
I don't believe that you will find a shroud that will be perfect for this application since the factory never built a 4 row, small block 4x4. Keep on mind that the length of a big block and small block are different enough to change where the fan is by about 2 inches or more. And then 2wd versus 4wd moves the engine.
I did this conversion on my '90 K5 a few years ago. I have also been told the same as you on the fan to shroud alignment, but mine has been fine even with the fan in too far. I took it to BB14 and used the A/C while wheeling in a black truck!

View attachment 199837
Click to expand...
Do you know what year and what models are applicable?
 
I believe that most parts listings say '81-'88. It covers the sloped nose hood years.
 
Yes it is, and you can get cushions too. Let me know if you need any other pics of mine.

20150801_182717.jpg
 
the bottom cushions, are they just rubber and lay in place or do I need an additional brackets for the bottom?
 
The eBay one is for 73-80. You need the 81-88, so yeah if I read correctly, you have the right part in LMC.
 
You are right on #3, but I can't tell you on #4, I believe the difference between AC and non-AC was the width of the radiator (and thus pads) but I'm not certain. It could also be the width of the radiator, as there are wider radiators too. No idea if that changed the pads.

Hopefully someone else can answer that for you. If you knew which radiator yours is according to LMC's listing, then it would probably be easier.
 
You can try it, but I don't believe that it will be correct. A big block will have the fan farther forward.
I don't know if maybe someone can measure the depth of a big block shroud? ?? Then you could check dimensions.
 
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