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optima radiator
hi, we recently installed the U.S.Raditor optima in our 56 t-bird. concurrently we installed the new lower fan shroud which has a better shape. the t-bird now does not overheat on the hottest/dryest days here in the san bernardino area.
"U.S." is in vernon,Ca here in LA and you can buy direct. if you are used to doing your own work and dealing directly with manufacturers you can save a few bucks. I picked the radiator up myself and saved shipping as well.
The whole change out took less than three hours and that included drilling the new fiberglass lower shroud for the mounting holes. some of the original tinnerman clips were damaged so I used some plated flatwashers, lockwashers and nuts on four of the shroud mounting points. i had to trim one of the mounting notches for the radiator mounting( the upper drivers) as the bolt wouldnt line up by about 3/16". but overall the radiator looks very sturdy and well finished; and it looks stock except the core is about 3/4" thicker, the full thickness of the top tank. frankie
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