Radiator replacement

[TOM WRIGHT]

Well, after 45+ years of service the radiator in my 57 bird has given up. I feel that it is time to replace rather than repair. With that being said, can anyone recomend a supplier of a good replacement radiator? I want to retain the stock appearance. I would like the added cooling of a 4 row radiator as I am thinking of adding air conditioning in the future. Thank you for your imput.
:driving

 

[tbird5866]

Larry's Thunderbird and mustang lists radiators for 1957 Thunderbird. Standrad 3 row $327.95. Standard 4 row $342.95. High Efficiency 4 row $419.95. Optima 4 row $490.95. (Catalog not dated.)

 

[Travlin]

This may have nothing to do with the early Birds but I'll throw in my two cents anyway -- I bought a factory three row for my 58 off a guy on Ebay who went with a new four row. He later told me that the new radiator made no difference on his Squarebird.

 

[stude3]

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

 

[edmlynek]

WELL, i bought a 'griffith' radiator--all alum.-- very thick--fit stock mounting holes--but had to modify the shroud a tad to get to fit--but it was $500+ in 2006..(55 BIRD,AIR COND. AUTOMATIC-LOTS OF CHROME (FRONT COVER, OIL PAN - VALVE COVERS,ECT)..should of known (from harley exsperience) that anything 'chrome' holds in the heat--so is harder to cool off..but my temps are good--no overheating--bye...ed

 

[bromhead]

installing

another brand alum. radiator in my 55