Which aluminum raditor/fan combo for 68 FB?

[jbuening]

I'm running the Northern supposed 26" fan and it actually measures 27.25". Mine has the built in trans cooler #9617 and the car has never been over the operating temp of the thermostat. FYI, i had to relocate the battery in order to get it to fit in my car but i could have notched the battery tray. I was looking for an excuse to relocate the battery though Anyhoo, attached is a pic of my setup and i'd call whoever you buy the radiator from to ensure the dimensions are EXACTLY like advertised. Oh and don't get the Zirgo 3300cfm fan, it is crap and barely blows 1500cfm

 

[68restoman]

I've had a Northern radiator in my '68 for more than 2 years now with no problems. However, note that they have the lower outlet on the drivers side, not the passenger side like you want...

68Restoman

 

[jbuening]

I've had a Northern radiator in my '68 for more than 2 years now with no problems. However, note that they have the lower outlet on the drivers side, not the passenger side like you want...

68Restoman

Not true. They sell a dual pass radiator with the hoses both on the passenger side. FYI

 

[Tim65GT]

You mean this one?

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=GRI%2D1%2D28182%2DX&N=0&autoview=sku

Is anyone running with this type?

 

[jcode68]

I decided to go with this PWR from Absolute Radiator after doing some more research. Northern makes a model 5137 that The Hot Rod Store sells for $340 + $25 S&H. I called for details and they told me "yes it will fit the 68, but it is not exactly a direct bolt in (contrary to what they advertised on eBay). Would require some light mods to the flange to mount the unit, no big deal and I was prepared to order anyway, until I researched the PWR. Absolute sells it for $375 + S&H, so not much more, however these should require no mods. The quality and reputation seem be very good and it's a polished tank to boot. So I should receive it in a few days and will report back on the fit etc to help anyone else with a 68.

 

[jcode68]

Just thought I would post an update as this fairly simple part becomes a saga and bottleneck in my project! As I said in my last post, I purchased a PWR radiator from Absolute Radiator (very nice and professional staff). I ordered the unit specified on their website for 68-69 Ford Mustang, Small Block, Manual Trans. I received it the other day (nice piece) and did a quick mock-up, it was obvious that this was not going to just bolt in. I called Asbsolute and was told that apparently the radiator I had in my 68 had to be the same spec as the 67 Small Block and apparently some of the early 68 Stangs used leftover 67 parts. My stock (and I believe original) radiator measures a little over 20" wide if my memory serves me. The PWR I received is 24.5" and was not a flange mount like the original. I could have made it work by cutting the radiator support, but that was precisely why I decided to go with the PWR and not the cheaper Northern. So anyway, Absolute is taking care of me and shipping the 67 version, but it will be a few business days before I receive it. Just curious if anyone else is aware of this anomoly with the 68 using leftover 67 sized radiator?

 

[jbuening]

I'm not too sure on the earlier cars, but for 69/70 cars the 20" radiator came in small block cars WITHOUT air conditioning. These were the bolt in radiators and i think were two rows. The 24" radiators also came on small block cars but only if they came with air conditioning from the factory. The 24" radiators used the upper and lower saddle mounts. Again, i'm not sure if the same thing applies to the 67/68 cars but you could have purchased the saddle mounts to get the 24" one to work (extra expense, but extra cooling capacity).

 

[bnickel]

The 24" radiators also came on small block cars but only if they came with air conditioning from the factory

mostly correct, you could also get the 24" rad in small block cars that had the heavy duty cooling system but without AC. this applies to 68,69,70 unsure about 67 but i believe it was possible then as well.

 

[jerry S]

I decided to go with this PWR from Absolute Radiator after doing some more research. Northern makes a model 5137 that The Hot Rod Store sells for $340 + $25 S&H. I called for details and they told me "yes it will fit the 68, but it is not exactly a direct bolt in (contrary to what they advertised on eBay). Would require some light mods to the flange to mount the unit, no big deal and I was prepared to order anyway, until I researched the PWR. Absolute sells it for $375 + S&H, so not much more, however these should require no mods. The quality and reputation seem be very good and it's a polished tank to boot. So I should receive it in a few days and will report back on the fit etc to help anyone else with a 68.

Regarding your PWR radiator, how many rows is that radiator? How thick is it? what is the diameter of the tubes? do you have an indication as to how much HP it can handle?

 

[jcode68]

Regarding your PWR radiator, how many rows is that radiator? How thick is it? what is the diameter of the tubes? do you have an indication as to how much HP it can handle?

I returned the PWR (refer to latest post in thread), but can tell you it's a 2 row design. Sorry, don't know the spec on thickness or the tube diameter. I told them I was at 400 hp and it wasn't an issue.