Squarebird Radiator

[byersmtrco]

My 4 row is regular brass. The aluminum is better. If I ever need a radiator, I'll go alum. But again, I've had no cooling issues, and I've had her out on hot days in traffic. Idling around Sacramento in July.
No worries!!

[Dan Leavens]

Jed I agree that the design on the surge tanks 58-60 are poor at best. I too have had to solder the seams on both for the 58HT & the 60HT. You would have thought that with these birds having the overheating problem originally they would have spent and extra $20.00 in the day to produce a better one.

[protourbird]

Griffin now has an aluminum radiator that will replace the stock unit. It is OK for A/C and has the trans cooler. Retails for about $500. They used my 60 Sq. Bird for a template.

[Tuxedo]

Ok.... so I still haven't found anyone who lists a radaitor for my squarebird. I got a quote to recore the original of $300-$350 which is, in my eyes crazy... next stop... finding something that will fit. Now, I know that I could have one built, but I don't have $350 to spend on a recore... nevermind having one built.

Has anyone out there been able to fit a different radiator in a squarebird?

[JohnG]

If I were trying to save money I think I would go to a good, used TBird parts place and try for a radiator with some modest warranty. First place that comes to mind is the TBird Ranch as he has an excellent reputation.

The one you have is beyond repair??

john

[Guest]

Hey Guys!
Larry Thunderbird and Mustang Parts has four row, heavy duty radiator for sale. You will have to call to get a price.
Phone number 1-800-854-0393. Web sight www.larrystbird.com I have not checked but the last time I looked there web site was down.

[Guest]

Ok.... so I still haven't found anyone who lists a radaitor for my squarebird. I got a quote to recore the original of $300-$350 which is, in my eyes crazy... next stop... finding something that will fit. Now, I know that I could have one built, but I don't have $350 to spend on a recore... nevermind having one built.

Has anyone out there been able to fit a different radiator in a squarebird?

Drax and Larry's are both good suggestions. I tried Larry's website the other day and it is finally back online, maybe yet with a few construction bugs in it. I also see that http://www.tbirdparts.com/main.htm Birdsnest also has $350 58-66 radiators listed with a $100 core charge. I suppose with a 2 way shipping a new radiator will cost you about $450.

I certainly would think that you having yours recored locally would be the way to go cause any supposed new radiator you're gonna buy is going to be a recored one anyway. Then you'd save all of that shipping too.

[Tuxedo]

Thanks to all for the input.

JohnG... I tried to fix the one I have and what started out as a hairline crack, just keeps getting bigger and bigger. The original crack was caused by my finger nail... which should tell you how brittle the whole thing is.

[JohnG]

If the crack was caused by your finger nail... then I have to agree it's time to hunt down a new one! Wow! Imagine the damage a bee at 60 mph might have done!

[Tuxedo]

Yep, I literally "clipped" one of the fins with my finger nail and it immediately started to drip. I originally thought I could just braize it since it was so small, but it got bigger and bigger...

I e-mailed the T-bird Ranch and they don't have anything. Even if he did have a used one, he would recore it before he sold it anyway. When I told him that I was quoted $300-$350 locally, he said that it was a very good price.

I will have to say, that he (John Draxler) was EXTREMELY helpful and quick in his responses back. I would no doubt do business with him in the future.