Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

After having some over heating problems off and on...coming back from Shasta gig was the last straw. Found an aluminum rad. with 3 rows made by Champion Cooling . They make racing radiators but advertised this one to fit 63-70 Datsun Roadsters. I got it for $180 +25 shipping. I should have known when they say will fit 63-70. Mine is a 1970...mounting was all differant. I had to redrill the car mounts and move about 1/2 inch so it would clear the steering box. Then the fan shrould would not line up...had to redrill 2 holes there.
But its all done and looks good and you cant tell its off center 1/2 in. The Fedx shipping tag said 11.8 lbs.with box and styrofoam. And I know the old one weighed a ton. Car seems to excel faster with less weight. Maybe just me. Over all very happy...we will see.

Richard

How's the cooling? Also if there is overheating will an aluminum radiator warp?

Linda

Any type of metal will warp if it gets hot enough. That is the whole point tho, not to get hot. But it seems to be well made with nice welds...you know that strong look. Only drove about 20 miles so far had other issues. With a xternal gauge it was at 150-170 deg...hoses and tanks. Temp here was 100 deg. I will get some more road time in today.

Richard

Linda wrote:How's the cooling? Also if there is overheating will an aluminum radiator warp?

Linda

The problem with aluminum expanding or warping is only an issue if it's rigidly bolted to something that doesn't expand. Prime example is the aluminum head on an iron block. They expand and move at different rates, and the head is weaker. An all aluminum radiator will expand and contract as a single unit, so no problems. Aluminum is hands down the best material for a radiator, it's about time someone mass marketed one for these cars..
Be aware, those Champion radiators will not work on a 2000 or a 1500 unless you add an inline fill cap on the upper hose.

Well im inpressed with the new radiator. 91 deg. here today, drove all over town, I-5 60 -65 mph got home and it was 140 deg. at thermo housing. ( close as I can come). I had cleaned out the tin can coolant over flow tank now it is leaking at the seem. So may have to fix that little issue. So little time so meany little problems.

Richard

I'm strongly considering buying one. The add on filler cap may look silly, but cooler is better. I'm even considering having a filler neck welded in, but cutting a 1 1/2 " hole in the radiator may void the warranty. We'll see how it runs with the stock 1500, it looks to be a 3 core.

K1200GT,

Would love to see some pictures of your newly installed radiator. I'm betting there are quite a few owner's looking to have the same upgrade done.

Thanks

If you can figure it out, why not let everyone know what year radiator it is based on. Clearly it is a 1600 unit, but is it the wider version for the cars with the cam and lever steering box, or the narrower unit for the recirculating ball?

It was advertised to fit 1963-69 1600. I know that is a wide range but thats the way it was listed. The price was right. I had to redrill some mounting holes. But well worth the results. Try too post some pics. There # is 714-432-1266. Calif.

Richard

Do the fins get bent more easily? How strong is the inlet and outlet? I'm wondering if it would dent easily.

Linda

Linda wrote:Do the fins get bent more easily? How strong is the inlet and outlet? I'm wondering if it would dent easily.

Linda

Aluminum radiators are the industry standard, The material is fine, all depends on how well it's put together.

Well Linda, it would have helped if I had taken the hood off. #2 If I didnt have to take the rad in and out 4 times. See if would fit..put in to see where to drill...put in to bolt up.#3 Dont let the rad fall forward and hit the water pump while looking for a wrench. Didnt hurt anything but did bend some fins. They can be straightened but I think they call it lazy...on my part. The rad is well built the fins are OK..but would not take a Bird strike very well from the front. Hey, its Aluminum. think of it as a heavy duty Beer can.

Richard

Fin combs are available that you can use to straighten the bent fins. Quite frustrating, but certainly not impossible.

Hey, its Aluminum. think of it as a heavy duty Beer can.

Maybe that's what they are made of??
Do your duty, drink more beer!!

Linda

Linda wrote:

Hey, its Aluminum. think of it as a heavy duty Beer can.

Maybe that's what they are made of??
Do your duty, drink more beer!!

Linda

I did my duty to the economy and bought one a couple of weeks ago. I have been practicing welding aluminum when I get a chance. I figure WHEN I can weld two beer cans together like this guy, I will be good enough to try to weld a pipe fitting and filler neck to the tank. LOL

[youtube][/youtube]