Radiator Question
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Radiator Question
Hello,
Restoring a 1966 Datsun 1600 all stock. The question is to have the original radiator cleaned / rotted out which is around $100.00 dollars, or is it better to just go and get a champion radiator and if so 2 or 3 rows? This car has been sitting for over 20 years. My wife uncle bought the car new in 1966 and as far as I can find out it didn't have any overheating issues. There is 85000 mile on the car. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Brad Johnson
Restoring a 1966 Datsun 1600 all stock. The question is to have the original radiator cleaned / rotted out which is around $100.00 dollars, or is it better to just go and get a champion radiator and if so 2 or 3 rows? This car has been sitting for over 20 years. My wife uncle bought the car new in 1966 and as far as I can find out it didn't have any overheating issues. There is 85000 mile on the car. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Brad Johnson
- spl310
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Re: Radiator Question
Well, do you want it to be stock or not? Stock is a brass radiator. The Champion looks completely different. Either way works.
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
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1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
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Re: Radiator Question
Doesn't have to be stock. More interested in what ever works well and looks good.
Thanks Brad
Thanks Brad
- spl310
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Re: Radiator Question
Either works fine. Looks are subjective. Decide which look you like and go for it. Research how the Champion fits as I don't recall which year radiator they used as a model.
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
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Re: Radiator Question
If cared for (occasional coolant flushes and actual coolant use instead of just water) the stock radiator/fan/shroud works fine. I'd have the radiator pressure tested and checked to make sure the coolant circulates satisfactorily.
If it checks out ok, I'd use the factory radiator for as long as practical.
In fact, I put a 2000 radiator in our 1600. Not for extra cooling but for the more "regular" fill/inlet configuration. That allowed me to make a bunch of changes. I eliminated the fill/thermostat tower, removed the fan and spacers, installed an electric fan and generally "modernized" the front of the engine bay.
Point is, the factory cooling system, including the radiator , works fine if in good repair. There's no good reason to change it unless it's failing or you want to for some other reason.
Dan
If it checks out ok, I'd use the factory radiator for as long as practical.
In fact, I put a 2000 radiator in our 1600. Not for extra cooling but for the more "regular" fill/inlet configuration. That allowed me to make a bunch of changes. I eliminated the fill/thermostat tower, removed the fan and spacers, installed an electric fan and generally "modernized" the front of the engine bay.
Point is, the factory cooling system, including the radiator , works fine if in good repair. There's no good reason to change it unless it's failing or you want to for some other reason.
Dan
SPL311 aka Skooter. Sold. Now wasting away in the SF area.
1990 Nissan 300zx. Sold this one too.
2018 VW Tiguan
1990 Nissan 300zx. Sold this one too.
2018 VW Tiguan
- Nissanman
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Re: Radiator Question
"Point is, the factory cooling system, including the radiator , works fine if in good repair".
Very dependent on your local climate.
In Oz, our Summers are very hot and the OEM system in my SP310 was inadequate.
I don't know what your weather is like in Boise but just bear it in mind
Very dependent on your local climate.
In Oz, our Summers are very hot and the OEM system in my SP310 was inadequate.
I don't know what your weather is like in Boise but just bear it in mind
Nissanman, just trying to help.
1965 SP310 Engine No. G-93326 Car No. SP310-10817
https://photos.shutterfly.com/album/60141836519
On the road again!
1965 SP310 Engine No. G-93326 Car No. SP310-10817
https://photos.shutterfly.com/album/60141836519
On the road again!
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Re: Radiator Question
I put this one in my wife's '66 and it works great. It is for a 2L motor and you will have to replace the thermostat tower with a standard water neck (3 bolt from an 81-83 sd22 motor from a Nissan 720 truck). They also have a 1600 version for about the same price if you want to keep the standard thermostat tower.bradleygt wrote: ↑Wed Feb 13, 2019 2:56 pm Hello,
Restoring a 1966 Datsun 1600 all stock. The question is to have the original radiator cleaned / rotted out which is around $100.00 dollars, or is it better to just go and get a champion radiator and if so 2 or 3 rows? This car has been sitting for over 20 years. My wife uncle bought the car new in 1966 and as far as I can find out it didn't have any overheating issues. There is 85000 mile on the car. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Brad Johnson
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-NISSAN-DAT ... k:170:pf:0
Here is the 1600 version for no mods.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ALUMINUM-RADIA ... :rk:1:pf:0
Last edited by devo on Thu Feb 14, 2019 8:06 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Radiator Question
Brad, I drove a '67.5 from late 1969 to 1972. They were known for overheating and head gasket failures. However, good maintenance can make it a lot less likely. I am putting a '67 back together now and I am planning to use the stock, though recent radiator. You need to just be mindful of maintaining it. I would get it cleaned and rodded out by a shop, and keep in mind that it will tend to overheat in stop and go traffic.
located in Chester NH
1967 1600 in restoration
2013 Arctic Cat F-1100 turbo
Ford F-350 6.0
Ford 9000 puller, Ford 960 puller, Ford 901show, Ford 971 worker, Oliver 70 waiting its turn
1967 1600 in restoration
2013 Arctic Cat F-1100 turbo
Ford F-350 6.0
Ford 9000 puller, Ford 960 puller, Ford 901show, Ford 971 worker, Oliver 70 waiting its turn
- david premo
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Re: Radiator Question
The radiator shop can install a close ratio core, more tubes per inch going across. That is what the OE Nissan radiator came as and many radiator shops need to be told you want the close ratio core or they install a standard core with less rows.
- keith0alan
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Re: Radiator Question
Agreed, have your stock radiator recored with a high density core. Stock look and better cooling.
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Re: Radiator Question
I always want mine Rodded out if it can be , i have been burnt with the rot outs
Rod out means. A tank is removed from the core and a music wire rod is pushed thru the coolant tube then checked. By seeing the water fall thru the tubes
Rod out means. A tank is removed from the core and a music wire rod is pushed thru the coolant tube then checked. By seeing the water fall thru the tubes
Last edited by redroadster on Fri Mar 06, 2020 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Mitsubishi tech 9 yrs
Volvo, Kia, Toyota too
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ASE MASTER TECH 96. - 11
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Re: Radiator Question
One problem is that the fins are soldered to the tubes. As time goes by the solder joints come loose. It will look fine but heat transfer is way down. It will flow great but not cool very well.
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Re: Radiator Question
Might want to consider checking the block for rust. Clearing it out is a hassle but it is part of the cooling system. There can be a surprising amount of deposits in there
Linda
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Re: Radiator Question
Brad, you might want to take your radiator to a shop and have them evaluate it. If you can get away with just getting it rodded out, great. If it need recored let me know, I have a couple here we could check out as well as a couple shrouds. I went with a new aluminum 2 core radiator for mine with an electric fan. And while this was my dads car since 1969 I wasn't concerned about originality, and the cost was about the same. Since I just went through a restoration on a 67.5 I would be more than happy to help you out if I can, especially since you are just over the hill from me.
Mike
Mike
Mike
rebuilt dads 67.5 1600
1952 GMC 302ci 6cyl w/cam and 3 deuces
1965 Mustang (Wife's)
1971 Nova (Son Claimed)
rebuilt dads 67.5 1600
1952 GMC 302ci 6cyl w/cam and 3 deuces
1965 Mustang (Wife's)
1971 Nova (Son Claimed)
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Re: Radiator Question
Would like to thank everyone that chimed in. Got some good ideas, just have to decide which way to go. Plus it's nice to have another Datsun person that is just over the hill from me.
Thanks Brad
P.S. Nice to have this forum to go to for questions and ideas.
Thanks Brad
P.S. Nice to have this forum to go to for questions and ideas.