Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

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

Well, do you want it to be stock or not? Stock is a brass radiator. The Champion looks completely different. Either way works.

Doesn't have to be stock. More interested in what ever works well and looks good.
Thanks Brad

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.

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

"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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Agreed, have your stock radiator recored with a high density core. Stock look and better cooling.

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

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.

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

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

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.