Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

For those of you that have installed an aftermarket radiator, how did you handle attaching the air guide to the aftermarket radiator?

Mine had the mounting holes in it for the air dam. It is a low windshield car.

Just installed a Champion on the '66 "survivor". I purchased the 3-row. The threaded inserts on the radiator flange did not line up if I bolted the other mounting points to the frame of the car. I chose to only bolt to the car for now and consider putting inserts in the radiator flange later if necessary. BTW the threaded inserts on the Champion radiator for that application and for mounting the shroud are metric, not SAE as OEM. Pat

The Champion rad doesn't fit the late steering-box cars without modification that changes the position of the air scoop mounting holes. I didn't reinstall the scoop.

GeoffM wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 11:06 am The Champion rad doesn't fit the late steering-box cars without modification that changes the position of the air scoop mounting holes. I didn't reinstall the scoop.

My buddy is looking to get Champion rad for his incoming '69 SPL project. We'll see what we can do about the mounting. It might need new gauges, too. We'll just finish installing the brake kit and shocks from 4Wheelonline onto the Wrangler before we can clear the garage and take her in.

Richard, probably your better option is to re-core the original. Yes, I realize that is expensive these days.

With regard to the low cost radiators, you get what you pay for. Not only is the installation and fit poor, the overall quality is disappointing, and they look completely incorrect. For our cars, and any serious restoration, that is 3 strikes.

If someone made an aluminum radiator with a stamped header tank, it would be much more preferable.

Aluminum radiators R16/U20 from Richard:
https://www.datsunroadster.nl/onderdele ... iator-2000

that one looks nice!

That looks worlds better than the champion style.

spl310 wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 2:36 pm That looks worlds better than the champion style.

Yep, I wouldn't think twice on buying that R16 version even at twice what the Champions go for. Assuming that is only available in Europe?

Looks excellent. We were/are considering something similar. With US construction I'm sure it would cost about the same.

Beautiful craftsmanship Richard!

Like I said, you get what you pay for...

Champion used my radiator as a template for the 2000 rad, and as a bonus I got a freebie , it was from a late 69 recurculating ball steering box car, so there are a few issues on earlier 2000's I don't think they ever addressed.. I agree, the looks aren't the best, performance was great, but that car always ran hot. Current 2000 has a factory radiator and mechanical fan and has been staying nice and cool, Bob builds them good.
Richard's looks great, black paint and will look original.

side note, I did end up putting a huge 3 row aluminum radiator in my X-1/9 with dual electric fans, WOW, what a difference, will not go over thermostat, 180 degrees. In that car, you can't see it without a creeper, so looks matter less

Group buy?

devauxmidwest wrote: Tue May 18, 2021 10:44 pm Group buy?

Just found the R16 radiator price on the Dutch website if that is the group buy you are referring to? $915 plus shipping (do they ship to the USA?) Im not sure if they collect tax. Easy $1000. Personally, at that price I would only jump on it if the starting point of my car is that it came with no radiator and I had to keep the original look vs a Champion. Looks like I'll be recoring my radiator along with the heater core.

Rebuilt three row Radiator and upgraded heater core from Dean with exchange is $724. If not for the no will call policy I would call it a day and go with that. But coughing up shipping both ways even being just 50 miles from Dean's location makes that painful and probably out of play. I have found a couple radiator shops in the Inland Empire and Orange County for quotes when the time comes for that phase of the restore.