Radiator replacement

[The_Handier_Man1]

From: wrayye  (Original Message)
Sent: 7/12/2001 5:59 AM

My 1973 chieftain is in the radiator shop at the moment. The old radiator had came apart at every seam I think. The shop cant find a replacement so they tell me I have two options. They can order a new aluminum one with an auxilary tank that will that run in the neighborhood of $1300 before labor.The other option is they can build a five row one.I am a female that knows nothing about this sort of thing and I need help. They want to cut a hole in the area just below the windshield and fix it so the radiator can be serviced from the outside of the vehicle.This applies for either radiator.We are at a standstill at the moment. I cant hardly believe that Dodge has nothing that will fit in the radiator area and be able to get to the cap without cutting on my home. Advice please........thanks, shawn



From: Cousin Eddie
Sent: 7/12/2001 9:34 PM

The radiator shops solution and price seems a little radical to me. Your options would be to find another radiator shop or locate a suitable used radiator. In searching for a used radiator remember you are not just looking for a radiator for a 1973 Winnebago. You are looking for a radiator for a Dodge M-300 motorhome chassis. All Dodge class A motorhome chassis, of the same year and size used the same radiator and roughly 75-85% of all class A motorhome chassis in the early 70's were Dodges. This means that there is a better chance of finding a radiator than you might think.

The radiator that came in your motorhome wasn't fancy or exotic, just big. The rubber extension hose and cap was used to allow servicing on various different coaches. Because of this simple arrangement there was no need for the coachmaker to cut holes in the body the way the wizzards at your local radiator shop want to do!

Check this link for a list of RV salvage yards
http://www.timberman.com/salvage.htm



From: Cousin Eddie
Sent: 7/12/2001 9:57 PM

In my last post I noted you are looking for radiator for a M-300 motorhome chassis. Yours may be M-400 chassis. Actually I don't think it matters. The point is you are looking for a radiator for a Dodge M series chassis. The Dodge factory parts book lists two separate radiators 1973 -1974. One for the big block engine #3733601 and #3733600 for the small block engine.

Other radiator part numbers from 69 to 77 are:
3637014     (318)
3827620     (1975)
3898063     (1976)
3827621     (1975-1976)
4037685     (1977)

I think....the part number is on the top tank......but don't hold me to it!

Good luck!



From: nvdesertrat0775
Sent: 7/13/2001 2:53 AM

Wrayye...
   I just replaced MY radiator, and my advice is to NOT let them do what you say they want to do.  Cutting that hole would be a shame...and not necessary at all.  It's too bad you don't live near here...I have a RV graveyard handy, and there's a big block radiator there already taken out.  It DOES make a difference if you have a small block engine or a large block, and as they explain somewhere else here, the small block has the distributor in the rear of the engine and the big block has it up front.  {I don't mean to 'talk down' to you, but in case you don't know what the distributor looks like, it's where those eight black (usually) wires all come together and plug into a round cap.)
   That big block radiator was too big for my small block, so I took it back, but if you have a big block & NEED it, maybe we can find a way to get it to you.  It's actually easy to take the old one out and put the new one in... If you can use a wrench, I can guide you thru it.
   This radiator, by the way, would only cost about $50.00 plus shipping, but since I don't know what part of the country you live in I can't even guesstimate shipping costs.  The radiator is in great shape...it was full of GOOD antifreeze when I pulled it...
  Let me know if I can be of any help to you..e-mail me direct, if you want...



From:
Sent: 7/13/2001 12:55 PM

Hello,

I too just had my radiator in for repair. The seam split as well as some of the tubes inside. My radiator shop was able to find a replacement core no problem. I dont know where they got it but I'm including a link to their web site.

http://www.geocities.com/pickrad/PICKARTS.html

I dropped off the radiator, picked it up a week later - looked brand new! I have since installed it and the old girl runs GREAT. No more overheating problems...YEAH!