Radiator upgrade in my '66

[Mike391]

I have a '66 F100 with a stock 240 engine and 4 speed. In the summer, the truck tends to run hot, especially climbing hills (which is pretty much unavoidable here on the front range of the Rockies. A quick cruise could easily involve 2,000 feet of elevation gain).

The stock radiator has clearly seen better days, and has a some pinholes. So it's gotta go regardless. Since I have to replace it anyway, I was thinking of upgrading the radiator to a larger one. That's what I am hoping you guys can help me with. I've looked online, and I know there are several options, all of which are considerably larger than the stock radiator. I was looking at my core support, and I realized that there appears to be a "block off plate" on the driver's side. So the actual opening in the support is considerably larger than the stock radiator. I am assuming I can remove the filler plate, and then mount a larger radiator. Am I mistaken?

Assuming that is correct, which radiator should I buy? I know Ford offered "extra cooling" radiators, plus there are the stock radiators that came with the larger engines. In addition to being wider, most of the ones I found online are also taller, as well as being 3-(or more) pass units.

Has anyone done this? What are my best options? Anything to avoid?

Thanks in advance....this is a great forum, BTW!

[ezernut9mm]

yes, you can remove the "block off plate". as far as the radiator is concerned, i bought a replacement from my radiator guy and the listing was for a 75 i think. we just pulled a year out of the catalog that had the hoses on the same sides and one extra core. i think it was around 250$.

[banjopicker66]

You should be able to bolt up any radiator for '73 - '79, and possibly '68 - '72.
Check out my gallery for pictures comparing the original '66 radiator (for a 352) and an auto parts radiator for a '78 F-150 with a 460.
As Ezer noted, you should be able to get one for a '73 - '79 with a 300 (at least), and if the hoses are on the right side, for just about any other option.
You may find it necessary to use sleeves on some of the radiator outlets, or possibly use new hoses.

[ICEMAN6166]

Mike
where are you at in CO
you mention the front range
im over on the other side of the hills down by the 4 corners
lots of hill climbing here too.

as mentioned the plate comes out and i would be looking for a radiator from an f350 with the 6 as they tended to be the bigger radiator.

[truckster]

Why not go with an aluminum radiator? I swapped out my 223 for a v8 and upgraded to the largest aluminum radiator Speedway offers. It cools like a champ and I think it only set me back about $120-130.

[foodstick]

Yeah, get the best bang for your buck on the radiator.

[frdnut]

Be sure to check out the champion rads. I have been very pleased with the one in the wife's 65..It cools our 390 no problem at all. I got it from ledfoot racing on ebay.