1965 Newport Radiator Replacement

[newportk65]

Hi all!

New around here, did some searching to see if this was posted elsewhere but didn't see any threads.

I need to replace the radiator in my 1965 Newport sedan, as it was sadly involved in a minor accident. from what I can tell the 1965 C-bodies used a one-off radiator, and 66 onward used a different setup...but I'm wondering if there is any interchange years or models that I'm unaware of, since the 1965 radiators are few and far between, and the owners are charging an arm and a leg for them! I've seen some B-body 22" cores sell for cheap, and they look pretty similar in design other than the inlet being on the drivers side of the cap vs the passenger side. Would that work?

I'm also not opposed to using an aftermarket, but I've struck out there as well...only 26" plus designs. Recores are crazy expensive as well.

Unfortunately cost is important right now, otherwise I'd have no issue shelling out the 450+ for the couple OEM parts out there now to get her back on the road as soon as possible any other solutions welcome...

Thanks!

 

[KcImperial]

A good radiator shop should be able to move inlets. I don't know anything about 65's so can't help with interchanges.

If you want cheap and don't mind aftermarket, you can do what I did for my Forwardlook cars. I went to SummitRacing's website and browsed aftermarket aluminum radiators for one with very similar dimensions and correct inlets. Then I searched eBay for the same model and found it for under $200 shipped. It won't be OEM and you'll probably have to modify the mounting flanges but it's much cheaper than recoring an original.

 

[commando1]

Very old but give him a shout. Anything's possible.
http://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar...OTH-HI-ALT-A-C2524984-Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler

Worst case scenario:
Install a 66+ water pump housing ( they are dirt cheap).

 

[newportk65]

Very old but give him a shout. Anything's possible.
http://www.forcbodiesonly.com/mopar...OTH-HI-ALT-A-C2524984-Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler

Worst case scenario:
Install a 66+ water pump housing ( they are dirt cheap).

Can you use a hi-alt/AC radiator in a non-AC car? Does it make a difference?

 

[commando1]

Not quite sure what you mean by "hi-alt". That's a new one on me.
I believe the only difference in radiators between A/C and non A/C cars was width and/or the use of a shroud.
But don't etch that in concrete.

 

[newportk65]

Not quite sure what you mean by "hi-alt". That's a new one on me.
I believe the only difference in radiators between A/C and non A/C cars was width and/or the use of a shroud.
But don't etch that in concrete.

This is ALL new to me haha. I think it's something to do with the alternator being in a different spot, requiring the inlet to be pushed further to the drivers side, similar to a car with the AC unit being in the way of the normal, more centered inlet.

I like the idea of using the 66+ pump housing, I'll see if that simplifies things a bit. I could probably get both the radiator and the housing cheaper than I could just the OEM radiator...I was shocked how rare and expensive the '65 units are.

 

[rexus31]

How bad of shape is it in? Pics? As long as the tanks are okay, take it to a radiator shop and have it recored.

 

[commando1]

Scott's correct. It's the simplest. Just pay the 300 bucks.