The Big Bluebowski - 1971 Polara

[Unix]

I would recommend you keep as many original parts on the car as possible, and if needed have them remanufactured.
My original rad started leaking, so had it repaired and will be good for the next 10 years probably.

You must also remember that aftermarket parts sold nowadays are very often poor quality, even the more costier ones, so it's better to keep stock components where possible. The factory rad is really bulletproof, especially on the AC cars (much bigger and with fan shroud).

 

[71Polara383]

This looks like the same cheapo 26 aluminum radiator I used for my 70 wagon. The fittings are welded, and mine did the same thing so I hooked up to a separate trans cooler.

 

[3175375]

Oh crap... That fitting looks like it's welded in.

You might be able to drill that out and tap the hole 1/8" NPT, but I don't know.

View attachment 688510

The fitting is part of a ‘bung’ that is one piece and welded in.

Cut it off flush and tap the remaining hole with a pipe tap (1/8 or 1/4” - I can’t tell), so you can put the brass fitting that @Big_John referenced. Do both sides while you’re at it.

 

[Big_John]

The fitting is part of a ‘bung’ that is one piece and welded in.

Cut it off flush and tap the remaining hole with a pipe tap (1/8 or 1/4” - I can’t tell), so you can put the brass fitting that @Big_John referenced. Do both sides while you’re at it.

1/8" NPT

 

[Zezima]

I would recommend you keep as many original parts on the car as possible, and if needed have them remanufactured.
My original rad started leaking, so had it repaired and will be good for the next 10 years probably.

You must also remember that aftermarket parts sold nowadays are very often poor quality, even the more costier ones, so it's better to keep stock components where possible. The factory rad is really bulletproof, especially on the AC cars (much bigger and with fan shroud).

This looks like the same cheapo 26 aluminum radiator I used for my 70 wagon. The fittings are welded, and mine did the same thing so I hooked up to a separate trans cooler.

I reinstalled the original radiator after rethreading the aluminum on both sides, and even using pipe sealant on top of that to no avail. Put the original back in, and ... it solves everything. Everything at once. Transmission fluid is better, coolant is better, even the lines that were rubbing the belts don't anymore because apparently the aluminum one had a different, suboptimal position to them.

Only reason I even replaced it in the first place was because of pinhole leaks, but after driving around for half an hour in city traffic, no overheating, no leaks of fluids of any kind, everything just works.

Never again. Once again, you guys were right. Much appreciated with the insight, feel more confident to drive it than ever. And in the event that the pinholes do cause issues again, I think I'm going to have a much easier time soldering or JB Welding those than ever trying to force the fleabay products to work.

Very satisfying to have done this, thanks everyone.

 

[71Polara383]

Find an old school radiator shop. Have them clean/rod out the original. They can fix any leaks at that time too. Or have it Completely re-cored.

I like my ebay special 26", keeps the car very cool. I didnt like that I couldnt use the trans cooler though.