UGH... It looks like the time has come to recore my BB radiator. The best radiator shop around here says they can recore it for $269 ..He suggested using 16 fins per inch as opposed to the original 12. While I want to keep the car as stock as possible, I do drive it almost every day and it's pretty hot and humid here in the summer. What do you guys think? 12 vs.16 :grouphug:
If you have it judged, who's gonna bend down and count fins? There's too much to check, and if the radiator has the correct color and configuration (other than fins/inch) then I don't see it as a big deal.
Well, if you're going to ask this question on FCR, I think you know the answer you'll get.
A sharp judge WILL spot the difference and deduct accordingly. The original style rad worked just fine all these years, why wouldn't an identical replacement work just as well?
I agree. I had an "original type" radiator in my 69 when I bought it, BUT, it had the cap on the radiator. It was not designed for a surge tank. It was "mickey rigged" with a Stant Flip The Lever cap, etc.
I bought a NOS original radiator and put it in. Drove on 2 NCRS road tours.... to St. Louis and to Bowling Green. These tours racked up several thousand miles. Drove to Montauk, Long Island, NY too. NEVER have had an overheating problem, and mine's a 69 427/400 automatic. I'd stick with original. Judges can tell, IF this is your "bag". :) Chuck