Cool/Heat: Aluminum Radiator conversion

[pdrnec]

I ordered an aluminum 3-row radiator for a 72-86 Jeep V8 CJ ($185 on eBay!!! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/72-86...ht_2795wt_1123 ) and I'm thinking I should get a fan shroud for it as well - does anybody know offhand if the stock CJ fan shroud fits with a Stude clutch fan? Can't seem to find the dimensions anywhere on line. I assume it will mount up ok just wondering about depth and fan opening size.

[Chucks Stude]

Hate to be a smart alec, but what kinda car you putting this in? Checked your profile and couldn't find what kinda car it is.

[pdrnec]

Oops

63 Daytona, 259 auto

[Bob Andrews]

Pat, here's a pretty good thread on this subject:

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?34006

[pdrnec]

Thanks, Bob - that's where I found the info about the CJ-7 radiator. Curious about using a CJ fan shroud as well, guess I'll hit the boneyard and find one to play with.

[Chucks Stude]

Check with the radiator people, they have a generic plastic fan shroud that looks like it would work with a Lark. I saw this on a 57 Chevy that got a new radiator, and Vintage Air. Looks pretty good.

[Dougie]

That radiator looks perfect for my Chevy conversion on my 62 Lark. The EBay listing says it includes an internal trans cooler. I will be running a Muncie 4 speed, so won't need that, but was wondering if the same internal cooler could be used for an oil cooler instead?

[MCCAB1]

The CJ fan shroud has notches for the hoses in different locations and the opening is not centered for the fan. You normally need to really cut one up to get it to fit and by that time it looks terrible! As for the trans cooler in the alum. radiator to be used for an engine oil cooler - I would not do this as it would restrict flow! These are normally 5/16" lines and most oil cooler lines are 1/2". Big difference in flow capabilities.

[Orestudeguy]

Pat, when you get your radiator installed can you please put up some pic's of the install and any modifications that you had to do.
I am thinking of doing the same on a project.
Thanks,

[Chucks Stude]

Will that radiator fit a Hawk? Or are Lark radiators specific to that car?

[pdrnec]

Pat, when you get your radiator installed can you please put up some pic's of the install and any modifications that you had to do.
I am thinking of doing the same on a project.
Thanks,

I'll be sure to take pictures and post. Engine temperature is the #1 reason I don't drive my Studes a lot here in LA - running around with the temp gage pegged just makes me nervous.

That said, if normal operating temp for s Stude is 180 - 200 degrees as some have said, why is the middle of the temp gage about 160? What kind of bonehead engineer designs something that way?

[Bob Andrews]

That said, if normal operating temp for s Stude is 180 - 200 degrees as some have said, why is the middle of the temp gage about 160? What kind of bonehead engineer designs something that way?

Good point, I wondered that too. In the race cars we always clock the gauges so when the needle is straight up it's where 'normal' should be. That way you can glance without having to read. Fine for a race car, but having your gauges all c ockeyed looks like crap in a street car.

[Paul Keller]

Stude' originally (back in the day) installed 160 deg thermo's.
Have read a few threads re the use of the CJ radiator, this is the first of some one recently doing the install. Yes, pic's would be great!
Paul TK

[1962larksedan]

Any chance that a 'regular' replacement radiator for a 1972-86 Jeep CJ would work in lieu of the aluminum unit?

[pdrnec]

I don't see why not - same form factor, but I would think that in AZ you'd want all the cooling you can get. I know here in So Cal I do.