wrightm

Hello,
I have a 66 convertible stang (with AC although it is not hooked up or working)....I currently have a 3 row radiator in there (purchased and installed maybe 15 years ago..seals broke once and I had it re-welded years ago. Drove okay (has always overheated on hot summer days after lots of stop and go traffic) but now the car overheats worse then ever. I'm guessing that it is plugged more than usual. I was thinking of having it flushed; but think it might be time for a whole new radiator.

The 3 row has always eventually overheated as mentioned and was considering getting a 4 row. When I bough the first one; I did some research on this and forgot what I had found. If I remembered, the 4 row would fit but barely....maybe they have gotten slimmer...any advice on this?

I'm pretty sure it's not the thermostat either. I think we have checked it (maybe even taken it out).

Lipp

Yeah bro, I am pretty sure it will fit depending on the one you get. Check out Mustang Steve's website. It's got a play by play on getting one in there. Pretty minor adjustments to get one to fit.

Starfury

You shouldn't need a 4-row, nor is that always a good solution. 4-row radiators significantly reduce airflow through the radiator, and that last row is only getting air that's already heat saturated from the first 3 rows anyway.

If anything, look at a good aluminum radiator as an upgrade. Just be sure to get a good one with two 1" wide (at least) rows, not one of the cheapo 3-row units. 3-row aluminum radiators are gimmicks and don't have the same cooling power a good 2-row unit will have. You may also consider upgrading to a larger 20" radiator. I can't recall what that involves on those early bodies, but it's doable and possibly worth your time/effort.

Coupe

I agree, I think I would rather have a good two row with big 1" tubes than a gimmicky 4 row.

Do you still have the fan shroud?

Hwyman

I put a 3 row Champion in my 66. I don't really know if it is "cheapo" or "gimmicks", but it works. It was 103* the other day. I drove about 30 minutes through town, stop and go, missed every light. Gauge went just below half, which is where my thermostat opens and the fan starts, and stayed pretty much there.

Starfury

Champion is on that list of 3-row 'gimmick' radiators. Sure, it may work, but it's not as effective as a good 2-row which can be had for a couple bucks more.

Hwyman

I'm no expert, so I am sure you are right about there being better radiators available. But when it's over 100*, I'm driving in the worst conditions, and it keeps my car cool, that's "effective" enough for me. Of course, I'd trade most of it to live in SLO again.

Starfury

Crap, hadn't realized my profile still said SLO. I'm up in Davis now...

I get what you're saying, but it could still be the difference between overheating and not on a .030" over 347 with a little bit of core shift in the cylinders. There's no reason to replace yours since it works, but if you're going to spend the money on a new one, you might as well get a good one.

Hwyman

Gotcha, and agree. Some specialty applications require all the cooling possible, and even if its not required, an extra margin wouldn't hurt. For most of us, reasonable price and looks that does the job is OK.

I haven't lived in SLO since 1955, but doesn't mean I wouldn't still like to.... or even Davis. But here I am, stuck in Bakersfield.