VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1937 Chevy Pickup Radiator

I just learned that my 1937 Chevy pickup radiator is beyond repair, so I am looking for a replacement. Saw a car radiator (3108266)on eBay, will this fit in my pickup? I believe that the correct truck radiator should be 3121208, but I cannot find any stamped numbers on my radiator.

Thanks
Doc

Using your old tanks you should be able to order a new radiator core from your local radiator shop.

Thanks, I will take it in next week and see what happens.

Doc

If you have your radiator rebuild make sure they use at least a 3 row core.

Jianis

I had my local radiator shop install a new (modern) core using my top and bottom tanks. Works great. I also installed a new water pump and 160 thermostat and my '41 runs on about 180 degrees even in parades etc. I also installed a 7 pound radiator cap. With the modern core you can used pressure. Was not all that expensive considering the pleasure of driving without the car getting hot.
JIM

Hi Doc, Does your radiator, on your truck, have the mounting brackets that are slanted, or run up and down? The radiator on my,37MD, has the brackets that run up and down. No body seems to know if the slanted bracket is for the 37 truck or car. Or does it make any difference? Thanks, Joe.

the mounting brackets run at a slant. I will try to get a picture of it.

Thanks Doc, I almost bought the wrong radiator. Didn't see that slanted bracket at first. Plus, the numbers didn't match up either.
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Joes 37

Jim, I just dropped off my radiator and am waiting a quote on a new core using the top and bottom tanks on my old one. What was your cost on this makeover?

Thanks

Doc

For reference, I had my stock '50 recored and it was $490.00. The gauge now stays a needle width below halfway no matter what.

The last radiator I had recored was ~ $400.

Doc Don't remember the cost of the new core with my tanks. I do remember it was not anything like the recoreing prices quoted in this thread. I was well pleased with the cost at the time. Put in a 160 degree thermostat . Not a 180 degree. A new water pump is not that expensive and since you have it tore down now is the time to complete the job. Good luck JIM

Two years ago I spend $325 to have my 48 Fleetmaster radiator recored with a 2 row core.That was here in the Netherlands.I am using a 160 F thermostat and and a 4 psi cap. It keeps the temperatures withing limits under all driving conditions For a pickup you should need a 3 row core.

Jianis

Thanks all for your input. Will advise on my quote. The way he was talking, I feel like it will be far above the 400.00 mark.

Doc

Doc,
You might check with A-1 Radiator Shop at 608 N Brooks St, Brazoria, TX. Call them at (979) 798-1700. Richard has done radiator work for old Chevys for several VCCA members including over 10 for me. The shipping cost may prove to be a bargain if the local guy charges too much.

I got the quote for my radiator here locally - $650 if the tanks are in good condition - I picked up my radiator. I did talk to Richard and he is sending me some pictures and cost to recore. I will let you all know what I come up with.

As information, I went to KCMO last week and picked up two front fenders, two rear fenders, both running boards and the pickup box (all original 1937 Chevy 1/2 ton parts). Now I believe I am complete in gathering the major body parts for the truck. Removed the cab on Friday - I am now down to the frame, engine and running gear. I just hope I can remember what went where when I start to put it back together.

Doc

Take pictures of everything, It helps with the the reassembly. Also obtain the shop manual as it will have illustrations. And of course you have help here on your project.

Doc...Checked my records on my '41 restoration and found that I had my '41 Chev. radiator recored (new core in my top and bottom) in December 1999 for $220.00 at a local radiator shop. I'll check tomorrow to see if he is still in business and what his price would be to recore your 1937 Chevy Pickup Radiator. Shipping cost are getting higher all the time. Let you know tomorrow or Tuesday JIM

Doc Checked with my radiator man. He has retired so that is that. He suggested buying an aluminum radiator from a Hot Rod or other supplier. He said they are reasonable price and they cool better than the original type radiator. He said just tell the supplier what vehicle you want it for and they will make it up for you. Good luck JIM

Jim, thanks. I will wait on my quote and then make a decision - I did talk to a company in MN during the car show in Ft Worth, think I might be able to get a new one for a reasonable price.

Doc

I wonder if there is any difference in the core only (w/o the top and bottom tanks and the side mounts) between the 37 car and pickup.

It seems to me that the same core that keeps a car cool enough should keep a 1/2 ton cool enough also.

You may be able to swap it out with a car core and receive satisfactory results. I think the thicker cores (with more flues) were for the 3/4 ton and up. Not sure.
Charlie

BTW: I have a NOS 3108269 (filler neck is missing but it is a simple matter to unsolder the old one and install on the new one) and a NOS 3128266. I'm not trying to talk you into any thing here, but just wanting to help if I can.

BTW2: The thing about the new radiators and their higher cooling capacity is fine for street rods that have a lot of changes in engine HP, AC, etc. but not needed for the original engine. Original radiators had plenty capacity for adequate cooling. In fact, they ran too cool without the benefit of a thermostat.

I think the radiators from the larger trucks might have a little more capacity.

I am not sure of the size difference between a 1937 car and pickup radiator. I have attached links to three photos with measurements. The core is 2" thick. The right side mounting bracket is detached, but I do have it. I did locate a radiator manufacturer who will build a new aluminum radiator that replicates the 1937 Chevy pickup radiator for $350.00 plus shipping. I would still like to use original parts, but may have to go with new for now.

Doc

Hope these work
http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o499/tnadams/1937%20Chevy%20PU%20Radiator/IMG_6611.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o499/tnadams/1937%20Chevy%20PU%20Radiator/IMG_6610.jpg

http://i1144.photobucket.com/albums/o499/tnadams/1937%20Chevy%20PU%20Radiator/IMG_6609.jpg