For those who have relocated a V8 radiator in front of the core support of a 57, did you find that the radiator sits higher than previously? I've ordered a V8 Cold Case and going to move it to the 6 cylinder side of the support. I have examined the hood cross member and marked out the center section for modifications. My plan is to cut out a 3" arch and weld a half inch metal strip to the edge @ 90 degrees for structural support/rigidity. I'm also contemplating making a similar modification, basically, another arch downwards, in the center of the horizontal core support to clearance the radiator inlet. Any comments or concerns welcomed as I take on these two modifications?
V8 Radiator to Six Position (57)
57 210 Wagon
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For those who have relocated a V8 radiator in front of the core support of a 57, did you find that the radiator sits higher than previously? I've ordered a V8 Cold Case and going to move it to the 6 cylinder side of the support. I have examined the hood cross member and marked out the center section for modifications. My plan is to cut out a 3" arch and weld a half inch metal strip to the edge @ 90 degrees for structural support/rigidity. I'm also contemplating making a similar modification, basically, another arch downwards, in the center of the horizontal core support to clearance the radiator inlet. Any comments or concerns welcomed as I take on these two modifications?
55 HT, ZZ4 w AFR's, 700R, 3.55 Posi
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WHY did you order a V8 position radiator for your 57, when its going in the six cylinder position?....Personally, I'd get on the phone NOW and try to exchange it.
Putting a V8 radiator in the six position on a '57 can become a can of worms real quick.
See the attached article that I wrote on the modification:
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Pops, I considered getting a 6 cylinder radiator but was told by Cold Case customer service rep that I'd have to replace the core support to install it. I thought about it A LOT before putting in my order; however, it's already on its way to me in Hawaii so can't cancel/exchange. Most of all, with the cost of the radiator already around $400, I didn't want to further increase my costs for a 6 cylinder core support, then, add shipping of oversized parts on top of that!.
Furthermore, I considered whatever information I could find online here and elsewhere but found references to only modifying the hood baffle and core support for clearance of the coolant inlet. No one says anything about whether a V8 radiator sits higher when in front. I can see that the limiting factor is the splash pan in front that dictates whether radiator sits up higher or not.
Let me close with this point. Whenever folks respond, many get so excited about what they want to say or contribute to the overall subject AND they forget to answer any questions the poster has asked.
Furthermore, I considered whatever information I could find online here and elsewhere but found references to only modifying the hood baffle and core support for clearance of the coolant inlet. No one says anything about whether a V8 radiator sits higher when in front. I can see that the limiting factor is the splash pan in front that dictates whether radiator sits up higher or not.
Let me close with this point. Whenever folks respond, many get so excited about what they want to say or contribute to the overall subject AND they forget to answer any questions the poster has asked.
55 HT, ZZ4 w AFR's, 700R, 3.55 Posi
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Regret that you were told wrong...All you would need is a set of these relocation brackets:1955 1956 1957 Chevy Radiator Conversion Brackets-DAN-11236
With the V8 radiator, you'll need to make several other modifications.
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You will need the relocation brackets or something to fasten the radiator to in front of your V-8 support.
Somebody needs to remind Cold Case about the relocation brackets. This was brought to their attention when their 57 radiators were changed to fit a 57.
Somebody needs to remind Cold Case about the relocation brackets. This was brought to their attention when their 57 radiators were changed to fit a 57.
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FLASH UPDATE: The UPS santa just delivered my Cold Case V8 radiator. I may have an answer to my own question shortly. I also hope to post some pictures of the modifications I make to my hood baffle and core support.
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I agree, you were given bad info. You can build the relocation plates quite easy. Plus the 6cyl upper neck is on the driver side not requiring the hood baffle or the core support to be cut. I run the 6cyl radiator on my 57. There are some pics of it in my albums.
Terry
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Ace, have you actually tried doing this and, therefore, speak from experience?
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Several members here have had this issue and some have had the radiator cap hit the hood before it is fully latched.
Unfortunately Cold Case gave you bad info and should help you out on the return in exchange for the correct 57 6 cylinder radiator. They know better and should inform their techs that answer these questions.
1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible; ZZ4, 700r4, 9" rear w/3:50 posi
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Yes years ago I tried moving my V8 rad to 6cyl position and went to close my hood…no go. Nose of hood hit filler neck.
That’s when I bought my 6cyl radiator. I used the relocation plates but eventually went to a reproduction 6cyl radiator support for a cleaner look.
55 HT, ZZ4 w AFR's, 700R, 3.55 Posi
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Wagon....I realize that you are in a predicament right now and I can truly sympathize with that...This article was compiled from many members successes and failures...I'll post these instructions again for you to review and follow....I hope it helps you.
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Thanks guys! This kind of personal insights are the most valuable information that is only available through online sites.
I keep hearing get a 6 cyinder radiator and use the relocation bracket. I understand this will eliminate the need to modify the hood baffle as there is an arch already in the right place. That being said, it appears I will still need to fabricate a dimple as well as fortity the core support. Does a 6 cylinder support eliminate this modification?
I keep hearing get a 6 cyinder radiator and use the relocation bracket. I understand this will eliminate the need to modify the hood baffle as there is an arch already in the right place. That being said, it appears I will still need to fabricate a dimple as well as fortity the core support. Does a 6 cylinder support eliminate this modification?
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You will not need to modify the core support in any way if you get the correct 57 6 cylinder radiator and the relocation plates.
Here is an example of a 57 235 radiator with dimensions
WR Champion 3 Row All Aluminum Radiator for 1957 Chevrolet 150 Series L6 Engine | eBay
Relocation plates
All Aluminum Radiator Relocation Kit Fit For 1955 1956 1957 Chevy Bel Air | eBay
55 HT, ZZ4 w AFR's, 700R, 3.55 Posi
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EXACTLT CORRECT! (And what Cold Case should have said as well)
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Yes they should have, They are well aware that there is no modification needed.
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So as to not get the wrong CC radiator, what exactly is the the part number?
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