Spryte Radiator

[Boat Doc]

Lifted the cab off my 1965 1201 this weekend so I can pull the engine and refresh it over the summer...not liking the looks of the radiator and wondering ifanyone knows what might fit in that location? Anyone know the part number or a make/model that will bolt-in? Thanks!

 

[TheSkipper]

Dont know of any compatible radiators, instead, if the tanks top and bottom are good you can get it recored at a radiator shop and should not cost much more than a new one.

 

[DAVENET]

Dont know of any compatible radiators, instead, if the tanks top and bottom are good you can get it recored at a radiator shop and should not cost much more than a new one.

And it will probably last as long as the first time around - unlike the new plastic tank crap.

 

[Boat Doc]

Good idea...and I had thought of that...but at least locally here in central NH, both our local radiator shops closed a long time ago and I think I had to go all the way to the Boston Area when I needed my intercooler cleaned/soaked from a CAT3126 in one of our workboats...I'll start looking around...Thanks

 

[DAVENET]

Lowell Auto Radiator Service Inc​

Address: 134 Congress St, Lowell, MA 01852

That's where I took mine for pressure testing and where we take anything from work. A completely cluttered, messy, old school shop. But, if George can't fix it, it can't be fixed period.

 

[redsqwrl]

My George is Brian. and some times the quote goes like this.....

"But, if George can't fix it, it can't be fixed period"
" but, if Brian won't fix it, It won't be fixed period" I had him rebuild a bellows type thermostat for my kitten it works perfect.

 

[Boat Doc]

Thanks for the lead...I'll reach out to George.

 

[samwe]

Local place here wanted $1400 to recore the radiator for my '78 Spryte!
I bought a Griffin 1-70208 for $400 delivered (Alaska...)

I wrapped some 1/8 aluminum around it and "welded" it to the radiator. 2 pieces of 1luminum angle finished the job.
I used those aluminum welding rods that are really just a form of soldering or brazing and they worked fine.

 

[mtncrawler]

Can you give us greater detail with pictures? Radiator replacement is something we're all facing with shops closing down.

 

[samwe]

Can you give us greater detail with pictures? Radiator replacement is something we're all facing with shops closing down.

I didn't take any pics when I did it but I am going to be pulling it apart soon to put in an EFI motor so I will take some pics.

 

[samwe]

I have the radiator out while swapping in the EFI motor so I took some pics.
I started with some 1/8 aluminum and cut the width down to fit the tanks when wrapped around the radiator. I used some aluminum welding rod (it's really just soldering) to attach it.
The sides are wider and I bolted on some angle to use for mounting. I installed rivnuts in the angle and bolted it into the stock radiator location.
This is a Griffin 1-70208. I got it last year for $400 delivered from Summit. Local shop wanted over $1k to rebuild my factory radiator.
I only used it on one trip last year. It was warm, right around freezing and I didn't work it hard, but cooling was no issue.

 

[redsqwrl]

Very nice of you to remember the conversation and take the time to post up this content

 

[samwe]

Very nice of you to remember the conversation and take the time to post up this content

I hope it was helpful to someone.

 

[Boat Doc]

Just to circle back to this thread...I am finally back on the Spryte project and found a great new radiator. It is steel and priced reasonably ($219.00)...not an exact fit...but looks like it will work fine and was from a 1965 Ford Bronco with the 6 cyl, same as the Spryte...

Got it from Tom's Offroad in Oregon part #6329...new and old photo attached...they have a lot of other Ford L-6 parts too...just ordered a new exhaust manifold as mine is cracked in-half...

Still working on the engine and once I get that back in will post some photos of the radiator installed...

 

[mbsieg]

Here is the OEM manufacturer for the 1200 not sure if spryte is the same.