converting from 3 row to 4 row radiator

[kgl271]

Hey guys, my 71 Cutlass has a 3 row radiator, I got a 4 row HD radiator and I want to use that. Has anyone done this to thier cars? The saddles that the radiator sits in are smaller, can it be done or should I stick with a 3 row?

Thanks

[1968olds98]

Ive done this a couple of times, usually all you really need to do is cut the rubber dip out a little further. (on both the top & bottom saddle mounts)

[kgl271]

Thanks, I will try it

[texxas8902]

I pulled a 4 row that I had recored from a 67 442 that I found in the wrecking yard( in a pick and pull, I couldn't believe it was there) for my 67 Cutlass. When I pulled the 4 row radiator I also pulled the top plate and all the rubber isolaters. I haven't installed it yet but it should bolt right in. I see the 4 row top plates for sale on eBay for your car every so often. I think with the correct top plate and rubber isolaters( or trim the ones you have as mentioned) it should be an easy swap.

[texxas8902]

Hey guys, my 71 Cutlass has a 3 row radiator, I got a 4 row HD radiator and I want to use that. Has anyone done this to thier cars? The saddles that the radiator sits in are smaller, can it be done or should I stick with a 3 row?

Thanks

Here is the part to make that 4 row look like it came from the factory in your car. You don't usually see these listed but about every month or so. I was surprised to see 2.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170164642491&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007
and then there is this one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=120179524708&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=002
I think the first one is correct for your 71 but I think both would work for function but the second one just doesn't look correct.
Good luck.

[kgl271]

Thanks for spotting this! You are right the 1st one is more correct than the 2nd one. Both should work.

Kevin

[76oldswarrior]

I was looking at some old posts and I came acroos the post about converting 3 row to 4 row radiator. I did it in my 76. I actually had the core support out. My buddy Dave whos a member of the group told me about this idea. The bottom craddles on the 76 77 support are too small for a 4 row rad. So he said to get an extra 76 77 top plate and cut the craddles off it and weld them in the bottom of the support. The craddles in the top plate are wide so they fit in the bottom for the 4 row. And with the cushions I used top plate rubber cushions and carved them out with a dremmel to fit the 4 row. did the same for the top plate rubber cushions just carved them out with the dremmel. I had the support blasted and powder coated . The whole thing looks stock and not all butchered up. I guess it could be done with the support in the car but may be harder to do.