OEM radiator question

[Gary Willard]

I own an 84' Hurst Olds and I have a question about the stock radiator, not knowing if the one I have in my car is the original or not. On the radiator I presently have in the car, the drain petcock is on the bottom of the radiator, passenger side. I am wanting to replace my radiator with a new, direct fit, all aluminum version, but when I do the part searches on various radiator sites, all of the options given only show radiators with the petcock on the drivers side, back of the radiator (not bottom). However, if I do a search for an 84-87 Buick Regal, I find the exact radiator that is in my car.
Can anybody on this forum tell me what their original, OEM Hurst Olds radiator has for a petcock location?
Thanks in advance!

 

[olds307 and 403]

Surprised, with the bottom hose on that side. Every GM replacement rad I have seen is on the driver's side. Is it a Copper/Brass radiator?

 

[mikester]

I own an 84' Hurst Olds and I have a question about the stock radiator, not knowing if the one I have in my car is the original or not. On the radiator I presently have in the car, the drain petcock is on the bottom of the radiator, passenger side. I am wanting to replace my radiator with a new, direct fit, all aluminum version, but when I do the part searches on various radiator sites, all of the options given only show radiators with the petcock on the drivers side, back of the radiator (not bottom). However, if I do a search for an 84-87 Buick Regal, I find the exact radiator that is in my car.
Can anybody on this forum tell me what their original, OEM Hurst Olds radiator has for a petcock location?
Thanks in advance!

What brand aluminum radiator is a direct fit ? I havent found one yet. Most of them dont fit well under the rubber saddles. I bought a Griffin direct fit for my 81 Malibu and it fit like crap. Because of that and other issues with it I sold it and bought a 4 row copper/brass replacement From US Radiator. It wasnt cheap but its a perfect fit.
My wagon came with a typical aluminum replacement from a chain auto parts that had plastic tanks. Got rid of that one too and bought a 3 row copper/brass replacement from Summit. Again, a perfect fit. You might want to check with US Radiator. I think they might be selling aluminum radiators now.

 

[Gonzo1970]

US Radiator. Never had to use em, but heard great things from people who have...

-Gonz

 

[JAMES L EUBANK]

Original radiator does have a petcock drain at the passenger side bottom. I had mine recored, so I can not offer you an exact fit replacement. If you want to hold your car's value, I would suggest rebuilding the original.

 

[69hurstolds]

307 V8 with Heavy Duty Cooling V08. LV2 or LG8 for 83/84 H/O or 85-87 442 is radiator GM p/n 3043077. ACDelco #20065. In some cases, they use the same radiator with A/C but without HD cooling in other G-body applications. I lucked up and got a GM one right before they deep sixed them from GM. This radiator also fits 305 LG4 Monte Carlos with Heavy Duty Cooling and several others with 307 or 305 I'm sure.

 

[ck80]

if you live somewhere near a truck stop theres usually a shop nearby that recores radiators for the big rigs. they can fix yours as easily as they do theirs, and it usually carries a fair price as long as youre a good guy with a respectful personality...

 

[pontiac guy]

Copper is the way to go. It's pricey but it seems like you care about originality. As pointed out the aluminum ones fit like crap. They look like crap too. I have seen petcocks on either side of the radiator on original cars.

 

[Gary Willard]

Surprised, with the bottom hose on that side. Every GM replacement rad I have seen is on the driver's side. Is it a Copper/Bra

if you live somewhere near a truck stop theres usually a shop nearby that recores radiators for the big rigs. they can fix yours as easily as they do theirs, and it usually carries a fair price as long as youre a good guy with a respectful personality...

it used to be you could find a radiator repair shop about every five miles or so. I live in the Kansas City area and there's only a few that I have heard about now. Good suggestion on checking near the truck stops. I live near two rather large ones!

 

[Gary Willard]

if you live somewhere near a truck stop theres usually a shop nearby that recores radiators for the big rigs. they can fix yours as easily as they do theirs, and it usually carries a fair price as long as youre a good guy with a respectful personality...

Thanks for the suggestion. Will check out my local truck stops for sure!