Radiator help how many cores?

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CrammerGram69

Master Mechanic
Nov 15, 2019
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I've got this original GM copper radiator from my '79 LeMans Stock Buick V6 car it is 26 - 5/8" in length and i need to retain my original fan shroud. Could anyone help me out on how many row cores it is? I heard online they used both 2&3. I thought this one was a 2 core/row. I'd like to find a replacement and keep mine as a spare. Either used or new that isn't aluminum. (show car). I am looking to stay with stock copper/brass. Any leads? Thanks.
 

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Last edited:

383_StealthRam

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Dec 29, 2016
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Look inside the tank with the radiator cap off and you can easily see whether there's 2 or 3 rows of tubes that are attached for coolant to flow.
 
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CrammerGram69

Master Mechanic
Nov 15, 2019
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SW, Michigan
Look inside the tank with the radiator cap off and you can easily see whether there's 2 or 3 rows of tubes that are attached for coolant to flow.
Thanks! I never thought of that. The websites i looked at online said to look at the fins.
 
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79 USA 1

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Aside from looking inside the fill neck, The end tanks on the 3 pass will generally be both the same width, 2.875-3.00. On the two pass the left (Driver side) tank will measure 1.875-2.00 inch as measured at the flange point. Your copper/Brass original looks to be a 2 pass.
 
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78Delta88

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By the pictures yours looks to be a 2 row, plus yours was v6, so GM wouldn't go 3 row on that. If you can find an old school radiator shop they can make it to spec for you or repair yours. The last shop I knew of was in Greencastle, IN, but he was shutting down due to low business volume.
 
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CrammerGram69

Master Mechanic
Nov 15, 2019
430
140
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SW, Michigan
By the pictures yours looks to be a 2 row, plus yours was v6, so GM wouldn't go 3 row on that. If you can find an old school radiator shop they can make it to spec for you or repair yours. The last shop I knew of was in Greencastle, IN, but he was shutting down due to low business volume.
Thanks! I had no luck online, posting in many different groups on FB. There was a guy on here in the for sale section or in the Pontiac section a few months ago that had another one for $50!!! Wisconsin. I wish i could find the post... it was the same as mine. Know anyone?
 

CrammerGram69

Master Mechanic
Nov 15, 2019
430
140
43
SW, Michigan
P.s. Rockauto has some. but mine is 26-3/8" i can only find one that size. 3 rows. :( I think it's the same one as i got with the car. The Fan shroud doesn't fit and it sticks out on the driver's side like 3-4" so you could easily cut yourself deep enough for stitches.
 

78Delta88

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May 23, 2022
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By the pictures yours looks to be a 2 row, plus yours was v6, so GM wouldn't go 3 row on that. If you can find an old school radiator shop they can make it to spec for you or repair yours. The last shop I knew of was in Greencastle, IN, but he was shutting down due to low business volume.
Just by looking at pic again, yours looks like single row 1 inch wide.

Also you might want to check with NAPA. They have the books that go into vintage stuff.
 
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CrammerGram69

Master Mechanic
Nov 15, 2019
430
140
43
SW, Michigan
Just by looking at pic again, yours looks like single row 1 inch wide.

Also you might want to check with NAPA. They have the books that go into vintage stuff.
I will get it out later today and grab better photo's.
 
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SS_Malibu

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I'm thinking you can find an original brass radiator somewhere in America however, It will pose to be quite difficult due to aluminum radiators have all but replaced brass ones AND all the old guys who had radiator shops back in the day when brass ones were the norm are either out of business or dead. There must be places for radiators like Cooker tire who specialize in old style tires for radiators.
 
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