Just curiousity, why copper over aluminum?
I think the biggest problem there is that sheeple look at a generic list that says "fits xxxx" and sees their car within a list of 30 or 40 different makes and models, ignores the fine print saying some minor mods may be required, the just blindly orders one and somehow expects a perfect fit.If you look at the majority of the threads that talk about aluminum radiators the biggest complaint is the way they fit. The rubber saddles never fit right due to the shape of the tanks. This is exactly why I got rid of the "custom Fit" Griffin that I bought for my 81 coupe and went with an OEM style 4 row from US Radiator. I dont want any issues with the saddles or mounting the hold down or shroud. At this point Im looking for an easy bolt in install.
If the local auto parts sold a plastic tank aluminum in a 3 row that would be what Id have in the car but they dont come that way.
Knowing you're looking at a copper radiator but this is my experiance with the "direct fit" Cold Case I got for my '81. I got the RPE544A/GMG544A (new p/n is GMB57A) since it was a more stock looking than most of the square edge ones out there. Since they said "direct fit" I jumped on it. But reality kicked in when it didn't fit the stock saddles, taller, fan shroud didn't. It was a headache but got a set of poly saddles that was trimmed to allow it sit at the right height, got another shroud to trim the rib fillers. It fits good now. A perk was the upper hose outlet is 1.5" so I was able to use a '78-'80 hose & no need for a hose adapter that I needed on the copper 3 core that needs recored (was about 1" & needed the included adaptor for the '81's 1.25" hose.) Did have to trim about .25" off the rad side of the lower hose (& should do the same for the upper.) I did want a copper radiator myself but couldn't find a good one locally, on line was more expensive than what I paid for the Cold Case. Now someday I hope to recore the old one & get a 1.5" upper outlet added for a back up or another project if I find it. FYI for anyone else reading this post Cold case does have a 1.25" upper outlet for the '81 up hose as p/n GMG544A-1.
My Cold Case radiator
Since I got the exhaust to a point I decided to do a quick mock up on the Cold Case I finally got. Pulled out the rad support & shroud, made sure I had all four wide tank rad pads in place, tossed it in. Noticed the stock pads are not as wide/open to allow the tanks the sit like the stock rad...gbodyforum.com
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