Has anyone used the coldcase aluminum radiator with 2- 1 1/4 tubes? Appears to use stockish appearing end tanks. Thanks
https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/cold-case-radiators.323103/ Give them a call. I think by now they have got it right.
OEM Core Width: 28.25" Core Height" 17.00" Overall Width: 33.00" Overall Height: 19.00" Cold Case Core Width: 29.00" Core Height" 18.50" Overall Width: 34.75" Overall Height: 18.75" Engineering Cooling Products Core Width: 28.25" Core Height" 17..25" Overall Width: 33.00" Overall Height: 19.00" I just think Cold Case Radiator is a little to wide for the core where it sits on the fixed radiator bushings in our radiator support. I have a Cold Case Radiator a while ago and it did not fit! I don't live to far from them so I returned it. I even brought my two OEM Buick radiators to show them. They actually had a prototype radiator in the showroom floor at it was the the exact fit so they let me have it! Engineering Cooling Products is the exact fit for our Buicks but I don't know much about them. Just my 2 cents!
Right, but if they had a prototype, how many years ago?, don't they make it correctly now? Seems to me if someone wanted a good radiator at a really good price, they would call them up and confirm that they do in fact have it right before they order.
Larry the prototype was just sitting on a stand, it was about 4 years ago. I did compare it with the one they sold me and it wasn't even close and it barely fit in the radiator support. I did ask they why they are making radiators that don't fit our cars, they had no answer. The Cold Case Radiator dimensions I noted is right from there website. Here are photos I took when I had the problem. First photo is OEM, Cold Case I purchased and the third prototype Cold Case Radiator lined up on the right side. Second photo is again lined up, as the first photo but on the other side, and you can see how the middle one doesn't line up and is to wide.
Well, that's a shame. If I was contemplating buying a radiator from them, I would call them and tell them flat out if they wanted to sell me a radiator, it would have to be made so that it was a direct fit. If they had no answer, I would move on. Any decent company will want to sell their product.
Call and speak to Ken Faust. My experience with them has been good but I have not bought a radiator for a Buick. Their quality and appearance is really good. I'll bet that they have fixed whatever problem they had 4 years ago.
I installed the Cold Case drop in back in September and it worked out well. I believe they had any issues worked out prior to that. It was their part number GMA-42A. Here's the report on the install. Begins with post #6. https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?t...at-replacement-in-my-455.361494/#post-3112756
Since I've had two of these Cold Case Radiators in two different cars and answered a PM from Bogus919 about my experience a few minutes ago. So, I thought I'd extend this thread in case anyone else is considering one: "I'm quite happy with the GMA-42A. It drops right in where the factory radiator came out. It's a fraction of an inch wider (left to right, not front to back) than the stocker but all that needs to be done is to trim the rubber isolators to remove the locator groove so the new radiator sits flat on the bottom isolators. Then, the top isolators and the radiator cover support will hold it in the proper place. As for the cooling ability, I've now had it in two GS455s. First was my '71 that I sold when I bought my current '70 GS455 about 2 years ago. The '71 had a mild .030 over 455 with about 460 HP and I ran it with a 180 thermostat. It always maintained that temp no matter where I went in Florida or how hot it was. Only time it would heat up was when idling at a long traffic light. It would go as high as 200-210 at a long light but get right down to below 190 within a few blocks. FYI, I run the factory fan shroud and factory clutch fan. I've also had it in my '70 GS with A/C and with the very mild 455 with a 180 stat it acted about the same as my '71 did which was fine. I've just installed my new TSP 482 Stroker about a week ago and and have been driving it around, getting it ready for the Nationals. I decided before installing the motor to go with a 160 Thermostat just in case this 500+ HP motor had a tendency to run a little hotter. I haven't used the A/C yet but driving around town it maintains 160-170 deg. all the time including extended idling time. At Interstate speeds of 70-80 MPH it locks in at about 175 all the time. I expect it to run a little hotter once I get the A/C charged up but not concerned that it will be an issue. So, all in all, I'm very happy with the GMA-42A and would buy another one in a heartbeat. And, their customer service is outstanding! The first radiator I got for my current GS started leaking around the tank welds of the driver's side after a few months. They had me take photos of the leak and then sent me a brand new radiator, no questions asked as the radiator carries a lifetime warranty. They also didn't ask me to return the bad radiator. So, all in all, I'm a happy customer.
Once I get mine installed, I'll do an "unboxing" and installation video and do an in-depth comparison video for others to see on my YouTube channel. Mine arrived a couple days ago and I still have a bit before I pull my Harrison so it may be a month or so before I have something published.
