Hello all, I have been searching high and low for a budget replacement radiator for my 1965 Pontiac Bonneville, however, it appears as nobody seems to have a comparable model listed. It appears that Pontiac (and maybe other GM full size cars) for 1965 have a unique radiator from the 1966 models. My car has a stock 4 core br***/copper unit. I can find an OEM style replacement, however, it is far outside of my budget ($500+ from US Radiator). So I began to hunt for radiators that were the specific size I needed. The Bonneville will fit a radiator up to 32 inches wide, and no wider, otherwise I'd have to cut radiator supports. (minus the inlet area that is flared out to fit the inlet tube) (an image of the radiator's size for reference) Fortunately I was able to find a radiator that fits my car, Spectra Premium CU162, out of a 1972 Chevrolet Camaro (https://ecat.spectrapremium.com/products/CU162 link for reference). Its practically the exact size and it has a 1 1/4 inch core width. I am not concerned that it is a plastic/aluminum unit, authenticity isn't important. However, my main concern is that this specific model is only a single core unit. (FYI, I am aware that aluminum radiators cool significantly better than copper/br***) However, I was not certain if a single core aluminum radiator is sufficient to cool my car, which is a powered by a 389 CI Pontiac V8, 10.5:1 compression, 4BBL carb, basically stock. I know the Camaro shipped with a 396, however I have found insufficient information to deem if this radiator is sufficient to cool the 396 mill, or just the smaller 350CI models. I was wondering if anyone with greater knowledge of cooling than me had an opinion on the matter. Thanks, Pacityza
Did you find out about a recore from a radiator shop. If not the difference in price will be small compared to the aggravation you will probably have down the road. Save up and get the right one. That's what I would do. Pat
I did check Rock Auto, and not to sound too curt, but they show the incorrect radiator, those fit 1964 models but not 1965 models. Mines a wide cross-flow unit. The smaller Topflow units will not fit because there is a plate that secures the top of the radiator that would interfere with the cap of that style.
As much as I would like to get it re-cored or a full OEM replacement, that simply is not within my budget. Both options are over $500, and since nobody supplies a 100% factory-correct budget replacement, I have to go out on the hunt.
I bought my Champion on eBay, the seller is radiators4less. Look at Champion's site, get a stock number (if they have it) and check eBay. I got a better deal on the shipping over Champion. The seller also lists a lot of dimensions on anything he sells. I just looked at Champion, the one for the '61-'66 has top & bottom tanks. The '67-'81 is a cross flow. Looked it up on eBay, that too is 33" wide. https://www.championradiators.com/pontiac-bonneville-radiator-1967-1981 You may have another GM radiator there, I would look to see if the 33" width would work out. Or start looking at Chevelle radiators.
I don't think you will have cooling issue with the Camaro radiator even if it is for smaller engine. Being new and aluminum, it will cool just fine. The tubes are much bigger and I suspect water capacity will the same as your OEM radiator. '72s had big radiators.
Unfortunately 32 inches is the max width the car can accept, any wider and I would have to cut out uprights on either side of the radiator.
I figured it would be okay after some further investigation. They used to cool these cars with dinky little 3 core top flow radiators. A new, thick, aluminum radiator would be sufficient to do the job.
Copper/br*** radiators are expensive there is no denying that but my experience with aluminum radiators proved to me they don't ha the same life span. I saved for months to buy the Walker radiator that is in my car, I really couldn't afford it at the time but I drive my cars, I drive long distance to shows near and far and the radiator is something I don't want to worry about. If you plan on keeping the car consider it part of the investment, mine is 31 years old and I have never had a problem with it HRP
My 46 Ford convertible had a Walker radiator in for the twenty years I owned it and going strong when I sold the car.
Radiator and low cost don’t seem to go together any more... you also get what you pay for.... pay me now or pay me later.. I’d save up...
I agree.Considering how important a radiator is, stuck engine, stranded in a slum or out in 100 degree weather, I don't think this is the place to skimp. I'd save up until you can get it done correctly. Or, have you checked with an actual radiator shop for advice?
I learned a long time ago that when it comes to Brakes, Steering and Cooling you only buy the best. Trying to save money on these items will leave your *** on the side of the road somewhere.
I didn’t know a 65 Pontiac had a cross flow radiator. I have a northern radiator 26 tail 19 wide (top and bottom tanks) 2 core aluminum and it has cooled well for ten years. If you go with an aluminum one make sure you run a zinc anode. aftermarket radiators are thinner than Oem.
The Jalopy Journal
