Aluminum Radiator

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If you have concerns over having your stock radiator re-cored with a three row for your V6 Conversion, this is one of the more desirable options.  You are encouraged to verify your fan clearance before choosing this option because it is thicker than the re-cored stock radiator. Not only is it a great solution, it looks Marvelous! 

My solution to a radiator upgrade for V6 Sunbeam  

by Dennis Michaliga

Like some V6ers I seemed to have overheating problems over the years. With some help from other SAOCA members, I was able to obtain some drawings for an adapter to allow the use of a new Volvo fan on the 2.8L engine. I have since put together several of these kits which I offer for sale on the Forum. The installation of the Volvo fan helped, but I still had temps climb over 210+ at times, i.e., in the summer, sitting in traffic, which concerned me. I began thinking perhaps the old radiator was contributing to the overheating. After once again turning to the SAOCA Forum for help, I read all the advice I could on the recoring and modifications of the stock radiator. Once I had a better idea of what was involved, I took my radiator to our local radiator shop, explained what I wanted and was quoted a price of $500.00. 

This seemed a little high but I discovered after some more researching, that if I found a cheaper option, by the time shipping went into the equation, it was a wash. I had read something about aluminum radiators in some other magazines and started looking into these as a possible option. I Googled looking for a company here in NC that would make custom aluminum radiators and found TAPP, Inc. http://www.tappinc.net/ I called them and the person I talked with was extremely helpful and answered all my questions. He explained the benefits of the aluminum over old, how to measure, etc. After everything, a price of $600.00 was given, and I weighed this against recoring and it seemed like a no brainer to me: new! lighter, more efficient....I bought it and have been very happy with the results.

Update: 2/18/17 - TAPP has gone out of business, so I suggest you look into local radiator fabricators, particularly ones that hot rod clubs seems to use as they seem to use custom made alum radiators a lot  

I have attached the drawing I sent to TAPP with all the measurements they requested. I have a SIV and although I'm betting the drawing can be utilized by most, I wouldn't guarantee it as all conversions can differ slightly. I would recommend using my drawing as a starting point, but confirming all measurements on your Sunbeam. One commonly recommended alteration on the radiators for Jose’s V6 conversion involves the angling of the lower hose connection towards the motor by several degrees. I have no doubt this is good info, but like I stated above, all applications can be different. On mine, the lower connection is not constructed as is commonly suggested. During the measuring process I discovered in my case, a 90 degree elbow, running in-line with the radiator, or parallel, not at an angle, worked better.

Dimensions

I wish I had more photos of when I was doing the conversion, which I did about 3 years ago, but here are a few and the drawing I sent TAPP of the measurements.

Comparison Stock Vs Custom Aluminum

The new radiator coupled with the Volvo fan has made a huge difference in my Sunbeam’s heating.  I would like to look at possibly constructing a shroud of some sort, but that’s another project somedayCustom. Custom Aluminum  

Custom Aluminum Radiator Installed

One thing you will probably discover and need to be aware of is an aluminum radiator, or at least in my instance, is thicker than the stock radiator by at least ½”.  This was not an issue in my situation but just something anyone considering this option should be aware of.

I highly recommend considering an aluminum radiator as an option.

Good Luck!