My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: PES on January 25, 2022, 06:49:54 PM
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The radiator on my mostly stock '59 CJ3b is leaking again and the shop I used many years ago is long gone. I would like to get mine repaired but will need to find a shop and hope it is not too far gone.
I am seeing a wide range of prices for new radiators and also see the variety of aluminum radiators. A Forum search has so far found the 3a crowd experiences appear to require a lot of modifications to make them work, particularly if one wishes to re-use their shroud.
Can any one comment on the aluminum radiators available, compared to the replacement radiators from the suppliers and, in particular experiences specific to the 3b installations?
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thebrassworks.net can quote you on a new radiator made to original specs using original materials
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I also vote keep it stock.
I have a used radiator available if you need different tanks.
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Kind of an old post, but I'll add my experience in case it helps someone. I used an aluminum radiator from JEGS. https://www.jegs.com/i/Champion-Cooling-Systems/166/CC4964/10002/-1# (https://www.jegs.com/i/Champion-Cooling-Systems/166/CC4964/10002/-1#)
It was a direct bolt in replacement to the grille. The issue arrived when I tried to put on the fan shroud. The fan shroud did not fit without modifications. I was not comfortable screwing the fan shroud into the side of the radiator like it was with the old one. I ended up trimming some parts of the fan shroud to make it fit and then welded on longer sides so it mounts using the same bolts as the radiator uses to mount to the grille.
Now, how well it works and how long it lasts is anyone's guess. I think I've only had it up to operating temperature once since the swap.
I did keep my original radiator. Plan to take it to a radiator shop one day so it's ready to go should I need it.