Just got a radiator from a vender on ebay(yes I have contacted them, waiting for a response) and it looks super, BUT install is impossible. The petcock rests on the front crossmember, very tight, and would not be able to open it at all. Ant the lower tank is already against the bottom opening of the support, both of these factors are not good and am wondering if anyone else has had issues with aftermarket radiators. Here is the link to the radiator.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320476503809
There's a thread around somewhere,where there was fitment problems with aftermarket radiators.If I remember right,some fit good,while others didn't,and they had to notch the area,where the petcock was.
Re: New radiator does not fit Hi 55CrownVic, I was (am) in the same boat you're in. I had the same issue with a 3 core aluminum radiator in my '73 Maverick. It seemed that the radiator had bottomed out on the lower cross member just below the radiator. I was able to pull the electrical wiring harness out of the way and that allowed me to push the radiator down enough - it was very tight! Also, I had to notch the cross member to be able to use the petcock. You'll have to decide if you want to modify the car to use the radiator you have or get another radiator. I decided to modify the car. Regards, BaldEagleMav
yup, mine hits as well. they'll send you a replacement plug to replace the drain cock but i just never bother with mine. it barely hits on the end of it but doesnt cause any problems. like boosha said, do a search and you'll find a couple of threads on it
I removed the bit of tube on the petcock ahead of the winding tabs. It now looks like a "T" instead of a "+". Works fine.
Aftermarket Alum Radiator I had a Champion Rad. It hit the crossmember like urs. Also, I wud have needed to change to Elec fan or other mods. to use mechanical fan. I will not use a fan w\o a shroud - so that was a given. I also wud probably need to upgrade the altenator. The rad fit the car otherwise -- I cud have bolted it in. I returned the radiator -- no hassle. I see u have a another vendor. Since then, I have seen an "Inline Radiator Hose Drain" in the Jegs catalog that most likely solve the petcock issue; you might want to chk it out if you decide to use the unit - the stock # 555-51155 thru 51159 depending on the size of the hose u need. I may re-order the rad when I get my AC hookup if I have over heating issues. I bought the rad cuz I thought the stock unit was leaking trans fluid; found out later it was my fault - had a line loose.
