Z'd Frame Radiator
 

I Z'd the frame on my '68 3.5 inches. The stock radiator no longer fits due to the dropped frame horns. I am planning to cut the lower hose neck off and move it up 3" to clear, but I wanted to see if there is a better option first.

What radiators are you guys using with Z'd frames?

Attached some pics of my truck, the second pic shows the dropped frame horns.

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

Your truck will have larger radiator requirements than most of the Z'd frame trucks due to that power adder that is complicating your forward vision. :metal:
I would try posting this in the engine section for information on minimum radiator sizes or contact your engine builder (assuming that you had it built for you). You may have to build a custom core support/radiator to give you the cooling that your motor will need.

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

It's a lot milder than it appears, the blower is mostly for the look. I'm hoping to get away with a stock style radiator. I asked my engine builder (me) and he said to give it a shot and see what happens :D I can always go back and cut it up for a thicker radiator in the future as needed.

It looks like some guys are using a 73-87 radiator, but looking at pics online I can't tell what is different about it than my 68 rad.

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

I'm not 100% sure but I believe the difference in square body radiator and your 68 is in the angle of outlet. As long as your builder is happy then all is well! :lol:

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

that looks amazing.. i like it..

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

Thanks, almost 9 years to get to this point!

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

can you mod the Rad core to "sink" the radiator forward toward the Grill?

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

Square body radiators are too tall. You might just look in to a custom radiator being made.

Gary

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

Thanks guys, all good ideas. I have a new stock radiator so I'll try some things this weekend. I was hoping there was a "standard" radiator everyone used since a lot of these trucks got Z'd before the dropmembers really caught on. Looks like a custom radiator or cutting into the core support may be the best options.

Re: Z'd Frame Radiator
 

In 35 years I've seen 3 Z'd frames on these trucks. Yours is one of them, the other 2 were in person. :)

Gary