What do I have?

[ALLAN]

I feel I have not what I thought, I need to replace the rad in our 1970 Polara318. The new rad has the hose positions on opposite sides, as I had trouble getting the correct size belts I' m wondering if the engine is from something else? With the original rad everything lined up perfectly, has Aircon if that makes any difference. Thoughts please.

 

[detmatt]

You have bought the wrong radiator. Where did you get it?

 

[jct]

Small block and big block radiators?

 

[Big_John]

Yep, bottom radiator is for a 1970 C-Body with 318. MyMopar.com - Radiator Specifications

I'd say that the top radiator is incorrect for the application.

I'll bet the top radiator is a CU332 Spectra which is for a big block (383 or 440) car. More Information for SPECTRA PREMIUM CU332

I looked at the Spectra catalog online and they list the CU332 for a 318 car and that would explain the problem. They also list that rad for the big block cars.

So... You have a couple choices. First and probably best is to have your existing radiator rebuilt. Since you are in the UK, I don't know what's available there. Second is you find a good used rad. That's getting harder and harder to do. Third is you talk to someone like @Ccas about an aluminum radiator. I don't care for the appearance of aluminum radiators personally, but the guys that have bought them seem to be happy. You can always paint it black if it matters to you.

 

[ALLAN]

only label on the box is PRO 332 Chrysler. It was supplied by a good UK supplier I've contacted them and am waiting a reply, they're getting ready for the Mopar Nationals this weekend,
So the old rad (lower) is correct for a 318 C body with air con?
unfortunately, like so many trades, there are very few rad centres around these days, not cost effective :/

 

[detmatt]

Yes your old radiator is correct.

 

[GJS]

The top rad appears to be for a B or RB engine with A/C... doesn't appear to be the Spectra model as they have different shaped tanks than the OEM rads. Looks more like a re core to me.

Either way, top one is for a big block A/C car. Bottom is for a small block and correct for your application.

 

[Big_John]

I’ll bet PRO332 is a reboxed CU332 or at least they are sharing part numbers.

 

[Don A]

Your radiator is correct for 1970. The replacement unit is for a '66-'72 big block... In 1970 the small block hose connections changed location although Spectra lists the interchange to be 1966- 1970. '66-'69 small block connections both on driver side. The '66-69 Fury, Polara, and New Yorker/New Port were the same units depending on width 22" vs 26". "72-'74 was the next grouping for interchange except in '73/'74 there was a bung in the top tank for sending unit.
Don A (aka US Radiator)

 

[ALLAN]

Supplier is struggling to find a replacement, offered a 22" or a refund . Managed to find an agricultural workshop that will re-core the original, but he's on holiday for a week

 

[Fratzog]

Supplier is struggling to find a replacement, offered a 22" or a refund . Managed to find an agricultural workshop that will re-core the original, but he's on holiday for a week

I'm in Grimsby Ontario Canada and own a 70 Polara convertible with 318 but no AC. Would like to see pics of your car. Small world.

 

[bajajoaquin]

Just flip the picture and it will fit fine.

 

[ALLAN]

hey folks, sorry its been a while

I'm in Grimsby Ontario Canada and own a 70 Polara convertible with 318 but no AC. Would like to see pics of your car. Small world.

 

[ALLAN]

I'm in Grimsby Ontario Canada and own a 70 Polara convertible with 318 but no AC. Would like to see pics of your car. Small world.

Finally figured out how to post a photo. It's on here somewhere