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Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem #2419010
12/15/17 02:46 PM
12/15/17 02:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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I bought this radiator just to get my Power Wagon back on road until I can have original re-cored. Supposed to be direct fit drop in. First problem I noticed is one of the bottom holes to secure to rad support doesn't line up well enough so both top and bottom will line up, so I'm going to have to file it a bit. Annoying.

But biggest issue is this: the oil and trans cooler bungs at bottom aren't "direct fit". They come with a hose fitting that screws into the bung on new radiator, then I guess I'm supposed to bridge a piece of rubber hose between the new supplied fitting and my factory steel line that have flange and coupler that butted up against the factory radiator and attached the line to the radiator. Well with the supplied fitting attached to new radiator, the factory steel line overlaps the fitting they supplied, so basically I would need a rubber line to bridge the two shaped like a Z. I don't know what the heck I'm supposed to do now. I hope someone knows what I'm talking about. I didn't have time to take and upload pics this morning, and now I'm asking for this help from work. I don't want to cut the factory steel line shorter because I plan to go back to my factory radiator, and the factory line has a nice flange and coupler to mate right up to the original radiator.


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419013
12/15/17 02:56 PM
12/15/17 02:56 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,358
Iowa
burdar Offline
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Since this radiator is only temporary and you don't want to modify your original trans lines...

I might consider running a remote cooler and not use the cooler in the rad. The original lines might have enough "flex" that you can get a hose on the end and still clear the lower rad tank. Mount the new cooler in front of the rad for now.

Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: burdar] #2419029
12/15/17 03:07 PM
12/15/17 03:07 PM
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Posts: 7,194
Harrisburg, Pa.
screamindriver Offline
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Originally Posted By burdar
Since this radiator is only temporary and you don't want to modify your original trans lines...

I might consider running a remote cooler and not use the cooler in the rad. The original lines might have enough "flex" that you can get a hose on the end and still clear the lower rad tank. Mount the new cooler in front of the rad for now.
Good advice...Only other real option would be to see if advance auto,autozone, etc.. Has a fitting in their inventory for the correct bridge between the rad and the line...So much for the "direct fit"... rolleyes

Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419035
12/15/17 03:14 PM
12/15/17 03:14 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,483
Freeport IL USA
poorboy Offline
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Is it possible the fittings in the bottom of your original radiator will come off and then fit into the new radiator?

Sounds like you have already cut your original lines. You should be able to add (or remove) more of the bend at a factory bends on the line to meet with the fitting at the rad.

Direct fit aftermarket stuff means it sort of fits in the hole, and things can be adapted to make it work. They assume that when you buy a replacement part, originality is no longer a concern and you will adapt your stuff to fit their almost correct stuff. As much as it might suck, that is the world in which we now live. Gene

Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419036
12/15/17 03:15 PM
12/15/17 03:15 PM
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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What about the other line on the other side of radiator? Is one and in and one an out? I'm ignorant on the subject.

So just run two long rubber oil rated lines to a cooler behind grille, and plug the two bungs on radiator?


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419039
12/15/17 03:18 PM
12/15/17 03:18 PM
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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This is the POS radiator. In person you see how shoddily made it is. I expected that but want to get the truck back on the road asap. The mounting bolt flange that is causing issue is one of the bottom upside down U's. One of them is not deep enough, so radiator won't sit down low enough for top bolt to line up. It's only by maybe 1/16th of an inch, but just enough to keep bolt from line up just right. So I'm going to have to file it down. Again, just shoddy craftsmanship.

cu959.jpg

Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419040
12/15/17 03:18 PM
12/15/17 03:18 PM
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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and these are the fittings that extend out too long and cause the fittings off the radiator and the factory steel lines to overlap. I think even if I cut them a bit they are still much too long.

fittings.jpg

Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419046
12/15/17 03:23 PM
12/15/17 03:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,358
Iowa
burdar Offline
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Quote:
Is it possible the fittings in the bottom of your original radiator will come off and then fit into the new radiator?


If the trans lines physically line up with the fittings on the new radiator, you can easily do this. Make sure the threads in the new rad are the same as the original and you can just swap fittings.

Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419053
12/15/17 03:35 PM
12/15/17 03:35 PM
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 637
SoMd, USA
1
135sohc Offline
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SoMd, USA
Came across this and other issues in 2012 with the van radiator, ended up having it (the oe chrysler radiator) recored. Spectra doesnt give two-***** about how their stuff fits and how universal they make something to maximize the applications and make it cost less for them.

Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419062
12/15/17 03:43 PM
12/15/17 03:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 43,007
Bend,OR USA
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Cab_Burge Offline
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Send it back and fix yours now up work


Mr.Cab Racing and winning with Mopars since 1964. (Old F--t, Huh)
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419065
12/15/17 03:59 PM
12/15/17 03:59 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,713
Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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Thanks guys. I think maybe I'm going to do just that, so I just hung up with local radiator shop that's the best around. Owner is taking vacation (nerve of him haha). He can measure up and order core but can't have it done until after Christmas. I'm so tempted to send this POS back to rockauto and tell them Spectra makes junk and they should drop them, and wait out the local radiator shop who does quality work, and then have my quality Mopar radiator back. Re-core will run anywhere from $300 to $500 (ouch) depending on size, and truck came with "Max Cooling" so I know it will lean toward the $500, but honestly, right now, I don't care. I'd much rather pay that than play games with this aftermarket crap!!!

I should have just done this in the first place (re-core). I knew better too. Just figured I'd take a chance again, an have a radiator at my door in three days, and truck back on road in four days. Got burned. Lesson learned for good this time!


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419068
12/15/17 04:06 PM
12/15/17 04:06 PM
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Morristown Tn.
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71birdJ68 Offline
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Call Glen ray and ask them how soon they could recore it. They did my heater core in just around 2 days. Great service.

Last edited by 71birdJ68; 12/15/17 06:07 PM.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: 71birdJ68] #2419069
12/15/17 04:08 PM
12/15/17 04:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,713
Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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Originally Posted By 71birdJ68
Call Glen ray and ask them how soon they could record it. They did my heater core in just around 2 days. Great service.
Ok, will do!


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419071
12/15/17 04:10 PM
12/15/17 04:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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Just hung up with Glen Ray....one month turn around time right now.

Thanks for trying though. I guess business is good, which is good.


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419093
12/15/17 04:55 PM
12/15/17 04:55 PM
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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Been searching for a NOS one too. Would love to find one on ebay or Arizonaparts but none so far. Mopar #4089567


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419096
12/15/17 05:07 PM
12/15/17 05:07 PM
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dogdays Offline
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So it's a crappy radiator? You can just tell? One bolt hole doesn't line up? Boo hoo! You should work on my '64Dog.
Nearly all holes are slotted, Nothing just drops together. Even just putting the trans tunnel cover on is a chore requiring prybars.

It is even money whether the new radiator or your existing radiator support are 1/16" off. Yet you get on your soapbox and start hollering. Shoddy part! Crappy radiator!


What kinds of ends are on your existing cooler lines? They are probably inverted flares. So you need to bridge the gap. That's where you go to class and learn about fittings. You need a male probably 1/4 NPT and the other end is probably inverted flare like used for fuel and brake lines.
Something that looks like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GAR-48IC4X2-1-8-NPT-to-7-16-24-Inverted-Flare-1-4-Hard-Brake-Line-Brass-Adapter/261345327025?hash=item3cd96537b1:g:lKgAAOxy3NBSnPVt&vxp=mtr



I have found the largest assortment at Ace Hardware.

I can buy that exact radiator and have it delivered to my door for less than $100. Rockauto.com.

R.


s-l225.jpgs-l500.jpg
Last edited by dogdays; 12/15/17 05:19 PM.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419097
12/15/17 05:08 PM
12/15/17 05:08 PM
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up yours
Supercuda Offline
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Probably would fit if you swapped the fittings off your old radiator onto the new onwe


They say there are no such thing as a stupid question.
They say there is always the exception that proves the rule.
Don't be the exception.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419136
12/15/17 07:08 PM
12/15/17 07:08 PM
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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dogdays, i DID buy it off rockauto for that price, and mentioned that in one of my posts. I guess you didn't read thoroughly. I DID get fittings with it, which I mentioned but you didn't read that either I guess. I mentioned that using fittings causes the line and the fitting to overlap each other, so I can't connect them. Geez. And no, it's not just because one of the mounting posts is off. It's the workmanship throughout the radiator. I know shoddiness when I see it and feel it. It's cheap as crap and I can tell. All the fittings and seams look awful and feel very cheap, and no doubt will not last. The factory radiator fits fine, so no the existing support is not off. And, I can can see on the new radiator that the one side is cut differently than the other side, causing the mounting hole to not line up. I looked this thing over carefully before judging. There are other issues with it I didn't mention but worked around. Lastly, I'm not happy because it was supposed to be a "Direct Fit", so that I don't have to go to Ace, or anywhere else for that matter, or grind or file or anything else.

Try a decaf. You seem kind of uptight.


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419286
12/16/17 12:21 AM
12/16/17 12:21 AM
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Posts: 10,483
Freeport IL USA
poorboy Offline
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Sorry you got a $100 radiator made on Monday. Send it back, the next one might be perfect, or it might be worse. The radiator you got is about as good as any "direct fit" replacement parts get, regardless of whom made it. Everything in the automotive industry is made to a spec, with a + or - tolerance. Your truck could be on one end of the tolerance, and the replacement rad may be on the other end of the tolerance. At the factory, they would have made the rad fit in the truck with a simple die grinder and about 30 seconds.

The problems you are having would take 10 minutes to fix, I would have already had them done, rather then come on here and complain.
Option 1 is: The fittings on your original rad would probably screw out of the old rad and screw into the new rad. Then you can hook up your cooler lines.
The 2nd option would be to put a little grease on the end of the hose, and see it you can force it over the flared end of the tubing, and put a little more bend into the tubing bends to get the correct length. Trust me, there is enough flexibility in the steel tubing to accommodate the inch or so you will need.
The 3rd option would be to cut the lines with a tubing cutter and put in a piece of hose.
The 4th option would have been to buy higher quality rad rather then the cheapest thing you could find.

To fix the non-fitting bolt slot: File the sheet metal bracket for clearance. 2) Cut the sheet metal with tin snips to clear the bolt. 3) drag out the Dremal tool, or the die grinder and grind the clearance you need in the bracket. 4) drill a new hole and add a bolt, flat washers, and a nut.

I wouldn't suggest you attempt to install any fenders, you will have a very bad day. Gene

Re: Crappy Spectra Radiator CU959 problem [Re: larrymopar360] #2419477
12/16/17 02:51 PM
12/16/17 02:51 PM
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Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline OP
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Yes, I vented about a crappy part. I think everybody here knows that production has moved overseas the last twenty or so years, and quality has gone down hill. And I was frustrated. I figured my Mopar piers would feel my pain, and offer some ideas, and several did. I'm in the process of moving, and have my truck loaded with furniture when my rad gave way. My tools, including dremel, etc. are at my new place. I didn't know I needed to go into detail with all this. I just vented about a cheap obviously foreign made part that is advertised using words such as "precision", "direct fit", "high quality", etc. I guess I just hoped to have it at least mount up without modifications or having to go shopping for this and that. I don't expect it to last twenty years, but was hoping to mount it, fill up and be back on the road. And, I am not a punk kid,I am a grown man so I don't take to well to being talked down to. I'm sorry I vented along the way of asking for help. My wife doesn't want to hear about car stuff, especially with this new to me Power Wagon, and talking out loud is not very satisfying. Believe me, I've tried. I wish I had worded it differently as to not have annoyed the ones I clearly did. I try to limit my posts here for everyone's sake, but have been a little too active lately. Thanks.


Facts are stubborn things.
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