Posted By: l13
Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/26/14 07:16 PM
I am looking to convert a 19" radiator to a 26" in a 1970 Challenger. I have had several suggestions offered to make this happen and yet still not sure how to proceed. Ultimately, I would like this to look stock and not hacked up or converted.
Several individuals say I need the 22" conversion panel only (left panel), another mentions that both left and right radiator support panels need to be replaced and yet another says only a complete support assembly repalcement will work.
Has anyone done this type of conversion correctly and if so are you willing to share the process?
Thanks
Posted By: RapidRobert
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/26/14 10:36 PM
Welcome aboard
. I hope that someone who has done it sees this & can give you some info so that you can make the right mods
Posted By: Azzkikrcuda
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/27/14 12:14 AM
I did this on a 70 Challenger went from a 22" to a 26" radiator. Bolted the stock 26" radiator in on the drive side using the factory bolt holes. Drilled new holes on the passenger side core support to line up with the radiator mount holes. You will need to add washers or make spacers to get it even on the passenger side. You can cut out the passenger side core support opening to get more air flow across the wider radiator. Doing this I used the stock shroud and fan and they lined up perfectly. If you want the original look you will have to replace the passenger side core support. If you make nice spacers that run the full length up and down on the passenger side radiator mounting flange and cut the core opening wider it looks good.
Posted By: dilvoy
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/27/14 12:26 AM
Both sides need to be changed to make it look original, because both sides are different than the small radiator type. You'll need to remove the fenders to completely change them.
Posted By: l13
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/27/14 04:24 PM
Hi Rapid Robert,
Thank you for the greeting and comment.
L13
Posted By: l13
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/27/14 04:35 PM
Good morning Dilvoy & Azzkikcuda,
Thank you for your time and efforts to respond to my need for help on this project.
Obviously, I would prefer to keep it original looking and not have to hack up the panels or take the frontend apart.
If I went to a 22" radiator does this change anything in regards to replacing one or both panels?
Thanks again,
Posted By: RoadRunner
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/27/14 05:39 PM
I wasn't sure if there was a 19" and 22" radiator. I do know that there are only two openings for the core supprot. One being the 22" and the other for the 26" wide unit. I would guess the 19" wide radiator probably has wider side mounts to fit the same 22" wide opening. As mentioned both sides are different, though the drivers side is only about 1/2" different. I have seen folks slot the holes in the mounting brace to slide over the radiator. you still need to change the passenger side.
Another option may be to find a radiator shop that can recore your stock radiator with an extra row of tubes and higher fin count. I did this on my 68 Road Runner and it kept my nicely built 440 cool even in the summer.
Posted By: 52savoy
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 03/27/14 06:16 PM
It just so happens I have a set(E-body) ..left and right for a 26" radiator that I was going to use on a project.. Send me pm if your interested.
Posted By: l13
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 04/01/14 08:31 PM
Hi Bob,
Thank you for the information. This helps.
Posted By: fireeng
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 04/04/14 02:47 PM
I just changed the passenger side section on my radiator support to go from a 22 to a 26 in my 71 challenger it looks completely stock.
Posted By: l13
Re: Help--70 Challenger 19" radiator to a 26" conversion? - 04/04/14 08:32 PM
Hi Fireeng,
Thank you for the photo,looks good. 52Savoy has been very helpful with info as well and had the side panels I needed. I will install them when they arrive. Did you spot weld yours or mig them with a fill?
