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Finding a radiator.......

BBQROD

New member
255
-13
0
Location
Gray Georgia
Finding a radiator for a m35 with a 5.9 cummins engine is becoming a real problem for my wallet! Closest thing I found that will fit is a northern radiator number 239082 for a 2010 bluebird bus. But they cost 738.00 OUCH

I am open to any suggestions.
 

HanksDeuce

Well-known member
1,081
242
63
Location
Prairieville, LA
I went with all Freightliner stuff out of a Thomas Built bus for my Cummins 5.9L + Allison AT545 swap. Yeah it's all way overkill for the deuce in proportions, but heck I got the entire engine/tranny/radiator/intercooler/etc for $800! It's a 1997 12valve with 40k miles on it.

A buddy found my donor vehicle on louisianasportsman.com. I NEVER would have looked there. Thank goodness for work buddies that hunt/fish.

You could search Craigslist too. I can't post the link, but search Atlanta Craigslist for "cummins radiator". I found a current ad for one for $350!

Good luck!
 
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BBQROD

New member
255
-13
0
Location
Gray Georgia
I chopped up the mounting flanges on the bus radiator and it fits but hangs down 5 inches below bumper.
I'm gonna call radiator shop and see it they can install a shorter core using my tanks.
 

Jeepsinker

Well-known member
5,399
456
83
Location
Dry Creek, Louisiana
Well the main thing when either selecting a new radiator or having the bus radiator modified is making sure that they have sufficient capacity. How thick is that bus radiator?
 

BBQROD

New member
255
-13
0
Location
Gray Georgia
It's a three row core 27" by 38" now. The deuce will be lighter than the bus and I am running an external trans cooler with this setup should be more than enough.
 

HanksDeuce

Well-known member
1,081
242
63
Location
Prairieville, LA
I'm not worried about the sizing of the Freightliner / Thomas Built bus packaged powertrain components. They were all sized for a GVWR of 30,000 lbs. The deuce is far less than that.
 

rustystud

Well-known member
9,280
2,987
113
Location
Woodinville, Washington
I went with all Freightliner stuff out of a Thomas Built bus for my Cummins 5.9L + Allison AT545 swap. Yeah it's all way overkill for the deuce in proportions, but heck I got the entire engine/tranny/radiator/intercooler/etc for $800! It's a 1997 12valve with 40k miles on it.

A buddy found my donor vehicle on louisianasportsman.com. I NEVER would have looked there. Thank goodness for work buddies that hunt/fish.

You could search Craigslist too. I can't post the link, but search Atlanta Craigslist for "cummins radiator". I found a current ad for one for $350!

Good luck!
You are one Lucky dog !
 

Jeepsinker

Well-known member
5,399
456
83
Location
Dry Creek, Louisiana
I'm not worried about the sizing of the Freightliner / Thomas Built bus packaged powertrain components. They were all sized for a GVWR of 30,000 lbs. The deuce is far less than that.
Yeah I know, but I was talking about capacity after cutting it down and recoring it to stop it from hangin below the bumper.
 

HanksDeuce

Well-known member
1,081
242
63
Location
Prairieville, LA
I know I don't have to cut my core down even though it hangs down into the frame, but others might. I have an electric winch so a PTO shaft isn't a problem I have to deal with.
 

BBQROD

New member
255
-13
0
Location
Gray Georgia
I'll put up some pictures of the radiator tomorrow it doesn't look all that bad. I think I will install one of my modified bumpers to help with the lower radiator tank. It kind worked out with the lower outlet hose clearing the frame.
 
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