I had some spare time this week got the radiator, thermostat, water pump swapped out. replaced all the cooling system hoses. I used a radiator from a c series pick up that someone left behind that has been laying in my shop for a year. I assume the guy isn't coming back. Issue i'm having which i clearly fail at measure twice cut once mentality sometimes, the width of the radiators was the same, top to bottom the c series radiator is taller, it fits but interferes with the air intake.
this is a zoomed in section you can see the over hang over the top of the core support, but the hood closes no issues
painted the timing cover, quickly in the van of course.... being lazy
only had white engine enamel on the shelf, after 9pm i wasnt going to stores to try to find silver or black
using this set up to reduce drag on the serpentine system, and i'm hoping the larger radiator with electric fans will be enough to cool the bay, and hopefully it'll help with fuel economy. Obviously power is not something to expect out of a 305
also painted the bow tie for the grill i don't have. Does anyone know if the C/K pick up truck grills are the same as the van i've been having trouble locating a replacement grill
Dropped the bowtie off at my pinstripe guy to add the black border, i'm still trying to learn how to paint metal flake and paint in general, as it seems the only way this van will see paint or body stuff is if i can do it myself. unfortunately i cant afford to have it done professionally.
sorry about the tons of pics, i just assume everyone is like me and enjoys seeing photos.