[70FormulaCA]

Originally Posted by Tellyshavilli

The codes on the radiator tanks themselves are CV on the passenger side for a 4 speed 4 core ( ram air car ) and IF on the driver side of the same radiator . These are the important codes to look for as the tags are reproed and easily replaced . You can also look inside the radiator at the cap opening to see if its a 4 core but the codes on the side of tank facing to the rear are the most important identifications .

So I went out to the garage and checked the radiator for the codes. I found the IF pretty quickly and the CV was a little harder to spot as it was a flatter marking compared to the IF code. Also, here's what the metal tag reads:

IF FP
CV
91 (or 81 not sure)

Do these codes mean anything?

[Tellyshavilli]

Originally Posted by 70FormulaCA

So I went out to the garage and checked the radiator for the codes. I found the IF pretty quickly and the CV was a little harder to spot as it was a flatter marking compared to the IF code. Also, here's what the metal tag reads:

IF FP
CV
91 (or 81 not sure)

Do these codes mean anything?

Looks like you got the correct radiator . Those codes mean your lucky .

[70FormulaCA]

Were 4 core radiators only available with the ram air cars? Or was the 4 core just the heavy duty radiator option that could be ordered with any Formula/Firebird?

[keith k]

Originally Posted by 70FormulaCA

Were 4 core radiators only available with the ram air cars? Or was the 4 core just the heavy duty radiator option that could be ordered with any Formula/Firebird?

See the chart Getridaone posted above. FP radiators came with all manual trans cars that were equipped with HD radiator option (typically all cars with 3.73 gears), and all manual trans cars that had A/C (even a base Firebird).

But you won't find many FP radiators still around, that's for sure.

[70FormulaCA]

Thanks all for your help and knowledge.

Now I have to find a shop that will restore the radiator. The shroud I should be able to restore myself - thanks RicksGTO. The shroud does have a small crack, however. Anyone have any recommendations on how to repair the crack before I clean and paint the shroud.

[eaglesan13]

A few years ago I restored my father-in-laws 1970 El Camino. I used a radiator shop in the Sacramento area since I wanted the original radiator repaired. They did a nice job and I would use them again. They were also the only place I could find that would boil out the gas tank. I don't know if they are still under the same ownership, but I know they are still at the same location because I called them last week about pressure testing my heater core before I reassemble the dash in my formula. They are out near the old McClellan AFB. Here is the contact info if you want to check with them.

B & M Radiator
3701 Madison Ave
North Highlands, CA 95660
916-331-2837

Originally Posted by 70FormulaCA

Thanks all for your help and knowledge.

Now I have to find a shop that will restore the radiator. The shroud I should be able to restore myself - thanks RicksGTO. The shroud does have a small crack, however. Anyone have any recommendations on how to repair the crack before I clean and paint the shroud.

[eaglesan13]

Here are some pics of a shroud I found in the trunk of a car I bought a few years ago. It had been off the road since 1983, and since the car had a later style right fender and core support, I knew there had been some old repairs. Since the the shroud has the opening at the bottom I know it is a replacement, but there is no hole in the top for the overflow jar like there is on the replacements for sale now. Maybe it's real old replacement part.

[70FormulaCA]

Thanks for the recommendation. There are several in the Sac area and I wouldn't know which one to go too!

These days what does restoring an original radiator cost? Has anyone done one recently? And what's involved in the restoration/repair?

Originally Posted by eaglesan13

A few years ago I restored my father-in-laws 1970 El Camino. I used a radiator shop in the Sacramento area since I wanted the original radiator repaired. They did a nice job and I would use them again. They were also the only place I could find that would boil out the gas tank. I don't know if they are still under the same ownership, but I know they are still at the same location because I called them last week about pressure testing my heater core before I reassemble the dash in my formula. They are out near the old McClellan AFB. Here is the contact info if you want to check with them.

B & M Radiator
3701 Madison Ave
North Highlands, CA 95660
916-331-2837