1963-1966 C/K Series LS and LT Radiator for Manual Transmission Swaps
Swapping an LS or LT motor into a mid sixties C/K Series truck with a manual gearbox can overtax the original cooling system so the 1963-1966 GM Truck Radiator (Manual Trans) with Fans regulates coolant temperature under towing and city driving. It features a full width aluminum core fully tig welded and twin electric fans that engage only when heat thresholds demand airflow. Bracketry drops into factory frame mounts on C10 and K10 models without trimming to maintain alternator alignment and accessory drive geometry. Built in the USA, the design delivers consistent heat rejection across a 28.25 inch surface for stable cooling in stop and go traffic or under heavy loads.
Precision TIG Welding for Consistent Core Integrity
Every joint within the radiator core and tanks is crafted using a full TIG welding process that preserves the full thickness of high quality aluminum. This method produces seamless welds without filler interruptions, ensuring that vibrations from an LS or LT motor swap do not compromise the metal interface. By maintaining direct metal contact, heat moves uniformly from coolant passages into the fin array across the entire 28.25 inch surface, eliminating hotspots and preserving geometric stability through repeated thermal cycles. The result is a robust core structure that resists fatigue and leak development even under heavy towing or extended city driving.
Adaptive Dual Electric Fans for Controlled Airflow
The dual electric fans are calibrated to engage precisely when coolant temperature crosses a preset threshold, supplying airflow only when needed. This on demand operation relieves alternator load, leaving capacity available for lighting and modern accessories in your classic truck. Mounted to draw air evenly through the full face of the radiator, the fans eradicate localized heat buildup that can lead to coolant boiling under stress. Rapid fan response in stop and go traffic or during low speed towing maintains stable engine temperature, supporting both highway cruising and demanding work scenarios without manual fan shroud adjustments.
Coating Choices Balancing Cooling and Corrosion Resistance
Choose between an uncoated bare aluminum finish or a black epoxy layer to suit your build priorities. The bare surface maximizes direct radiant cooling by exposing pure aluminum to oncoming air, while the epoxy option adds a protective barrier against road chemicals, moisture, and salt without degrading thermal performance. Both coatings are applied at a controlled thickness to preserve factory fan shroud alignment and bracket geometry, ensuring effortless assembly. Whether you favor a period correct look or enhanced environmental protection, each treatment delivers years of service in varied climates.
Authentic Direct Fitment Preserving Accessory Alignment
Designed in the USA to match the exact frame mounts of 1963–1966 C10 and K10 Chevy and GMC trucks with manual transmissions, this radiator installs without frame trimming or adapter fabrication. Bracketry lines up with factory holes to maintain alternator position and accessory drive geometry, avoiding adjustments that could alter charging output. Strict quality checks on critical dimensions guarantee a drop in fit that retains original engine bay clearance and belt path alignment. By preserving these factory interfaces, the system delivers reliable cooling performance for any LS or LT swap project.
Count on MuscleRods for consistent cooling support in your LS or LT swap. For the same radiator but without fans consider our 1963-1966 GM Truck Radiator Manual Transmission.