can i run a 26" rad in a 22" opening just by drilling different holes for mounti

[geneo4116]

i have a 22" opening but have been told i can run a 26: radiator by drilling different holes for mounting, and 2' on each side would sit behind the rad iator support, will this work okay or am i deafeating the purpose, have nom rt challenger

[72hemi]

It won't fit, as I recall the opening in the radiator support of a 22" radiator is only 24" and there is a step so you would also have to shim the radiator.

[CUDA JAS]

I have a 26 in a 22 opening in my 74.  It looks like crap in my opinion.  I would rather have the 22.

So, yes it can be done, but as said above, you will need to drill some holes and shim the rad.

Jas

[darkhawk]

I think the 18" and 22" rads are interchangeable but to go to 26" you need to weld a new R/H rad support in .  I'm not sure if you remove the existing R/H rad support though.  Maybe someone else can chime in?

[72hemi]

Yes you have to remove the existing passenger side radiator support and weld in a new one for the 26 inch radiator. I have done the conversion on my 70 cuda and will do it on my 72 challenger. It is not that difficult to change out. New passenger side radiator support sheetmetal is available from a variety of suppliers and on ebay. Priced around $125 I believe.

[elevenssc]

I upgraded my radiator from 22" to 26".  I used a dremmel to cut the pass side radiator support along the bend in the sheet metal.  I was able to weld in the part with the mounting holes that I cut out so I could use the same factory mounting hardware/locations.  The bend that I cut along was in the perfect location for the 26" radiator (so all of the core is in the air stream).  It isn't "factory", but it looks the part. 

I should have taken "before" pics, but I can send/post some "after" pics if interested.

[Aussie Challenger]

  Answer is yes it can be done as a couple of above posts have said, it is a waste of effort if the extra radiator is not in the air stream.