New radiator won't fit

[Buggyman]

I bought a cheaper radiator from Advanced auto and went to install it tonight and it won't fit. The new and old radiators are identical when compared side by side expect that it has attachments for an automatic transmission. If I remove the rubber foot from the support bracket then I can get it to bolt it but the fan shroud won't match up to the holes provided. I am a little ticked as this is the last thing I need to do before starting it after rebuilding the top end and it won't be till next week that I can get to the parts store again between work and christmas.

Any thoughts? Is this to be expected of these cheaper radiators? I looked up the part number and everything matches and it looks so close, I am tempted to just zip tie what I need and make it work.

Thanks for any ideas,

Philip

 

[RonD]

Yes, it is typical.

Really up to you if you "make it work" or take it back, and will the next 3rd party one fit?

 

[Buggyman]

Good to know, I might just do what I need to make it work for now. I really don't have time to shuffle through these cheap radiators to find one that fits perfectly.
Thanks,

 

[rustywrench]

It's your $$$$ and time but, I'd make them find the correct one. You will be cussing your makeshift setup the whole time you own the vehicle. Zip ties to hold a fan shroud or radiator in place are by no means permanent repairs. Unless you like re-fixing what you have already "fixed". Personally, I don't have time for that. I'd rather spend the time and $$$$ up front and fix it right, than keep re-clobbering my clobbering. Just me???

 

[enjr44]

Get the right one. You will cuss that SOB every time you look at it for ever.