Champion Rad Fitment problems

[sixpack_sid]

I have a 68 Dodge Charger 440 BB. I just bought a Champion 4 row radiator. After dry fitting it I noticed that the holes on the rad don't match the mounting holes on the frame. They are about 1 & 1/2 inches off on each side. Also, the rad needs to sit flush with the bottom frame for the bolt holes to be level with the frame holes. I thought the rad should hang off of the front frame, held on by the mounting bolts. Do I return this rad and get a 3  row instead? Is the bolt pattern different? Or do I drill new holes in the frame to match the rad? Please help! I am posting a diagram below to explain the rad measurements.

[sixpack_sid]

Diagram:

[terrible one]

It looks like you are trying to put a 26" radiator in a 22" opening?

[sixpack_sid]

It looks like you are trying to put a 26" radiator in a 22" opening?

So what do I do?? I didn't realize there are different sizes? The car code said it had a 383 in it originally. Are there different sizes for the 440 BB? They never asked when I ordered it, just the engine size...

[terrible one]

It looks like you are trying to put a 26" radiator in a 22" opening?

So what do I do?? I didn't realize there are different sizes? The car code said it had a 383 in it originally. Are there different sizes for the 440 BB? They never asked when I ordered it, just the engine size...

I would explain things to the seller and exchange it for the 22" version. It is probably cheaper, which will offset the hassle/ cost of shipping it back. Hopefully someone else will chime in with what determined whether a car got a 22" or 26" rad, but I do know that 383 cars were definitely subject to coming equipped with 22" radiators. Hell, I think that even some 440 cars came with 22" radiators.

EDIT: I just went out and measured my own car and they matched your measurements, so you definitely need a 22" radiator. 

[sixpack_sid]

What size engine do you have, Terrible one? I guess I'll call the vendor tomorrow and see what we can do...Leave it to me to pick the wrong rad!

[terrible one]

What size engine do you have, Terrible one? I guess I'll call the vendor tomorrow and see what we can do...Leave it to me to pick the wrong rad!

I am running a 383, but my car came with a 318 originally. Don't be discouraged aside from the hassle of exchanging it though. A 22" will be more than enough to cool your engine, especially a 4 row aluminum version. I am running a 3 row core 22" Champion and as long as it is under 100 degrees out I never go above 190*, hottest temp has been 200* sitting in traffic on a 105* day. No shroud either!

Oh and believe me, I've gone through some steps on the learning curve and still have way more to go. I have wound up with many wrong parts over the few years working on my Charger, that's just part of it I guess.  

[sixpack_sid]

Thanks for the advice! I'll sleep better now. Hopefully I'll get this straightened out tomorrow. I was so worried about the thickness and the stock fan & shroud fitting, that I never even thought about the width and there being more than one size radiator. I guess you learn something new all the time.

[terrible one]

Thanks for the advice! I'll sleep better now. Hopefully I'll get this straightened out tomorrow. I was so worried about the thickness and the stock fan & shroud fitting, that I never even thought about the width and there being more than one size radiator. I guess you learn something new all the time.

No problem and you've got it right, there is always something new to learn!