Volvo Radiator Swap

[DannyPSL]

Hi All,
I’m new to the Fiat Spider world, but not the automotive. I need to change out an 82 Spider radiator due to leakage and after searching (on and off line) around it seems like it’s a semi-normal thing for these cars. That being said, I found some information converting to an aluminum Volvo 240 radiator, it seem straight forward, but I just wanted to hear from others if they have done this swap, if they are happy with it, and if they had any pointers they could share.

I’ve found the following post and write up’s
http://mirafiori.com/faq/content/volvor ... adconv.htm
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 30&t=14931

Here’s the part list I’ve compiled, I’m only putting parts that relate directly to the swap on it. If anyone see’s anything missing please let me know.

Parts are from a Volvo 240 unless otherwise specified

• Part - Link
• Radiator - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... um=8010083
• Fan Temp Switch - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... um=1580964
• Electric Fan - http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/ ... 9587_7523_
• Lower Hose - http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/ ... 4_0_10495_
• Radiator Cap (Black) - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... tnum=10245
• Coolant Expansion Tank - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... um=9122997
• Coolant Recovery Tank Hose - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... um=9141262
• 1/2” aluminum c-chanel stock - hardware store
• Radiator upper brackets - ebay
• Spider hose rad to engine - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... tnum=70687
• Spider hose engine to thermo - http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframe ... tnum=61080
• Hose clamps, relay, wire - autoparts store

The total runs about $269, but that's including items that I would be changing either way

Thanks
-Dan

[vandor]

FYI a new original style radiator is $295 and you don't have to modify anything...

[divace73]

FYI a new original style radiator is $295 and you don't have to modify anything...

for the small cost of $295, I'd be sticking to the original.....

[DannyPSL]

Hi vandor and divace73,

Thanks for the heads up on the stock radiator, and I appreciate your opinions. I had looked around before posting, or doing the research on the swap parts and found that I can get new radiator for under $200 at Vicks. The two big draws for me towards the Volvo radiator swap are:

• I can upgrade from a copper radiator to a aluminum radiator, so cooler temperatures - summers in the south can be rough. I don't plan on any major engine modifications, so the big aluminum radiators that Vicks and Allisons Automotive sell doesn't make much sense for my use as they would be overkill.
• The Volvo radiator itself can be found for as little as $60, so if I need a replacement in the future the cost will continue to be cheaper.

In my earlier price estimate the second most expensive item is the electric fan, which would be swapped out either way, it's thirty years old and shows its age. Additionally the majority of the other items, temperature switches, hoses, etc. need changing as well, so they are also 'lumped' into the estimate. Even with the 'like for like' swap I would be spending more money for a cooling system that is less efficient, which doesn't make sense to me.

Again thank you for your advice, but I'm really only interested in anything that I may have missed about the Volvo radiator swap.

[divace73]

when the system is free from being blocked they run fine. I live in Oz and have seen the 40 deg C days and have never had a problem after I have my radiator cleaned out properly. I've also tracked it on a high 30's day and she didn't miss a beat. (I almost passed out from dehydration but the car was fine)
The distance means greater freight cost so many option costs considerabley more on this side of the world.
If you do go with the volvo unit, it would be great if you could post the progress.
Either way best of luck

[seabeelt]

Befor doing the swap, take a look at this link.
r/

http://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/html/al ... copper.php

[2500diesel]

So does anyone know what happened with this swap?
Did it work? Were there any fitment issues?
What were they?
Did Mrs. Margullies run off with the janitor, or stay with her domineering husband, Arthur?
Inquiring minds want to know!

[Zippy]

He probably didn't like the answers he got, he hasn't been back since the original post and reply.

[2500diesel]

Still, be nice if it fits.

[lanciahf]

I did the conversion twice to my old spider. The first time I did the conversion it was no problem fit wise. I bought the radiator from Rock Auto and it had plastic end tanks. This radiator I found off craigslist is all metal construction and is about 1/4 to wide. I slightly tapped the offending parts with a hammer and all is okay.

[carl]

The MIRA article was by my good friend Richard Ridge and he did this conversion on his turbo spider. It was done many years ago and he is still happy with the results.

carl