65 vs 66 radiator support (2 whl drive)

[slixtyfive]

Remind me again of the differences between 65 and 66 radiator supports (if there are any...)

Thanks

[banjopicker66]

There are major differences, they are not interchangeable.

Check my album for several pictures showing radiators installed in '65 and '66 trucks.

For the radiator, the '65 radiator bolts to brackets welded to the backside of the core support, whereas the '66 radiator bolts directly to the core support itself.
The battery tray is different as well. The '65 bolts to the radiator side brackets, but the '66 bolts to the core support - and has it's own side bracket since there is not a side support on the radiator for it to use as a side support.
Hope this helps.

[Toyz]

Beware of the LMC core support labeled as '65. The one received turned out to be an earlier application.
Paul

[slixtyfive]

Thanks Banjo - that explains a lot. I was always confused about the comments that they were different. It turns out that the support on my '65 either has those radiator brackets removed, or is actually a '66 support. Now I understand better.

But in essence, it sounds like they would be interchangeable IF you also get the radiator and battery tray to match.....

The reason I ask is that my truck is a '65 but I may have found a good '66 support. Since I don't have a radiator and need to also replace the battery tray, it sounds like I could make it all work with the '66 support by also getting the 66 battery tray and radiator...... Let me know if I'm missing something there.


Also, thanks for the heads up on the repo '65.

[TXSlick]

Hey, slixtyfive... I have a 66 truck and a 65 core support. My truck is disassembled for paint. Want to swap?

[Toyz]

No problem interchanging them! I have changed so many from original I always have to stop to think when someone asks what support is in a particular truck! One of my 65's has the early support, upper valance, and inner fenders; my choice of front parts; although I lean toward '62 grilles on early cabs.

Paul

[slixtyfive]

TX,
My support has some damage but is repairable. I just thought if I can also use a 66 that would open up my options. I need to look closer to verify if mine is a 65 with the brackets removed or if it is a 66.

Toyz,
are you saying that I would also need to swap the other parts you listed if the support is swapped (65 vs 66)

[slixtyfive]

I can definitely tell where those radiator brackets were removed from mine. It seems I should be able to make it work without them??

But, does anyone have a rusted out radiator support they could cut those off of and sell me?

[Toyz]

You are correct in that if you have the right combo of support , battery box and radiator, all is well between the '65 and '66.
If you wish to change, Dale removed the brackets from his replacement support for his '66 which appears to be a '64 with '65 brackets welded in place . I will check and see if he is interested this weekend and let you know. I should also have some around; I just don't know where, currently; but his are new anyway.
No, only the core support and battery box support require modification. I was just musing about my mismatched palate of parts.
Paul

[slixtyfive]

Toyz,
Any word on those brackets?