Radiator overflow tank?

[jbgroby]

Hey Gang,

I’ve been speaking with another member (Pete Chronis) on what was the factory correct radiator overflow container for our 60-66 trucks. I have ordered a generic 2”x16” container to catch my water expansion when needed for now.

According to what we can see or find, most trucks (65-66) came with a larger radiator overflow tank. Classic Parts #78-416 and is reported to fit ’41-54’. This mounted on the right inner fender next to the battery. However, it’s the same design as what was used on a 65-66.

Does anyone in the group have better information?

[bigblockv6]

Jake, why don't you post those pics I sent you of the factory coolant recovery tank so other members can see what it looks like. The one thing about this tank is it has a protruding nipple on the top while the earlier designs don't, otherwise it's identical from the ones used in the 30's, 40's & 50's.

[jbgroby]

Will try

[jbgroby]

This was sent to me by another member and could be an after market unit.

[GMCNUT]

The Radiator coolant recovery tank was part of the package on all 65-66 Assembly-line installed Factory AC equipped trucks. Was probably an option on bigger trucks too but to date I have never seen one on any GMC that did not come with Factory AC.

[bigblockv6]

You may have not seen a coolant recovery tank on no AC models but I pulled a factory recovery tank off a 66 1000 series with a 351E that did not have AC. It makes sense that the larger displacement 351E V6 would come with that as optional or even standard equipment over the smaller 305 engine.

[bigblockv6]

Originally Posted by jbgroby

This was sent to me by another member and could be an after market unit.

Jake, that is the correct factory recovery tank set up in the pic.

[GMCNUT]

Originally Posted by bigblockv6

You may have not seen a coolant recovery tank on no AC models but I pulled a factory recovery tank off a 66 1000 series with a 351E that did not have AC. It makes sense that the larger displacement 351E V6 would come with that as optional or even standard equipment over the smaller 305 engine.

You don't still happen to have that one do you Pete? These tanks are prone to rust out - I have three of them all off 65-66 factory AC equipped trucks and every one of them has a rot hole of one sort or another in it - I need to find a solid original one

[bigblockv6]

Yes GMCNUT I still have the tank, I've been kind of saving it. It's no good since it's rusted and full of holes. On another note our banned member Mr. BARRYGMC (AKA Charon) is touting on another site claiming I'm a clown because these trucks never came with a coolant recovery tank Well your photos prove such did exist and the fact I pulled one out of a 66 GMC

[gmccollector]

With ANY and ALL GMC specific parts there is a GM part number that can be traced to such part, Steve and Pete . Nothing shows up in a Chevrolet parts book , nothing in GMC accessory books from 1960-1966 . The can shown was used 1937-1948 , after that all Ive seen is aftermarket parts which GMC most likely offered in this situation or added by a service station after the truck sold new.