Howdy folks, Brian Martin the Boss Man here a 4 State Trucks. I am coming to you once again with Josh Hurley, our Cooling Department Manager. Today we are going to talk about replacement radiators for Peterbilt 359 models.
Peterbilt 359′ is one of my favorite subject matters. When it comes to big rigs, they are comparable to the automotive icons of 1957 Chevies and 1969 Camaros. If you have a 359 you are probably bound and determined to keep that thing rolling. You are never going to put it out in the weeds and let it just go to rust. You are always going to put that back in service because it is your pride and joy.
Radiator Replacement For Peterbilt 359
Well, let’s talk about radiators because they are extremely hard to find in an aftermarket variety for Peterbilt 359’s. BestFit has teamed up with some of our manufactures to bring you a heavy-duty superior to the original equipment replacement. A lot of technology and effort has gone into building this radiator. It is built with an all-metal brass copper unit and it fits your 359 up through models dating1986.
Upgraded Technology
BestFit is offering 2010-2020 cooling technology in a fitment that will drop right into 1979, 1983, and 1985 trucks. It does however look a little bit different than the factory version produced. This is because we made a few changes to allow more adaptability and to handle up to 1200 horsepower. The core is similar to newer styles found in units before they started being made of plastic and aluminum around the year 2007. It is 40 to 50 percent more efficient than what would have come out factory in the 359.
Do You Offer In A 4 And 5 Row?
Yes, BestFit offers this in a 4-row core and 5-row core high-performance. Both options come with a frame and are available without or with an air cooler to create a cool pack.
Air Cooler Hookups
One of the biggest differences between the original and the replacement is the design on the top of the tank. This addition allows for a charge air cooler without the need to make modifications and can work with multiple arrangements.
Do you have a non-charged air-cooled Cat engine with an aftercooler on top? If so, this aftermarket radiator is equipped with a tank that will work with that arrangement. Do you have a charge air-cooler like that in an 86 model? If so, the tank on this replacement is also notched to where you can use your charged air.
Overall Improvements
BestFit Peterbilt 359 radiator replacements feature steel side rails, steel tanks, and a heavy-duty copper brass core. Most of the early 359’s original radiators have aluminum side rails that eventually bubble and corrode. These original parts came with cast aluminum tanks and aluminum washer bars that kept everything together. Due to the material used and age, they typically crumble and come apart as they are moved.
It is hard to believe that the 359 has been out of production for well over 30 years. So chances are if you are still driving with a stock radiator, it is probably going to be out of service sooner rather than later.
To Sum It Up
This is a very cool part. It is not an item you are going to find at 90% of your truck radiator shops out there. They have kind of written off the 359 and not really pursuing cooling for those models.
Here at 4 State Trucks and BestFit, we are more than excited to work with any of these vintage semi-trucks. We want to keep them on the road, just like you do. All right Peterbilt 359 owners, you heard it here first. If you have any questions or concerns about your radiator and/or fitment feel free to contact us or give us a call at 1-888-875-7787 ext 292.
