early a body radiators

My 65 Dart 273 had a fan-bashed radiator when I bought it. The original radiators are hard to find so I bought a later model (71+?) at Autozone ($200). I kick myself since I have seen much cheaper on ebay and Craigslist since. That required switching to the later aluminum water pump, but only $35 vs $65 for an older cast iron one, and better looking.

The newer water pump blocks a view of the timing tab, so some say you must also change to the newer timing cover ($60). I had to anyway since mine was severely pitted. The old timing tab is a separate part so I will bolt it in at least temporarily to make a new TDC mark on the harmonic balancer at the new timing tab (integral w/ cover). I will leave it on if it will fit with the new water pump installed (haven't assembled). Some say you even need a later harmonic balancer to get the correct timing mark, but that seems over-kill. If the old timing cover is usable, I suggest finding a way to install the old timing tab somewhere visible and remarking the damper.

I also bought a fan clutch and fan shroud. It looks like my car had neither but it has add-on air and it gets very hot in CA Central Valley so I need all the help.

I don't like the "spray it all one color" approach the factory used and prefer to see aluminum and paint brackets and accessories different colors. I clear- coated the aluminum parts with 500 F engine paint. I will know in a few years if it holds up and stops corrosion. I have seen 2 versions of 500 F rattle-can engine enamel - Rustoleum and Duplicolor. I prefer the former (Autozone) because you can spray at any angle, which is great for painting the engine in the car.

cavemanmoron, I love your 64 Valiant. The lines are so clean, similar to Barracuda but more elegant. Nicer than my 65 Dart, which I think was the best-looking year for Darts.