Hi, I have two 81 style radiators one I'd like to hold onto for a spare for my 39 pickup, but the other one I could definitely part with if it will work for you. My half ton pickup with a flatbed and racks runs an 81C radiator and I have an identical one that is also marked 81C and that one I would like to hold onto. However, I have one marked 81T with a B2 beneath it also in the raised stamped letters. I just hauled it into my shop to compare it with my 81C that's sitting against a wall and at a glance they appear identical, but obviously they are not.
The top tanks are the same, the recessed curve for fan clearance is the same, the water necks are the same diameter and length (about 4 and 1/2 inches from tank) with the same type downward curve, same thickness, length, and width of the core. The difference appears to be in the lower tank water necks. They are the same diameter but are in a lower position than the 81C lower water necks. The 81C water necks are 23 and 1/2 inches to the center from the bottom side of the upper tank. The 81T B2 is 25 inches from the bottom of the upper tank to the center of the water necks. A difference of 1 and 1/2 inches. The only other difference I can find is that there are no petcocks or provision for them in the 81T B2 radiator.
It seems that a good radiator shop could remove the water necks from the lower tank and replace them with water necks in the correct orientation with petcocks installed. I have not investigated any further yet until I hear if you are at all interested. My number is 802-869-2688 and I'm in Southern Vermont near Bellows Falls. Toby Lampert
