1978 Dodge tradesman 200 radiator. 

Does the Dodge version use the same hoses?

The Dodge rad uses slightly different hoses and we needed a solid coupling to extend the upper hose to the thermostat housing.
I also have some guides on building a shroud for the Dodge rad. Runs much cooler, even in traffic. I've never overheated. I can share pictures if that helps.

Yes, pics would be useful. Thanks. Still waiting to hear about the re-core cost, but it is nice knowing what the options are.

Sure thing. I know I have some online here. https://www.53hor.net/2021-10-01-shroud-your-rad-for-an-ice-cold-hudson
I can attach more if you want to see something specific.

The three times I've used the Dodge radiator, I used the factory hoses without modification. I even used one in a Jet.

Dany is probably right. We did some other mods including the shroud and AC condensor that required some tweaking.

Adam, I just read your article about the fan shroud... Very nicely done... It looks like your radiator is mounted a couple of inches forward of where the typical six cylinder Hudson goes. This is where the radiators in an eight cylinder car are mounted. Usually when you buy a new upper hose at the auto parts store, one or both ends are a little too long, and have to be trimmed down. This extra material might be just enough to compensate for moving the radiator those couple of inches.

Anyway, thank you for posting that link. I think it will help a lot of us. I'm building a 54 coupe right now, that this may work on.

Glad you found it helpful! I think Ken Cates linked it on his site if you ever need to find it.
My folks just got a 54 convertible which we will do the exact same way. Might try to go pro on the shroud from shaped aluminum though.
I highly recommend it. The increased cooling capacity helps a lot. If it can cool a big V8 it can cool a big I6 🙂

Adam, I've got a big V-8 in my 54. I will be using an aluminum radiator in it, but this Dodge setup won't work for my engine. I'll get through it, but this shroud idea will work on just about anything.

Dany

I enthusiastically recommend the Champion 3-core radiator for stepdowns!  I am not affiliated with them in any way, but feel like I should be, since I've now bought radiators from them for our '51 Hudson, '51 Stude, '53 Kaiser and '52 Nash.  I'm in Albuquerque and the Hudson is our road trip car -- went to San Diego last summer, through Palm Springs, and it absolutely keeps the engine cool, even on the highway at 107 degrees ambient!  I've never had an issue with any of these radiators, the quality is stunning for the price point.

https://www.championradiators.com/dodge-b-series-ram-van-radiator-1974-1979

This is the correct one for the stepdown, I had to have the brackets removed from the sides and swapped (by a welder) so the mounting holes are on the opposite face of the radiator, and I think I then shaved down the portion of the bracket that I'm not using the mount the radiator (the portion towards the grill after the brackets were swapped) but they fit amazingly well in the hole.  I only run a 7lb cap, but it doesn't need a lot of pressure when you have that much radiator.  I bought this radiator close to 10 years ago, no issues at all since.

Good luck either way! 

Went ahead and ordered the Champion. Rad shop quoted over $900 to re-core the old one.

It will take a bit of work to make it work, but I've never regretted it.  I would not use the cap that comes with the radiator, btw - it won't hurt the radiator but it's likely to cause the heater core to leak.  7lb caps are available at parts stores, that's a lot closer to the original spec.

Got the radiator, but am unsure as to what needs to be removed or moved. Can you offer some insight? Thanks.