55 Century Radiator Numbers

[packick]

I just pulled the radiator out of my 55 Century and noticed some numbers on the top of the side that faces forward (opposite side of the hose inlet/outlet). Here is what I think a couple of the numbers mean:

Harrison (the maker of the radiator)

3133727 (which I assume is the serial number of this particular radiator)

Those were easy to decipher. But I also found these numbers:

R-27

55 B

My assumption is the the "55 B" means the radiator is for a 1955 Buick. I have no idea what the R-27 means, unless it is the model number of the Harrison radiator.

Does anyone know how to decipher these numbers? If not, it's not the end of the world. I am just curious.

Thanks.

Edited February 7, 2012 by packick (see edit history)

[bhambulldog]

I'm giving you a bump to the top.

[VickyBlue]

R27 56 B on my 56 Century too...

[packick]

OK. So the 55 and 56 are the year car the radiator goes into, and the R27 must be the radiator model? Or does R27 only fit a Century? Does someone with a 55 Special want to share their radiator numbers? The mystery continues.

[bhambulldog]

I put mine in storage Saturday. I'll take a look and see what mine says.........

[Guest kaycee]

I wonder if the R27 indicates radiator cap number?

kaycee

[bhambulldog]

I know that '55 was the first year for 7 lb psi caps. Before were 3 lb psi caps

[1957buickjim]

Here's what the master parts book says - 1954/55 Group 1.219;- Core, Radiator; PN 3133727 - All cars with CC (Car Cooling - A/C; DF (Dynaflow) or both. Assuming your car has a Dynaflow transmission in it. If not, the correct radiator should be 3131176 for a manual tranny.

1956 : P/N 3134596 Special with Manual Transmission; P/N 3134597 For all 1956 Buicks with Dynaflow transmissions.

Not sure of the R27 designation, perhaps it is the number of rows in the core for build purposes.

Hope this helps.