Others will disagree, but,a $200 3 row aluminum radiator will keep your truck nice and cool in the desert. They are an exact match mounting wise for your old radiator. Set the old one aside and when time/money is available have it re-cored and wrap it up and put it away. You will have it if/when you decide to "restore" the truck.
Thank you!
I bought an aluminum radiator on Ebay for $200 delivered, and the tank has the same shape as the original radiator.
I'll look into that
Exact amount of money "re-cored original radiator" adds to the truck's value: $0.00.
Point taken
Ron and Ryan, is the old radiator leaking? A new core would be nice, but might not be necessary if the core isn't leaking. A quick test is to plug the upper and lower radiator hose fittings, fill the radiator with water and check for leaks. I use Oatey pressure test plugs available in the plumbing department of Home Depot or Lowes. It won't be a pressure test, but these systems aren't under a lot of pressure anyway.
If it doesn't leak, I'd rinse it out well with a garden hose inside an out and try using it.
I live in Gilbert, too. I run a 160 degree thermostat instead of the stock 180 due to our hot summers. I keep it in year round because I don't use the heater very often. Sometimes you'll see the 160 degree thermostats referred to as 'desert thermostats'.
If your core doesn't leak but your upper or lower tanks either leak or have dents but are salvageable, send me a PM and I can offer some advice about how to fix them on your own...or you can stop by and I can show you.
Matt
We took it over to a place on Country Club and he said he could tell be looking at it that it was leaking. The fact that it had been pulled from the truck would seem to enforce that. I'll go ahead and fill it up anyway to see. Thanks for the info on the thermostat too!
