The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk North Dallas Area Radiator Shop?

I searched the archives a bit, but didn't locate any recommendations for a good radiator shop in the north Dallas area, capable of refurb'ing an original radiator. My '53 has a pinhole/small crack that is leaking (bubbling, actually) where the filler neck joins to the top tank. I could probably solder that area myself, but if I pull the radiator, it seems worth getting it more thoroughly cleaned, inspected and resoldered.

Any shop recommendations? Thanks in advance! ( I started to write TIA, but thought better of it. At my age, that would probably have a different meaning...).

Doug

Centerville Radiator may be the last one. I think the guy's name is Phil, but don't know his last name. Good luck.

Thanks, Jon. Found 'em. Yeah, the owner(?) is Phil (haven't found last name). It's 40 miles from me (I'm in Prosper), but looks like it may be my best bet.

What happened to all the old-school shops that would repair vs replace? Used to be easy to find radiator shops that would do the service. I guess most of us retired, more or less. OK, off my rant.

Thanks!

Doug

What happened is aluminum radiators with clamp on tanks. The ones that are welded require a TIG set up and are just not worth it. I go to Texas Auto Radiator on main in downtown Dallas to get 1/4" diameter solder to make templates for irregular surfaces and while there noticed brass radiators being rodded out and several big construction equipment radiators being worked on.

Thanks, Evan. They're in a nice section of town... LOL. I'll give them a shout.

Most of the radiator shops in North Dallas/Richardson have closed, Doug. The one I used for years was on Greenville Ave in Richardson and the owner ended up using the sale of his property to fund his retirement. He had nearly an acre and the city bought it for future expansion of the municipal building as I recall. I could tell you more, but I'd have to discuss some politics. The other one I'd used in Garland closed about 10 years ago. The apartment building which sits where it used to be looks like it was built to be a slum from the start.

I don't know about the shop downtown, so I couldn't say.

I ended up buying an aluminum radiator (Chinese) on Amazon for $129 delivered. Had to send the first one back...had been welded slightly crooked...but the next one was ok and it cools like a champ. Not like original but at this point in life, neither am I. Good luck.

Thanks, Jon. Depending on price, I'll see if the options from Phil ('your" guy) or Evan make sense. My '53 is original enough I'd prefer not to go aluminum... which sets a top end price for repair based on replacement from Brassworks at about half or their $800 replacement cost. Hard to argue with the cost from these guys... which painted black would be hard to tell from original.

I'm told by others that Harris is Phil's last name, Doug. I understand wanting to keep it original or as close as possible to that. Good luck with it.

I'll second the recommendation for Centerville Radiator. Phil has been there for 40+ years. I had two radiators, one for my 58' Apache and one for my 78' Ford, repaired by him. I also have had both gas tanks for said vehicles cleaned by him. He just cleaned up and sealed the tank for my 58' for $175. I do like going there though because I live less than a mile away from the location, added bonus I guess. Best wishes with your project.

Thanks, Apache'.

OK you guys are making me "alittle homesick" .....

born in Dallas , grew up in Garland, worked in Richardson ................ but, you missed 'Plano' .


"Lets Go back" ...................... GEMINI Drive-IN .............. Location . ?

Then, how about "Kellers Drive-in" ........... is that still open ? ?

I've had a few Radiators repaired at that shop in Richardson ------------- I worked at "Richardson Paint & Body Shop" (almost 9 years) , we were only a block away ...

We were just back there last February , but we came through the north side -- Wylie area.

Thanks guys, .... jim