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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 | Are the new radiators available for $250-300 plus shipping worth the extra money compared to a re-core (up to $200)? My radiator man says some of the new ones are junk. I won't be installing a V-8.
1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet 34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | I would re-core it, if the tanks are still good. That way you know it will fit and work. You can also have stuff like drain cocks added when recoring- a very nice thing to have. Some aftermarket radiators aren't built very well and the fit is poor. I had a Jeep radiator re-cored and it turned out great, a lot better than the new aftermarket ones. It is a good idea to develop a relationship with a radiator shop so when you need your heater core done they can help you out. A lot of times the warranty on a re-cored unit is better than on a new one.
Paint & Body Shop moderator
A lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 687 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 687 | I bought a new one for my '66 stepside. I got it on Ebay for about 150 including shipping. This beat the local stores by a hundred bucks. Recoring wasn't an option for me. I had the itty-bitty, SUPER thin 2 core bit. The one I got from Ebay was a big, thick 3 core unit. Money WELL spent, in my opinion. The temp gauge rested just over the halfway point with the old unit. Now, with the new radiator and water pump, I can barely get it to register 1/4!!!   Word to the wise - be VERY careful buying a radiator without a warranty. Make sure you get a really good price if you do. And keep a bottle or two of Alumaseal on hand too. -ftyler | | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 30 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 30 | Took my radiator to a couple of shops trying to get it repaired. First one said it was toast and that I could re-core or buy a new one, big $$$$. Second one charged me $20 and told me it was unfixable. Tried one more shop. Third try is the charm right? Right!  Found an owner-run shop, you know the kind of shop that only the owner could find anything in? I told him it was for my '50 truck. He took the radiator apart and fixed all the leaks. He even repainted it for me, I had painted it prior to finding out it leaked. He didn't even put his shop sticker on it until I told him it was ok. Gave me a 6 month warranty on it ta boot! A & N Radiator in Arlington, MN. Worth the effort of looking around. Nothing replaces experience when you need something fixed right.
Deaner
1950 Chevy 3600 Stake Bed
I don't know where I'm going, but there's no sense being late!
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 | I went with a new modern core (and not the original-style, replacement core). I trust the shop. A bit pricey at $220. Thanks!!
1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet 34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2019 Posts: 95 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2019 Posts: 95 | I think you got a good deal. My local shop wanted $525.00 for a recore. I ended up purchasing an aluminum aftermarket for about $200.00 Will get the original recored when I find a reputable shop
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1953 3100 Pu
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,454 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,454 | we lost our long time, very good radiator shop in La Grande a couple years ago, progress I suppose?
BC
1960 Chevy C10 driver 261 T5 4.10 dana 44 power loc
1949 GMC 250 project in waiting
1960 C60 pasture art
Retired GM dealer tech. 1980 - 2022
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2001 Posts: 1,904 | I did probably get a good deal but those were 2001 dollars. Pricey then becomes great 20 years later! This site amazes me. To keep those old posts still alive is amazing.
Last edited by Wally / Montana; 03/27/2021 5:57 PM.
1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet 34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
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