The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Vintage Air Radiators...$$$

I'm about to order a Vintage Air AC system for my '52, and I was talking to John there about radiators. They want over $550 for their radiator suitable for a V-8. The usual cast of vendors seems to want in the $275-$300 range for their "heavy duty" or "desert cooler" radiator for V-8.

Anybody know anything about the radiator VA sells? Can it really be enough better to be worth that much more?

Thanks for any info.

Joe

VA sells a rad with an aux condenser built in that is why you are paying more price the regular recored rad and add to it, the condenser as a separate item.

No...I asked about that. The $550 price was for the radiator only. The condenser is separate, and comes with the AC kit.

Joe

Check with your local radiator shops,I had a four row made for my 37 for around 250 dollars using my original tanks and brackets. Its been about five years ago so the prices have probably went up but you should have good shops that cater to hotrodders out your way. Jeff

I thought about that, and took the truck by the radiator shop before I started the mods. The radiator guy was nervous about the condition of my top tank...didn't think it would hold up under 15 psi.

Joe

Try finding a radiator out of a cabover,they are alot bigger than the regular pickup radiators. The one I had in a 51 3/4 ton beater was about 3 inches thick and had bigger tanks and it should be able to handle a V8. The only modification needed to install was a little trimming on the top of the core support or panel for hood latch for tank clearance. Dont have the radiator anymore sold it last summer. Jeff

I have had a 4 row desert cooler from Carter's in my truck for about 5 or 6 years now. I actually bought it for my '51 Suburban project because I was going to put in a small block and automatic and needed the tranny cooler but then ended up selling the Suburban before I got to the motor. I kept the radiator and put it in my '51 when I was having some over heating problems and had the original recored ($300) and the original is still up in Kook's attic.

Bottom line for me: Carter's 4 row is great and the price is right. Comes with the tranny cooler hookups and I liked what I got. I'm going to be putting that one in my '54 and FINALLY putting the original back in my '51 for the run to the ATHS nationals. Nothing like a little 800 miles shakedown cruise to see if it's going to overheat!