The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Radiator Blues

In the process of restoring a 1950 GMC 1/2 ton. Using the 248 out of my parts truck and swapping out the truck 4-speed for a early 60 car 3-speed. That said, I decided to have my radiator checked at the local shop and heard back today that it is basically DOA and would need a re-core done on it. With a coupon that I have it would end up being $410 + tax...ouch. Checked on line with the aftermarket crowd and they have replacement ones (new ?)) for $300 + shipping. I've purchased several good aftermarket products but a few have been lemons in as far as fit and quality are concerend. Does anyone have experience with these aftermarket units? Would it be better to spend the additional $100 and have mine fixed by a local guy that will be around if my driveway begins to turn green? Thanks for your input!

That sounds awful high for a recore. Check some other shops. Most all the after market radiators I,ve used have been O.K. but they have been from regular suppliers & not the specialty parts suppliers. Make shure you get the same thickness or larger. They go by rows of cores. From 2 to 4. You might try a radiator specialty store. One problem with recores on a restoration is dents in the top tank that don,t look good after it,s all done.

Pile Driver,

I just ordered one from Jim Carters for my '54 GMC. It fit pretty well-I had to egg out the flange holes a little bit to line up with the radiator support nuts. The new radiator actually had leak-Carters said to take it to a shop and they reimbursed my for the repair. I think I paid $279 + shipping for a 3 row. I wanted the 4 row, which is about $25.00 more but they did not have it in stock. Overall I'm happy with the fit.

I just ordered one from Brothers in Corona, Ca. it takes 3 to 6 weeks if your not in a hurry...215 plus tax.

Just reading through the different forums I see quite a few people cautioning about buy "foreign built" repo radiators due to problems leaking. One poster directed me to "US Radiators" for a quality US built radiator. They have an extensive website and actually advertise a direct bolt in replacement for my 49 1/2 ton. I haven't ordered yet so I don't know exactly what they're cost would be.

I have always had good luck with classicparts.com (was chevyduty).

I bought a 3 row core for my '54 GMC 100 at the local NAPA store for 200.00, very happy with it and it bolted right in no problems.

If you have a good top, bottom and brackets that are re-usable, get a Craig Mfg. 3-core recore, made in USA.

I got mine done for $300 and the shop owner even drove to my place, picked up my old one and returned it later the same day for no extra charge.
He knows, I never go to another place and tell all my local friends.

All depends who you ask and how....
There still are shops out there with humans who like what they are doing and enjoy helping out a guy with an old truck on a budget.

I don't think you should even think about cheaper imports - you save in the beginning but end up paying twice and probably end up on the side of the road at the worst time and place....

Good reliable parts have their price, just shop around and you will quickly find the lowest no-risk scenario.