The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Aluminum radiators?

Well, my local radiator repair shop has advised me that my rad. is not worth fixing, and I'm stuck on what to buy. I HATE any product that is made in China! I've read all the posts here about rads. that I could find, and basically I've learned that I may have to pay $5-600, for a good quality rad. I have been tempted by the (made in USA) aluminum ones on E-Bay taht sell for around $200, but I'm not sure if they are any good either? Has anyone used one for any length of time to determine if they are any good, or has anyone yet found a good aftermarket copper/brass rad. that isn't a piece of s--t, that also isn't $600? I know "you get what you pay for", but I've only got so much! Thanks!

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When I bought mine I checked out a bunch of rod shops that build rods from the ground up to see what they recommend and use in their shops. The one name that kept coming up was Walker.

http://www.walkerradiatorworks.com/

Just a suggestion....check out LMC's radiators.....I've used them with no problems and they were reasonably priced, fitted without modification and keep my little 235 cool as a cucumber. I've found, over the years, that regardless of what brand you use, that distilled water and a 25/75 mix of coolant will keep things nice and cool and cut down on mineral buildup.

Their radiators are "British Unlimited" which probably means made in Hong Kong but at half the price of a Walker, it might be a viable alternative. I agree that the $200.00 aluminum imports are pretty skimpy and the LMC unit is brass.

Speaking of radiator shops....I've found that most down here don't even make repairs or modifications. Their tanks are empty, the floors are dry and the back room is full of aluminum radiators. Ain't progress great?

Dave

Yup, back in the "old days" a radiator shop would at least make an effort to save a radiator, because that's what they did! He didn't even try.......just took a look at it and said "it will be cheaper to buy a new aftermarket rad, than to recore yours, and I won't attempt to repair yours, because it won't last" Still waiting for someone to comment on the e-bay aluminum rads........has anyone tried one??

I got a ebay aluminum and its very thin in the gage of metal. The mount flanges won't last near as long as a copper/brass and steel shell. This is an area that you really do get what you pay for.

A lot of my hotrod buddies have used those import radiators and I even bought one myself. It looked great but didn't fit so I returned it. The biggest complaint has been the epoxy they use to bond them, i.e., not welded together. They are reportably non repairable and that is why you see a bunch of them around the shops.

Typically the nonrepairable ones have the plastic tanks on the ends. Nope, I think you're looking at some money to buy a quality unit. But I know you can have a radiator recored for under $200, so if I were you, I'd be looking for a second opinion.

Find a different radiator shop. Stop in at the local engine builder that builds race engines and ask him who he uses.

The best radiator guy I know used to sponser Matt Kenseth. All the local racers used him. A new custom radiator was about $250.

A re-core of the original radiator was quoted about $175.

If your tanks are bad find another raniator with good tanks and have it recored it will fit right look right and you'll be a lot happier.

I purchased a be cool aluminum radiator on ebay a couple years ago. A seller from Ohio had seconds and returned items, I purchased a radiator for my 53 that was a direct replacement for the original at half the cost. I can't remember the cost but definitely a great deal. I don't know if the seller is still the authorized Be Cool agent, check thru ebay for a Be Cool seller. He had lots of items!!!

Actually, my tanks are fine.....in fact it didn't even leak, but some of the fins were corroded off, and it had been repaired down in one corner once. The main reason I wanted it fixed was for peace of mind. I think I will try to find another place. He quoted me $285 for a recore.....claims the price of materials is the reason.

tell him to relook at the materials cost. Copper is now down to its lowest levels in years.

I have heard the aluminum griffins are a good quality.

If the original tanks are in great shape,get a price on recoring it.