The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Radiator Recore Question - Sticker Shock

Just got the quote from a local radiator shop for recoring a 1937 Chevy radiator. Original style cellular core would be about $670 and newer style tubular core would be $590. It took me a while to find this radiator, which fortunately didn't cost much.

Question is, do I:
1) Bite the bullet and do the recore,
2) Keep looking for something that would work for less money
3) Buy a new one from ??
4) Get a less costly hobby

I want to keep the truck original, within reason. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

5) look wider geographically for another radiator company
or #1 as long as your tanks are still good.
But thats JMO, I'm sure there are still shops that don't try and make their rent up off of one client...

I would definitely call around. You might try an old time roofing company. Those boys really know how to solder.

Kurt

id look around too. i got three of them recored with the newer style using existing tanks for around 400 each but that was a couple of years ago but less than four.

U.S. Radiator list one for a 38 truck starting at 460.00
...link...

Dont know if your 37 is the same but it might be worth a look.

I purchased a radiator from them directly for my 50.

I had mine recored but the top tank never would stay sealed for more then about a year. I think the sheet brass was just getting to thin and heat stress kept cracking the solder joint. I went with a aluminum replacement, but then my truck is not stock.

Joe

Kerwin,
I bought a NOS radiator for my '38 from Alex Gerz Radiator in Lancaster, PA.
Price was very reasonable.
Call 717-392-6283 ask for Barry
His dad stockpiled them in the 30's and 40's.

I agree with JoeH. Sooner or later the old one will get you. I drove mine using original for several years with 4lb pressure cap but it gave up about 2 years ago. The local shop back then wanted $547 to redo mine. Soooo, I bought me a new aftermarket aluminum, at that time for $250 and it had the tranny cooler in the bottom and now I run a 7lb cap and have never had a moments problem out of it.

Oh, when the guy quoted me $547 understand my core was super nice and was NEW core when I built my 37.... all I wanted him to do was change the tanks which he had that would fit!!! I laughed out loud in front of him and layed the radiator back in my pickup. Maybe his girlfriend needed some money???

I had my radiator recored by a local shop here in Raleigh about 30 years ago. Was maybe around $100. Has never leaked, and still going strong.

Kurt

My new aluminum came with a 16 lb cap ! I went with a 14 just for piece of mind. This is something to conceder if you are having heating problems. A old, recored rad will not take that pressure.

Joe