Radiator Advice - New or Rebuild?

[videoword]

My radiator is destroyed. The top seal has been re-soldered a number of times, but I guess here in LA they don't patch old radiators - so the leak has just gotten worse and worse to the point that now it is all rusted through because I haven't wanted to spray gallons of radiator fluid all over the freeway.

Anyways, it's the sort of radiator with the Chrysler logo on the top, which is of course cool.

Well, I just put in an order for a new one with US Radiator. And in thinking about what to do about the old one I'm wondering - should I find a place that will rebuild my original radiator? It's rusted throughout and badly leaking, but I just want to make sure I'm making the right decision in getting a new one.

Also, can I get any money for that crappy old radiator?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[AR67GTX]

If the upper and lower tanks are in good shape they can recore it and be as good as new, or better. I had mine done a few years ago. If the tanks are beat up or have solder repairs themselves, then I would be shopping for a reproduction. If the upper and lower tanks are in real good shape with all original stampings, someone might be in the market to purchase them considering the cost of the licensed reproductions.

 

[Car Nut]

Well, I just put in an order for a new one with US Radiator.

I had nothing but problems with my NEW U.S. Radiator POS. Luckily I purchase it through Yearone, they paid to have it fixed. Going through Yearone saved me $200

Also, can I get any money for that crappy old radiator?

You can scrap it, copper is pretty high.

 

[1778ppr]

Pics would help…

Depending on your answers to the following questions depends on whether it has "value" or not.

What car is the radiator from?

Does the radiator have the correct part number for the car?

Are the top and bottom tanks “rusted out” or just the core?


As stated... Original radiators have value if they can be restored (re-cored), assuming the top and bottom tanks are still salvageable. If the top and bottom tanks are not dented beyond repair, and they are not corroded through, the radiator can most likely be fixed (restored). Glenn Ray restores radiators to like new factory condition for about $700.00

 

[dual fours]

What year and model car, stock motor?
Talk to your local car nuts, someone will know of a old school radiator shop that will recore and it will probable cost as much if not more then a new aftermarket radiator.
Radiators do not rust, they're copper and brass held together with lead solder.
You can sell the old radiator for scrap price, I think that would be #2 copper.
Sell to a mopar guy who may recore it and resell it.
How much does the logo and numbers mean to you and the car?
I had mine recored because my 70 Charger is still all factory American steel.

Edit. I see I am to late to this party.

 

[videoword]

68' Plymouth Satellite w/ 318.

Interesting. I paid $400 bucks to have them build this radiator, but if there is some question about quality I'd sooner get one of these cheapo $170 units that there seems to be no shortage of.

(Or pay $400 for something of better quality if there are any recommendations?)

$700 to restore the old one seems a bit pricey, but good to know there is the option out there somewhere.

I'll post a picture when I get home later and maybe someone can weigh in. I know it is in particularly bad shape as it is, might be warped.

 

[Darthomas]

You can learn to unsolder the brackets, tanks, and repair the core yourself, or replace the core yourself, and put it all back together.
You need mapp gas or propane torch, flux, solder, wire brush, and a small rod to clean out the tubes.
It's not that hard, and very satisfying to see the leaks stop and/or the temp sit right where it should and not climb on the hottest days.

 

[Mebsuta]

I messed around with what I think was the original radiator for my RR before I got a new one and threw the old one in a dumpster. I was aware at the time it might have some value, but it was sucking for me and I didn't have time to go find a buyer or haggle and ship it somewhere and all that.

That was a long time ago. I might keep it around now or might throw it away, I don't know.

 

[Shorthorse]

I guess it depends on where you live but the old time radiator shops are getting pretty scarce. Between the plastic throw away junk and the EPA regulations on such shops, the re-core prices are high and the old timers are going away.