Projects 1952 OLDsmobile 98 RADIATOR HELP

Took the radiator to a shop got the word its going to be $800 to re-core the thing. Anybody using a aftermarket radiator? or is it worth it to go ahead and get the thing re-cored?

 

You can buy a really nice aluminum rad for half that price !

 

Lots have used aftermarket radiators. The opinions of them are all over the board.

The important question would be if you can get an aftermarket radiator that fits and works in your car, and then how much will that cost?

Whatever you do, don't buy the cheapest aluminum radiator you can find, it will likely be epoxied at the seams and that will be bad news in a few years. Buy a fully welded aluminum radiator if your buying an aluminum replacement radiator. I've had pretty good luck with Champion aluminum radiators.

The $800 sounds like about the going rate for re-cored radiators. How good your local shop is may well be the question.

 

Thanks for getting back. Looks like champion makes the best one looks like they are out of stock the next one is radiator express they want $495 basically same as the champion. probably go that route. weird part is they dont list a 52 its just 49-50 olds 98 which i believe is the same radiator measurement wise and looks the same.

 

I got my Champion on eBay from radiators4less, great people to deal with if you have a question.

 

I guess it’s been awhile for me, in the late ‘90’s I had my ‘59 Chevy PU recored for right around a hundred.
But if the radiator your looking at isn’t specified for you year car, regardless of what “it looks like” you’d best call and ask some questions.

 

I've got one from a 50 Olds that you can have. looks good, never tested. in SW Pa.

 

Another option.
http://www.theradiatorlady.com/

 

i just found another one from a 53

 

A new correct brass radiator that fits that car will cost you more than that 800 buck recore. US radiator shows 54/55 but doesn't show one for a 53. Around here it is hard to even find a real radiator shop that will recore a radiator at all. The one within 50 miles is always backed up quite a bit but all the others around have gone out of business or just sell new replacements and don't do repairs.

 

52 had more compression and the first 4 barrels so they may have different requirements. The other reason is very very few calls. There are very few 51-52’s are left. It’s economics….49-50’s are by far the most popular and being saved.

 

I have a newer style radiator on the way. If for some reason it doesn't work out i will be getting ahold of you. i appreciate it!

 

ok, good luck with the new one

 

Please keep us posted. Don' throw your old one away just yet.

 

How did this work out for you? I just noticed the radiator on my ‘52 98 is leaking. I’m looking for some options…

 

Worked out very well ended up getting a champion radiator. The stock shroud will fit on had to drill a couple holes get some hardware. Car is running good and staying cool!

 

here are some recent pictures

 

Any chance you happen to remember the part number you used or possibly what the application was? I saw a video of a guy using a 52 Ford truck radiator. It was a very close fit.

 

I got the radiator from radiator express part number is 230377. I ended up scuffing it up and painting it with rustoleum high temp stove paint so it looked right.

 

Thank you! I had also considered painting it flat black if I had to replace with an aluminum model. It definitely helps conceal the modern look of it,

 

...Glad it worked out for you. Just for the record, seems $800 is pretty much the going rate to re-core a vintage copper/ brass radiator. That's if you can even find a shop to do it! I had the '55 Chevy one in my '40 done a few years ago and that's what it cost. I wanted to keep it as it had performed well for decades and looked far better than an aluminum one. At the time I could have almost paid the same for a new Walker (not anymore). Good luck.