So I have been looking for a cheap new radiator for my 56 chevy. I came across this online for $149. Its about half the price of the other radiators I have been looking at. The picture of it makes me question it, what do you think? I would like to get something better I just cant afford much more than that and its the last thing I need to get my car on the road, well that and for it to stop snowing
probably a chinese knockoff like the mustang II control arms i bought a couple weeks ago that just showed up yesterday - pissed me right off.
depends how used, Im going to be breaking in a new motor and I dont want to have to shut it down because I start pissing coolant.
Have you tried a good old-fashioned radiator shop?? They can boil and recondition the one you have more reasonably that you might think. If you're skimped on funds that might just be the cheapest.
A used radiator is no big deal if you have a good radiator shop around that will boil it and 'rod' it out. They are getting harder to find around here but usually it runs 50-75 bucks for a clean, inspection and check the flow. I have done this a few times with very good luck. Just try to find a used one that looks decent in the fins on the outside and not all gunked up on the inside.
I have two used ones already. One place wanted to charge me $425(freakin recockulous) and the other place wanted $225. I figured I might as well just buy a new aluminun one and save the hassle.
holy crap!! I guess it's a bigger job when everything is brazed together, but damn....I guess there aren't too many old school guys left doing this. I live in an area where there are alot of places that still do things like they would have been done 20 ears ago. I'm sure that it won't be around much longer, though. Everyone's used to working on disposable parts these days.
You could be the test bunny and let us all know if its any good. Just pressurize it out of the car before you run your motor in to make sure it doesnt leak. You can always top it up if it does leak during run in.
Have you tried: Hasek Automotive Service & Supply 18410 Nottingham Road, Cleveland, OH 44119 Old Skool Radiator repair shop for as long as I can remember. (Late 60's)
Danny, I have a stock radiator that a friend gave me in a trade for some disc brakes for his 56 Chevy. I believe that it is new and for his 56 Chevy that he didn't use. If you can afford $50 and shipping it is yours. I'm in L.A. I can send you a pic if you want, Good Luck, SDR Mike
That isn't as far fetched as it sounds. Just after I bought my son his 79 Elkie the water pump crapped out and the fan ate the radiator. otThe shop I have used for a long time sold me a new radiator for less than he said he could recore the one I had. That wasn't even a special or hard to get radiator or core. I've been quoted around 325/350 to recore the radiator in my 48 and will be going new instead of redoing the one I have. I'd take a look at what Mike has if it were me. Measurements here http://www.usradiator.com/images/drawings/1/10040.gif or here is one on ebay for about an additional 200. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ff-5...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
PM sent. You better post up some pics of the 56 you talk about in your profile, it sounds pretty Bad A$$. Viva La HAMB and a cool FNG!
Nah, that doesn't look sketchy, THIS looks sketchy: Okay, sorry, couldn't resist. Seriously, buy a good part and buy it once. Buy junk, buy junk over and over and over...see what I'm getting at? I'd look around a little harder for a shop too, sounds like the ones in your area don't want to do that kind of work...
There you go... That's awesome, puts a smile on my face to see some decent people left. Someone passed it on to you and you're passing it on to someone who needs it. Very cool.
Remember, you always get what you pay for! It cost me almost $300 just to get one recored for my 46 ford pickup.
jarzenhotrods (alliance member) has a radiator for sale. came out today $150 Since he has a 55 olds-this may be for same or work for you.
If the choice is spending $225 locally and helping keep a radiator shop in business......or spending a little less and getting a nice aluminum radiator straight from Taiwan (or even some crappy sweatshop in Texas or wherever) I would spend a few extra bucks.....we had all 3 of our local radiator shops go out of business...now we have to drive about an hour each way just to get rad work or gas tanks cleaned out.
Well The raditor SDR Mike offered up is not going to work. At this point I think Im going to order the Sketchy looking one. I really dont want to spend any more time driving around to radiator shops. Im all about supporting local business's but at this point Im more concerned about supporting myself.
some of those aluminum ones are glued to the tanks. bought a cross-flow for my 55 chev and it had a pinhole in the epoxy. no real easy way to fix it.
Danny, I've got one out of a 57 chev. (I think). I've never tested it but I do know it needs one side mounting suface re-soldered at the top.I got it along with a bunch of other parts when I got my 55.It's been sittin for years. It's yours if you want it as long as you pay shipping. Let me know
If your gonna keep the car, get something that you know will last. If it only lasts untill the day after the warranty is up you've thrown your money away and you can't drive your car until you find a good, reliable radiator and install it. Check around to find something
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