Radiator sourcing....what's a good company?

[trimacar]

My '69 Cutlass radiator just bit the dust, my son drove the car and noticed a little steam coming out from under the hood, we've all been there.

 

Radiator shop says it will need a new core, they're putting a price together.

 

If I decide to go new instead, what's a good source for new vintage radiators?  I see prices from 100-800 on Internet, even some plastic tank radiators, which I know are being used although it's hard for my old brain to wrap that concept up neatly.

 

What are good suppliers?  thanks dc

[60FlatTop]

I'd put the original tanks on a new core. At least 2/3's of it will be good old American Harrison Radiator.

 

So many new parts are exposed to salt air during the long boat ride.

Bernie

[TexRiv_63]

I replaced the radiator in my 63 Starfire with one from U.S. Radiator. OEM style copper and brass and upgraded core capacity if you want it. It was an exact visual match to the original except for the Harrison name. I shopped local dealers and paid about what I was being quoted for recoring.

 

http://www.usradiator.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=oldsmobile+1969+cutlass

[1956322]

I went with these guys for my 56 Buick..100 percent new and 100 percent USA pricey but no problems and in stock

 

http://www.caparadiator.net/classicrad

[trimacar]

Thanks guys...each site shows a good radiator at around $400, which is what I figure I'll end up spending....the local radiator shop is getting a core price, hopefully they'll quote me less, but can't imagine it being under $300....I do give them a lot of business, between gas tanks and radiators, and in fact they asked me "is this your car, or a customer" (which is interesting, because I really have no customers!), we'll see.

 

Thanks for replies..David C.

[Terry Bond]

I'm wondering why we can't get a new or reproduction radiator with the Harrison script on it?  I'm going to need to do the new core/original top tank thing too when eventually restore my 67 GTO.  I'm surprised to find the GTO parts suppliers don't offer one. I know that the original Harrison company eventually became a part of GM but don't know if there are any Harrison branded radiators available aftermarket anymore.

Terry

[trimacar]

$500 for new core, using old tank, parts and labor from local radiator shop....yikes....I may have to chance some of that salt water damage, Macy prices on a Walmart budget....

[poci1957]

That is about what I just paid for my 1970s Firebird, also a recore reusing my original tanks.  But I was shocked to look on Autozone and find they showed one (a Spectra brand) for less than $300 that looked authentic in their photo and was claimed to be made of copper and brass(!).  They show one for your car too for $285, you might take the chance with the provision that you could reject it if it (probably likely) comes in actually made of aluminum and plastic.  Good luck, Todd C

[Laughing Coyote]

That sounds about right for a re-core. I paid $525 for mine to have a high efficiency core and using my old tanks. That total included shipping from California to Arizona. Plus included a 2 year warranty. The few places locally were around $700 - $800. 

[trimacar]

Yes, funny you bring that up poci1957, I have a notation on my "to do" list to go to Autozone tomorrow, after seeing their listing on the Internet for one that fits for $200, one that fits and is better quality for $285.....this car used to be a daily driver, I think now for maintenance money I won't spend the $500...

[Eldovert]

I would order a aluminum Champion radiator off ebay..$270

They have a fairly good reputation on the Mopar forums

Cheers,Pat