new radiator

[rybikowsk]

does anyone know where I can get a price on a new radiator for my 22nd 288 The two main suppliers of packard parts do not give a price in the catalogue, they say to call. I like to know what something cost before trying to get someone on the phone. thanks, michael r

[Restorer32]

Ever order lobster in a restaurant? Market price! With the price of copper and aluminum escalating at warp speed the last year or so the price of replacement rad cores has about doubled. Last I checked scrap copper was selling at above $2.00/lb. Last core we bought for a '53 Buick cost us over $600.

[Packard enthus.]

My own experience is that any well-equipped competent radiator shop can take your radiator, remove the lower and upper tanks, and fit you up with a modern core.

I do suggest you spend the extra money ( they will probably give you a choice of price ranges, which will reflect its capacity) and get the best one you can = most expensive.

Here's why - basic law of thermodynamics - the lower the compression, the more inefficient the engine and the more heat is wasted going out the cooling system and exhaust. As you get back into the 1940's and earlier, you run across ever lower compression ratios, which mean less efficiency and more wasted engine heat to get rid of.

In my own case, when the radiator went bad in my Packard V-12 - (a 480 cu. in monster with only 7 to 1 compression) the guys at the radiator shop were amazed at how heavy-duty it was, so they didnt argue too much when I wanted to best (meaning most capable) radiator I could get.

I am very pleased with the result. With a properly restored cooling system (chances are any modern radiator core you get will be more efficient than what was in there) Packards ARE NOT CAPABLE OF OVERHEATING. IT IS AGAINST THE PACKARD LAW....!

Good luck !

[rybikowsk]

thanks for the good advice will take my old one to a radiator shop.

[Loyd Smith]

It cost $518 (locally, here in Orlando) to get the radiator out of my '55 Pat re-cored about a year and a half ago.

[Guest 51Patty400]

ATR_1 [ATR_1@msn.com]

Mike Dotson. I got mine from him, he has many of them all NOS.

- Mark

[rybikowsk]

mark who is this person and how do I get in touch with him to buy a new radiator? thanks.

[Packard enthus.]

not sure what "new old stock" means in this case. I most certainly would NOT want a radiator CORE that had been in inventory all these years, for several reasons.

The process of un-soldering your top and bottom tanks, and re-installing them on a modern core, is a no brainer for a COMPETENT WELL EQUIPPED SHOP. Radiator core technology has improved over the years - todays are MUCH more efficient than what was provided to the original manufacturer 50+ years ago.

[Guest imported_PackardV8]

6686L: the first sentence of your last post stands ad absurdum of the second sentence.

[Packard enthus.]

For Packard V-8

YOU think my sentences are confused ? Heck - that's mild compared to what my wife says...!

What exactly do you think is inaccurate and/or wrong with my "post" ? Are you aware that radiator cores get brittle and oxidise with extreme age, even if they are in a cardboard box in the back of some warehouse ?

[rybikowsk]

I went to my local radiator repair shop, they wanted a thousand dollars to recore my radiator

there is no way in h--l I am going to pay that much money to recore a radiator. carpe diem <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[Packard8]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went to my local radiator repair shop, they wanted a thousand dollars to recore my radiator

there is no way in h--l I am going to pay that much money to recore a radiator. carpe diem <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Did you get a hold of ATR? I wouldn't hesitate to use an NOS unit if it has been stored properly. These engines weren't known for overheating when new, so if the rest of the system (block, head, heater core etc) is relatively clean you should be fine. You might also check with other local shops, especially those who work on big OTR trucks, off road equipment, AG equipment etc.

Sounds like the guy wants to retire on one job! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

[Restorer32]

I would check around but you will be shocked at the price of radiator cores these days. We paid $600 for a '53 Buick core about 3 months ago. The price of copper has increased dramatically in the last year. $1000 does seem a bit on the high side.

[Packard8]

True, I haven't checked in a few years, but I was quoted $300 about 2 years ago to re-core a John Deere B radiator which is very close to the size of the bathtub Packards. Sometimes you get a better price thru an Ag/Industrial shop than if you say you are "restoring a classic auto"...worth a shot.....

[rybikowsk]

I got in touch with atr. they did not have any new radiators, thanks for the suggestion though

[Guest Albert]

try going to a rad shop that deals with fork lift trucks, as they use the same style of core as the old packards use, if you want to look original, I had my 54's done 2 years ago for $375, but was replaced with a modern type core, and they added an extra pass to it for extra cooling..

[Packard8]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got in touch with atr. they did not have any new radiators, thanks for the suggestion though </div></div>

I neglected to ask earlier, but cannot the one you have be repaired? Back in the day, the standard of service was to remove the upper & lower tank and then boil out and "rod" the core. Then reassemble and pressure test for and repair (solder or braze) any leaks. These cars use a pretty heavily built radiator, and if not too far gone it can be repaired to good working order (I'd suggest a shop other than the $1000 re-core guy!)

Keep us posted

[Packard enthus.]

You are right - those pre 1960's radiators ARE "heavily built". That's the problem - they are simply not as efficient as a modern core. True, Packard "spec'd out" their radiators far in excess of any combination of severe driving and weather conditions - even with its original cores, Packards simply would not over-heat. When I was a kid, you found "Desert Water Bags" in just about every gas-station for the lesser cars, that would puke water when it got a bit warm in our south-west deserts. Bet no-one's ever seen one on a Packard of ANY year of ANY series (unless, of course, someone let the cooling system go to hell.

Yes, of course the older radiators COULD be cleaned and re-used after a "rodding". Of course that is an acceptable shop practice, and MAY work.

Trouble is, time takes its toll - while you MAY be able to boil out and shove out SOME of the crud that has accumulated over the years, when THIS much time has elapsed, with all the corrosion issues that MUST take place, not so sure.

I elected to go ahead and get a new core. No amount of "rodding" is going to give you back the termal efficiency your original core had when new.

I would not be surprised if prices have gone thru the roof since I got mine ( $900. in 2002), so you do have my sympathy.