Radiators
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 966
Likes: 27
From: Missouri
Radiators
What kind is better to use, aluminum or brass an copper? I a running stock 350 Chevy. I am wanting a three core that looks stock. The aluminum on eBay are reasonable priced but do not look stock. Where is good place to find radiators at good price?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 645
Likes: 10
Radiators for older cars and trucks, in my opinion are far overpriced. You might be able to find a cheap import radiator for a fairly low price. But, you'll probably fight fitment issues. Aside from online auctions like Ebay, Mid-fifty has some of the lower radiator prices I've seen.
Copper/Brass or Aluminum? It's not so much the material that makes aluminum more efficient in transferring heat as it is how they are made, tube sizes, tube spacing, fin counts etc. US Radiator is expensive, but has some useful information regarding radiator designs and efficiency. It might be helpful in making a decision.
Something to consider is if you still have radiator shops in your area, then a copper/brass radiator would be something they could repair in ever needed. Typical radiator shops don't repair aftermarket aluminum radiators.
Copper/Brass or Aluminum? It's not so much the material that makes aluminum more efficient in transferring heat as it is how they are made, tube sizes, tube spacing, fin counts etc. US Radiator is expensive, but has some useful information regarding radiator designs and efficiency. It might be helpful in making a decision.
Something to consider is if you still have radiator shops in your area, then a copper/brass radiator would be something they could repair in ever needed. Typical radiator shops don't repair aftermarket aluminum radiators.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
I bought the US Radiator "Desert Cooler" radiator for my '53 through Mid-fifty for $550. Seemed to be a great radiator until the top tank separated at the seam with less that 50K miles on it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Wentzville, MO
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 645
Likes: 10
That's a nice looking radiator for the price listed on eBay. How did it fit, any issues or modifications needed to get it to fit? My preference is to buy US made products, but the price of a US made radiator is ridiculous.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,732
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
56_f100 Fitment was good. I’ve got a aftermarket electric fan and shroud on mine but seems to work well.
Hooler1 they are supposed to be lifetime warranty. Might wanna check back with them if the leak starts back up.
Hooler1 they are supposed to be lifetime warranty. Might wanna check back with them if the leak starts back up.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 75
Likes: 5
From: Louisville, Ky
I bought this one with the shroud and electric fan kit for my 56. Bolted in with no problems.
https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/pr...mance-radiator
https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/pr...mance-radiator
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 467
From: Mason City, Iowa
I did not know they warranted them that long. I bought it back in 2011 so I figured it was out of warranty. I will check into that. Thanks for the tip!
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