Radiators
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: Up-state New York
Radiators
Can anyone give any feedback on aluminum replacement radiators? Looks like I can replace the original with an aluminum fairly inexpensively but hesitate without any experience to support the change. The original has degraded to multiple leaks and needs recore but from everything I find it sounds like a costly endeavor. I just want to be able to drive my truck and am not too interested in keeping it original.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,013
Likes: 9,957
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I just went through this with my 75 Dodge D200. The original radiator had been repaired numerous times over the years and I was plagues with various leaks and overheating. The cost of a new radiator was close to $1000. I wanted to stick with original but I'm too cheap to spend that kind of money.
I finally found a direct bolt in aluminum replacement for $250. I bit the bullet.
It's like a brand new truck. The radiator dropped right in and I can run the heck out of it, tow with it, etc without a trace of the engine overheating.
So, if the radiator is the only thing from keeping you from driving and enjoying your truck. I say, do it, get the radiator and get on the road.
Bobby
I finally found a direct bolt in aluminum replacement for $250. I bit the bullet.
It's like a brand new truck. The radiator dropped right in and I can run the heck out of it, tow with it, etc without a trace of the engine overheating.
So, if the radiator is the only thing from keeping you from driving and enjoying your truck. I say, do it, get the radiator and get on the road.
Bobby
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 40
Likes: 38
From: Up-state New York
Thanks. I just got her back on the road after a three year resto and got ~500 miles on her when the radiator decided to go. Just wasn't sure about aluminum. Any special considerations for the aluminum? Anti corrosion additives or just straight anti freeze mix?
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 51
Likes: 25
From: Oh
Radiator
FWIW I have a 3 core in my scj mustang and in 102 deg July day my car never goes over 200
ever.
Originals for this car go north of 1200 so aluminum was really my only choice.
Tony, care to share a link? I need one for my 54
John
ever.
Originals for this car go north of 1200 so aluminum was really my only choice.
Tony, care to share a link? I need one for my 54
John
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 794
Likes: 120
From: Behind the wheel, IN
You might want to check your cap on your new radiator. Stock systems ran little or maybe even no pressure (someone smarter than me will come in here and correct me). I had a newer radiator swapped into my truck for a few months, and didn't think/know to check what pressure cap I was running, which resulted in me blowing out my heater core.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 4,995
Likes: 422
From: u-rah-rah Wisconsin
I had a similar stare down with the original radiator in my otherwise stock '46 Deluxe - tired, multiple issues, no shop willing to attempt repair, and repo copper units too expensive.
The Champion aluminum replacement I choose has great workmanship, fit perfectly, and performs flawlessly - for a third the cost. Running regular green coolant in a rebuilt flathead V8. After 5000 miles, and counting, no regrets.
The Champion aluminum replacement I choose has great workmanship, fit perfectly, and performs flawlessly - for a third the cost. Running regular green coolant in a rebuilt flathead V8. After 5000 miles, and counting, no regrets.
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Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,013
Likes: 9,957
From: Rio Rancho, NM
I forgot to add about my Dodge. When I pulled the original out it weighed about a gadzillion pounds! The poor old thing must be completely full of sediment and other crud. No wonder the old 440ci ran hot
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 114
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From: Bristol County Ma
Can anyone give any feedback on aluminum replacement radiators? Looks like I can replace the original with an aluminum fairly inexpensively but hesitate without any experience to support the change. The original has degraded to multiple leaks and needs recore but from everything I find it sounds like a costly endeavor. I just want to be able to drive my truck and am not too interested in keeping it original.
I bought a 3 core Champion for my 54 F100 with a 351m. The first one leaked badly. Called customer service and they sent another one out in a week. It's been in for over a year no problems
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