Radiator Q's

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May 13, 2026 | 09:32 AM

qman

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,691

Likes: 6

Radiator Q's

Dropped off the radiator at the local radiator repair shop. He says the top tank has a crack in the seem and is not repairable. Is this true. I'm not a welder but can't brass be brazed and if so would that be an acceptable repair?

Can I get just the top tank somewhere?

Same shop quoted me $595 for a new brass/copper radiator and I see Summit Racing has one for $488.

What have y'all done over the years when you need a new one?

Last edited by qman; May 13, 2026 at 09:55 AM.

May 13, 2026 | 12:25 PM

blue68f100

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 1,836

Likes: 261

From: Piney Woods of East Texas

Depends on where the crack is.

I would go to an Al radiator (cold case), more efficient than the old copper ones.

Depending on where your located at I have the old one that came out of mine.

May 13, 2026 | 12:28 PM

Beechkid

Moderator

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 6,104

Likes: 384

From: Southern California

Quote:

Originally Posted by qman

Short answer- yes they can be repaired and replacement tops are made, but, most "Radiator Repair Shops' are not repair shops as you are finding out.I have always purchased from US Radiator, but when the radiator plastic part began failing on my wifes 97 Cougar Sport (which lasted 17 years with an anode), called them and it's too new of a car and they recommended:

Radiator Express

www.radiatorexpress.com

Irvine, CA

866-723-3977

I was very pleased with the product, it was built exactly to the oem specs. What I liked about this place is when I spoke to their support staff, the person I spoke with had definitely experienced getting their hands dirty on a car.......when I asked questions, I got answers....no hesitation. Whit I also liked is they track installation issues that both mechanics & customers have so when you place your order, they order the brand/mfg that has the least amount of reported issues.

May 13, 2026 | 02:41 PM

whitey68

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2024

Posts: 113

Likes: 24

From: Springfield, Illinois

Radiator

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue68f100

Depends on where the crack is.

I would go to an Al radiator (cold case), more efficient than the old copper ones.

Depending on where your located at I have the old one that came out of mine.

I have installed several Cold-Case radiators and have had no issues, usually I buy the whole kit which is with a shroud,electric fan,sensor,relay and wiring. I have this in my 57 chevy with a 430hp sbc and even on a 110 degree day in extreme traffic no problem.
however I haven't installed one in our truck with a Fe360 engine so not sure if ours would need the electric fan setup since it ran fine with the O'Reilly radiator that's in it.

May 14, 2026 | 09:17 AM

qman

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,691

Likes: 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue68f100

Depends on where the crack is.

I would go to an Al radiator (cold case), more efficient than the old copper ones.

Depending on where your located at I have the old one that came out of mine.

I'm located in Colorado Springs, CO

Why Cold Case? I initially thought Cold Case was a type of radiator but found out it's a brand.