Technical aftermarket radiator

hi ya'll. i'm working on a 51 deluxe, 216, 3spd.
pulled the radiator and it looked pretty clogged so i sent to my local shop that i've used before and had good results.

so, to recore my rad using my tanks is $550. seems a bit high to me and although i like the idea of saving the original rad tanks, i see that i can get an aftermarket replacement for about $200 less. what i'm finding though is they either wont work with the 216 or they need to be cut to fit or in some cases both.

so here is the 2 questions i have. has anyone found a direct replacement that bolts in or should i bite the bullet and get the old one rebuilt?

thanks ya'll

 

"aftermarket replacement" could be a wide variety of quality. Please elaborate.

 

Used to cost $100 to get a radiator recored, 30-40 years ago. So 550 isn't really out of line....

of course, I'm too damn cheap to get one done these days.

 

That's not a bad price at all for a re-core around here. Can't compare it to your whereabouts as you haven't filled out enough of your profile. I paid $400.00 for a re-core of a Model A radiator and it turned out really nice.

 

If you decide to do an aluminum radiator do your homework. Wide range of quality out there.

 

A brand new Walker copper/brass radiator will cost you over 700 bucks and is made for your application, expensive yes but it also has a 10 year warranty and I know from experience the radiator in my 1932 Ford is now 33 years old and I have never had a problem with it.

That will never happen with a aluminum radiator. HRP

 

Ive had nothing wrong with Walker for many years.

 

ok so i think i'll keep the original. the ones i was looking at were champion aluminum. there were a few on speedway too but you are right, the walker goes about 700-750.

i'm in tucson az.
thanks for the input ya'll.

 

just curious, what shop gave you that quote?

 

I'd be wary of any radiators made in China by small children.

 

A new core for the heater the on my '54 Ranch Wagon was $150.00. I could have bought a new off shore one for $110.00 plus shipping but I figured the original tanks were much better than what would be on the cheapy repop core.

 

performance radiator on fort lowell

 

Take a look at this one from Engineered cooling products, Not any more spendy than one of those with the flat aluminum tanks and if you paint it black it will pass the quick glance test as being an original.
I have one of their radiators for my 48 pickup and really like it.
You would have to change the thermostat housing or use a flex hose with two different size ends as the inlet is 1-1/2 rather than 1-1/4.

eBay item number:
323938088271


Website http://www.speedcooling.com/1948-1954-Chevy-Radiator-V8-SBC-BBC.html

 

Is this oil day again? Oops, sorry, radiator day. Oil day is Tuesday.

 

Especially if they were making less than 45¢ per hour....

 

I thought it was residual valve day... my bad....

 

Champion has a good rep. Search them.

I guess I'm the only one on this thread that ever bought from Amazon or Walmart....yawn..

 

Wow...you guys a pretty lucky.
I have a 49 Plymouth Wagon. I live in Upstate NY.
Leyland Raditor wanted $1550 to recore my radiator.
I couldn't believe the price.

I went with a $225 Champion. Fit nice. Cools great
If it lasts, it'll be a bargin.

 

Just had an O/T 70 road runner radiator recored. $750.

 

There is no place within 50 miles (maybe more) of here that will recore a radiator these days. That pretty well reduces the options. Gene

 

Was your radiator leaking? If not, what about just getting it cleaned or flushed out?

 

I have to ask. What's so special about a '51 Chev radiator for six that it has to be a direct replacement? Can't you just find a decent aluminum radiator with the outlet and inlet the right size, and location, and make it work? I'd think any number of late 40's to late 50's Chevs used similar radiators, and mounting systems, and would be easily used.
I looked at all the expensive options for V8 swap radiators for late 30's Chevy coupes when I started my build. Then I decided there must be a million places offering radiators for Chev V8's into '32 Fords, so likely very competitive pricing. I bought one for a '32 Ford, and it was a snap to make it fit, and works great.

 

I use the Champion. Once I paint it black, its real hard to tell the difference.. I usually can get them on e bay for $130.00 or so.. Its a good quality unit too..

 

Radiator shop 40 miles from me wanted $650 to re-core the 46 Merc radiator and $250 to re-core the heater. I bit the bullet on the heater but bought a Champion ( $204 ) for the engine bay. Champion's instructions say to use distilled water and/or a 50/50 coolant mix to avoid electrolysis. After a year, seems to be working OK.

 

I have one in my Ford for 4 years now. Craftsmanship is great and the price was right, got it on eBay. The seller (radiators4less) gives all the dimensions you need, plus free shipping which Champion gets $30 for. I use distilled water, 50/50 Car Quest coolant and use a sacrificial anode where the petcock goes.

 

The 2 shops around here that do recore/ rebuilds are about $600.
I went cheap and bought a Champion radiator for my 51 Mercury flathead.
The Champion radiator was a waste of money and effort.

 

Holy moly . Maybe I should put my radiators (new and recored ) for sale on here.