I used to go to Rick's Radiator in Azusa but just found out they closed. Who knows how to repair and build radiators in the LA area?
I use Brassworks in Paso Robles to do my vintage stuff. They are currently building a new core for my Firestone heater. They're also an alliance vender here on the HAMB.
Fontana Radiator 17635 Arrow Blvd. Fontana 92335 833-822-8737 I've had them repair several flathead radiators as well as a heater core recore for my '54 Ranch Wagon. Quality work and reasonable prices. The recore for the heater was more than an off shore repop but I figured original was better than off shore and its always best to support the local guy. IMO.
Crandall Radiator in Lawndale was good but it has been 30 years since I was there last, (310) 676-2936. Be sure to post where you went and how it came out. Charlie Stephens FOLLOWUP - CHECKED THEM OUT AND THEY ARE NO LONGER IN BUSINESS, SORRY.
Man this thread is a bummer. Good places used to be everywhere. Reminds me of my mortality...lol. I remember in the early 80s an older guy who ran a small radiator shop out of a bay in a body shop within 3 blocks of my house. He'd sit on a stool and could fix anything you brought in, while smoking a cigarette. Charged like $15. When it was bad, he'd say, im going to have to eliminate this tube...which in practice had no effect on anything. Fast forward to about 10-15 years ago, I had a radiator that had been bumped and had a small leak. I took it to a few local "radiator" shops. They'd look at it and say...you need a new radiator. Nobody I was running into knew how to fix a radiator..or wanted to.. Impossible! Exasperated, I asked Groucho if he knew of any old school radiator shops...he told me about Sun Valley Radiator...right off the 5 freeway. Since then I've been there countless times, the owner will stop what he is doing and help me out. He has fixed stuff for me while I wait, dunk it in the tank and pressure check it for very reasonable cost. Bordering on cheap. I love that place...
It is a sad state of affairs when you can't find a good, old radiator shop anymore. Further south if needed Garys Radiator in Fullerton, used him a few times and so far so good.
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