Dang. Installed many of their products met the guy a couple times. Cool fella. Must be all the Chinese cheapos we been buying
Another reliable source for good parts gone. We are just running out of these guys, as we are also running out of the old buyers of these parts.
Quality built shit in the US is just not profitable for the most part. I work at a wharehouse where stuff comes in one door and out the other for consumers. I saw a box on the floor for bicycle innner tubes from Gates? I think it was. Marked made in China.
Today's the 11th! I was planning on ordering radiator for my 1934 Ford project; soon. Guess I'll have to see who has one in stock. Always counted on their quality. Sad news.
Not good. Much / most of this stuff is cottage industry and not major manufacturing, and needs support/patronage. All too easy to lose sight of that trying to save a buck or two. I guess we're all guilty to an extent. My last radiator purchase was a Champion, bought on price. It's ok, but it's not a Walker, like my other one (in service now for 20+ years). Lesson learned. You don't know what you've got till its gone. Sad. Chris
A huge loss for sure...but it is somewhat in line with the closure of competent radiator repair shops. We probably had a half dozen in my are as little as 10 years ago. I think there are two left.. OEM radiators haven't been repairable in what, 30 years or so?
Part of it is the cheap import parts like E bay aluminum radiators.Part of it is companies like Walker were the work of one man with a dream of supplying a hobby they loved.As that one man ages out of the company it either closes at his retirement,or gets taken over by someone whos only in it for the money.When the money thins out they close. For me as with many of you there werent many ready made hot rod parts when I started ,and everything was recreated out of old Ford parts.Then the mid 70"s saw a growth industry of ready to use components like Walker, Pete& Jakes etc. Made rod building easier,and possible for many.Now we are on the back end of that boom watching it return to what it once was a hobby for the talented,and the creative at heart.
Dang. I sure am glad I got the one for my Buick last year. That sucks but I'm betting aluminum radiators have cut way into their sales. That plus Covid probably put the nail in their coffin.
A little more advance notice might have been good, eh? But perhaps there was an urgent need? Sure wish someone would have purchased their line.
Hmmm .... the website is still up tonight... I guess I just have to wait and see if anyone is buying the company, I'm going to assume not since your email says ceasing operations. If you hear any other details or information, Please, let us know. We have a Hot Rod Shop here and have bought and installed a fair amount of their units.
Sad to hear that news. I have to also wonder how much increasing environmental regulations pressure was a contributing factor. Sent from my SM-G950U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Is Walker the outfit in Memphis that is next to Sun Studios? I’m very sorry to hear of their closing. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I bought a really nice aluminum rad from these folks a few years ago, and plug 'em every chance I get- https://cgj.com/ Family business since the '50's in Gadsden, Alabama, everything made in- house, automotive rads is a small part of a large business. They now make some copper and brass rads as well. Won't bring Walker back, but might provide a suitable alternative.
sorry to hear this, I hate those damned chinese alum radiators. There is another good ol usa made radiator company http://www.usradiator.com/ I have a us radiator desert cooler in my 61 Impala and it is terrific. they have old ford hot rod radiators too....
The Jalopy Journal
