I just had my Walker radiator gone through by an excellent radiator shop and because it was built in 1986 I wonder if I shouldn't purchase a new one with a more modern core. Mine is a 5 core and has always worked fine with a high horsepower engine. New radiators from walker run $1000 for the A/C one so I thought I would save some money by reconditioning this one. The radiator shop told me this one will work fine but I would like some opinions from the members. Thanks!
There is more to a radiator than just the core, check for stress cracks in top & bottom tanks.................................
Looks like you already answered your own question - an excellent radiator shop said what you have will work fine. I'd run it and either put the money saved into the car a different way or buy something nice for your better half.
Your radiator man will tell you is there is any problems,there are a lot of cars running around with 85 year old radiators,the copper/brass are easy to repair. HRP
Thanks, I am going to give it a try. The radiator man said the tanks were perfect as was the core. I may say an extra prayer before driving the freeways.
Trust the quality of Walker and the reputable radiator shop. It's "traditional" to recondition a radiator (and other pats) and not do the modern day process of replacing everything with new parts. It'll probably be fine. Just keep a close eye on it during the first couple hundred miles.
My radiator on my 56 Buick Station wagon was totally clogged .I took in to a tiny shop in town and the guy cleaned it out for $50. Never over heated or leaked.Bruce.
Mine is a Walker 5 core and I've had the top tank fixed; I put a fan into it;had that fixed and it still works great. My radiator man told me never to get rid of it.I'll never get a new one as good as this one. Years ago I sent one back to Walker for a rebuild and they did it for free and actually paid to ship it back to me. Good people and good equipment.
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