So I am working towards dropping a 292 six into my 32 Chev coupe, the radiator is tired and before I put it back in with my new engine I'd like to have it gone through and repaired. Are there any good shops around Seattle or should I send it abroad?? My old standby for years "West Seattle Radiator" is gone.... Thanks! Jim
Not sure where you are but I think Havliks is still in Totem Lake. They have done a couple for me. Also A1 Radiator in Redmond.
You going with the honeycomb again? The Filling Station in Lebanon Oregon sells them but they are pricey ($975 for just the core) They will, however, put the core in at last quote for about $250. I was going to get my 31 Chevy rad done there, but when I removed it I found it had a normal core, which meant sometime in its life it got recored. Now its $475 to fix.
Hey Paul, I thought that was a pretty cool radiator in you RPU! I think I'll just have a standard core installed and new hose necks to match the larger size on the 292. Have you got anyone in particular you deal with at Performance Radiator?
no one person in particular, what pressures did the '32 run at? and what pressure does the 292 like? I had a stock '35 Dodge redone at West Seattle Radiator when they were still in business, 'had it done like you describe, it was originaly built to run very low pressure the more modern motor held water better at a higher pressure but the thin gauge tank would bulge slightly when at full temp/pres
Oooh, have not thought about pressure. I would imagine it was nothing more that a small amount with the original engine, also a much larger cap than todays standards! Now, I guess I'll just have to take it into a shop and see what they have to say.... May have to get a new one built.... I can imagine that might be rather spendy???
My recored '37 Chevy radiator broke the top tank seam about once a year from expantion. The old tank was just to thin to take much pressure and I was only using a 7 pound cap. The originals were open top with zero pressure, anything that left the overflow hit the ground! My new aluminum replacement came with a 19 psi cap, I opted for a 14, didn't see the need for that much pressure. Joe
Okay good advice on Performance Radiator in Tacoma, the guy I spoke with on the phone this morning was full of confidence and said they do this all the time. That's what I am looking for... hope to drop it off Friday....
I would personally use Greenwood Radiator 206-783-2177 he's in Seattle. I've had him do about 5 or 6 radiators for me. Small one man shop. Hotrodder. He's got the best price in town and I've never had a problem with them. need I say more?
Those year Chevies uses a non pressurized system. Another reason for getting a normal type core. To many horror stories of shops blowing the core on pressure test, as they said they "knew" how to test low pressure systems. That, and 975 for a freekin core?
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