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Technical radiator question!!

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by johnold1938, Jan 6, 2017.

  1. johnold1938
    Joined: Apr 19, 2009
    Posts: 467

    johnold1938
    Member
    from indiana

    just found a leak in my radiator that cools my 350 chevy engine which is in my 1932 deuce coupe. I do not know what brand it is never got a build sheet with the car DA! SO can you fellow hambers help get me ready for spring . I want to buy a one time dependable radiator which will work the best. I also plan to run AC in the car probably vintage air. please give me some direction please. humbly john!
     
  2. AllDeuceRun_053114_1706-L-1.jpg You will get all kinds of reply's from aluminum to copper brass.

    I have been building hot rods my entire adult life and have used re-cored originals,aluminum and copper brass.

    I have also used several aftermarket radiators offered by company's that specialize in radiators.

    I only use Walker Radiators now they are not cheap but they are built to last,the one in my deuce sedan is 26 years old and never a problem. HRP
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2017
  3. DDDenny
    Joined: Feb 6, 2015
    Posts: 19,144

    DDDenny
    Member
    from oregon

    John
    Here is one I consider a work of art when it comes to radiators, and they may be in your own back yard.
    Steve Long Custom Radiators.
    Gasoline Alley, Indy.
     
  4. Walkers in my rods.
     
    hotrodharry2 and lothiandon1940 like this.

  5. DDDenny
    Joined: Feb 6, 2015
    Posts: 19,144

    DDDenny
    Member
    from oregon

  6. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 12,287

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Brass Works. Looks right, fits right, works right. [drops microphone with attitude and exits stage]
     
    prewarcars4me likes this.
  7. Gr8laker
    Joined: Sep 15, 2011
    Posts: 70

    Gr8laker
    Member
    from Michigan

  8. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,818

    BJR
    Member

    Can't you just get the one you have repaired? If it cooled OK before the leak it should work the same after the leak has been fixed.
     
  9. hotrodharry2
    Joined: Nov 19, 2008
    Posts: 794

    hotrodharry2
    Member
    from Michigan

    I recently bought one from Superior Radiator, a friend uses only theirs with great luck. Previously I bought a walker for my other 40 and I am glad I did. Buy Cheap, you get exactly that.
     
  10. wuga
    Joined: Sep 21, 2008
    Posts: 564

    wuga
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Superior Radiator supply the heavy truck industry in Michigan. They build a great rad at a reasonable price. I stood and watched my aluminum rad for the Model A being built. Superior craftsmanship. They will also fab a shroud that looks like it is part of the rad.
    Warren
     
  11. Fordors
    Joined: Sep 22, 2016
    Posts: 5,373

    Fordors
    Member

    I like the aluminum radiators for under $200 on eBay. That way I can buy two and keep one in the trunk for when the first one fails on a road trip. Seriously though, Walker, period!
     
    pat59 likes this.
  12. golferforpar
    Joined: Nov 7, 2009
    Posts: 57

    golferforpar
    Member
    from Wisc

    Something to consider, I might be concerned if all mounting brackets (mounting feet, radiator shell brackets, radiator support rod brackets) would be in the same location as your current one. Can yours be repaired or maybe take your current one to a shop that can assure you they will duplicate yours if buying a new one.



    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  13. greg32
    Joined: Jun 21, 2007
    Posts: 2,230

    greg32
    Member
    from Indiana

    I run nothing but Walkers, but brass/copper is the way to go. They can be fixed easily. Aluminum, not so much. And aluminum tends to stress crack more easily.
     
    Gman0046 likes this.
  14. Walker has a long warranty also
     
  15. Gman0046
    Joined: Jul 24, 2005
    Posts: 6,256

    Gman0046
    Member

    Walker has a 10 year warranty. My 46 Ford has one in it for twenty years. May be pricey initially but worth it in the long run.
     
    Last edited: Jan 7, 2017
    HOTRODPRIMER likes this.
  16. Last year I talked to the guy that now owns my old Model A pickup and it has gone through several hands since I sold it back in the early 80's and it still has the same Walker Radiator I installed when I built it in the mid 70's.

    The longevity speaks for itself, My griffin radiator was a piece of junk,after a year of problems Buddy made it right but by then I had had my fill of aluminum radiators. HRP
     
  17. johnold1938
    Joined: Apr 19, 2009
    Posts: 467

    johnold1938
    Member
    from indiana

    thank you fellow hambers I know now what I'm going to purchase. humbly john!
     
  18. Flathead Dave
    Joined: Mar 21, 2014
    Posts: 3,959

    Flathead Dave
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from So. Cal.

    Try the "Radiator Lady" in Wildomar, Ca.

    Location :
    20910 Grand Avenue
    P.O. Box 1305
    Wildomar, CA 92595

    Hours of Operation :
    Monday – Friday : 8 AM – 6 PM
    Saturday : 8 AM – 5 PM
    Closed Sundays due to our attendance at the Swap Meets!
    Call Kathryn @ (951) 219-4707 or (503) 740-8647
     
  19. manyolcars
    Joined: Mar 30, 2001
    Posts: 9,176

    manyolcars

    I wish a radiator repairman would tell us the brands of flux, and solder plus the torch and pressure to fix our own
     
  20. Here in my town we still have 2 excellent old school radiator shops and they just happen to be separated by a street running between them.

    I have done business with them both,even had a Walker repaired after a friend had a accident. HRP
     
  21. i.rant
    Joined: Nov 23, 2009
    Posts: 4,301

    i.rant
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    1. 1940 Ford

    Another Walker fan here.
     
  22. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    I have no experience with Walker, though their reputation is quite good, but you points about repair are right on the money. Aluminum construction complicates the repair process substantially.
     
  23. chargin03
    Joined: Jan 8, 2013
    Posts: 516

    chargin03
    Member

    I fixed mine with epoxy 10yrs ago still good.
     
  24. 41 C28
    Joined: Dec 17, 2005
    Posts: 1,772

    41 C28
    Member

    Walker 3 times for me.
     
  25. Gman0046
    Joined: Jul 24, 2005
    Posts: 6,256

    Gman0046
    Member

    I learned a long time ago that when it comes to brakes, cooling and steering you buy the best. How much quality does anyone expect to get from a $130 Chinese radiator? Epoxied cooling tubes rather then TIG welded renders them a throw away should a problem arise.

    Gary
     
  26. Built a house and took advice from professionals: Get the best foundation/waterproofing, best rough-in carpenter, most insulation, and best roof you can afford. Never regretted it 15 years later. Same for hotrods: Strongest frame/suspension, best cooling, best oil pump, best brakes, best steering. Longevity, for you and your ride. Folks swear by Walker for a reason. They swear at cheap radiators - again, for a reason.
     
    pat59 likes this.
  27. LSJUNIPER
    Joined: Aug 17, 2010
    Posts: 243

    LSJUNIPER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from ct

    I think Steve Long Custom Radiators went out of business. I did a Google search and came up with this.
     

    Attached Files:

  28. 27 Tall T
    Joined: Dec 16, 2005
    Posts: 327

    27 Tall T
    Member
    from Butler Pa.

    Walker never a problem
     
  29. Benny's Ford
    Joined: Dec 26, 2016
    Posts: 36

    Benny's Ford
    Member

    Walker radiators made right, fit right.
     

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