New Radiator opinions needed

[Kermit]

The wagon needs a new Radiator. I was about to order a replacement from rock auto when I found this: eBay

Has anyone tried one of these? Its the same price as the rock auto rad, but all aluminum construction. I don't really care about that, but I do like the idea of metal tanks vs plastic.

Also any reviews or suggestions on a replacement I am all ears.

Jared

 

[volare 77]

I heard some bad stuff about the cheaper aluminum radiators having poor quality. Maybe they have gotten better. NEW VINTAGE 1976 1977 1978 VOLARE ASPEN LEBARON 318 V8 BRASS & COPPER RADIATOR | eBay

 

[Dr Lebaron]

Those aluminum rads are made in China in the Hong Kong area.

Dunno what Cold Case in the sidebars charges?

 

[Kermit]

I heard some bad stuff about the cheaper aluminum radiators having poor quality. Maybe they have gotten better. NEW VINTAGE 1976 1977 1978 VOLARE ASPEN LEBARON 318 V8 BRASS & COPPER RADIATOR | eBay

Too bad that's not a 26". I need the HD cooling for daily driving in Vegas.

 

[Kermit]

Those aluminum rads are made in China in the Hong Kong area.

Dunno what Cold Case in the sidebars charges?

I figured direct from China at that price, but that doesn't necessarily mean poor quality. I'm sure the new plastic tank rads are all from China. I could get my rad fixed, but at $250 Id rather replace if possible.

 

[Kermit]

Those aluminum rads are made in China in the Hong Kong area.

Dunno what Cold Case in the sidebars charges?

Cold case doesn't carry FMJ and they are $400!

 

[volare 77]

Both may be from China but not all the factories are the same. Some have better quality standards. I would be careful getting anything directly from China. Have you priced getting yours recored?

 

[Kermit]

Both may be from China but not all the factories are the same. Some have better quality standards. I would be careful getting anything directly from China. Have you priced getting yours recored?

$250 for a boil and tank repair. $500 for repair and new cores.

 

[Aspen500]

No experience with radiators but, I'd be VERY careful about using a made in China one. There's a good chance it'll cost more in the long run vs the extra for a reputable brand made in USA unit. Some Chinese stuff is OK but way too much of it is, well,,,,,,,,,,,crap (to edit what I'm really thinking).

 

[Kermit]

No experience with radiators but, I'd be VERY careful about using a made in China one. There's a good chance it'll cost more in the long run vs the extra for a reputable brand made in USA unit. Some Chinese stuff is OK but way too much of it is, well,,,,,,,,,,,crap (to edit what I'm really thinking).

I get that, but cost is a big issue. Its not worth $500 to me. I will probably get the plastic made in China rad from my local parts store so I can return it when/if it fails.

 

[89.Fifth]

I just bought a Champion Radiator from Jeg's $166 on clearance. Rated to cool up to 550hp motors. It's going in soon.

 

[Kermit]

I just bought a Champion Radiator from Jeg's $166 on clearance. Rated to cool up to 550hp motors. It's going in soon.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Oldiron440]

The Champion radiators have been around for some time. I have only seen one negative review of them and it was damaged in shipping.
I personally have one in my Farlaine, the fit was great, its a three row. It's only mocked up at the moment so I can't give you a performance review but it's more than twice the stock radiator so I expected no surprises.

Champion offers fans for there radiators also.
go directly to there web site.
Aluminum Radiators and Shrouds for Classic Cars and Hot Rods

 

[volare 77]

The cheaper alum radiators are glued/epoxied vs welded /brazed. Some were crooked out of the box. Many complaints when they first showed up. Maybe better now but what do you do with a alum glued radiator when it springs a leak at the glue? Toss it? Sometimes cheaper will cost you more when you have to buy two of them. Just my thinking.

 

[Kermit]

The cheaper alum radiators are glued/epoxied vs welded /brazed. Some were crooked out of the box. Many complaints when they first showed up. Maybe better now but what do you do with a alum glued radiator when it springs a leak at the glue? Toss it? Sometimes cheaper will cost you more when you have to buy two of them. Just my thinking.

The one I posted is fully welded, no glue or epoxy and it comes with a one year warranty. Other than shipping it back and forth its about the same as the parts store rad, but no plastic tanks. I am also not convinced that its of any lower quality than the parts store rad, I wish I could put my hands on them side by side to compare.

 

[Dr Lebaron]

I have a few real old school rad shops still left around me.
And I have metal cores.

I don't Chinese, but today that can't be impossible.
Can't say I EVER bought a Chinese item that lasted forever and was good quality.

 

[Oldiron440]

You could have a thread just on China parts .........
And the misery of the cheep part!

 

[Kermit]

I have a few real old school rad shops still left around me.
And I have metal cores.

I don't Chinese, but today that can't be impossible.
Can't say I EVER bought a Chinese item that lasted forever and was good quality.

Yep got rad shops here too, several of them. $250 for repair and $500 for a rebuild....on a $1k dollar car.

I'm 30. I grew up consuming Chinese goods. I have several made in China items that are 10-20 years old. Everyday we all rely on things made in china. My guitar is made in China. My cell phone. My TV. My blender and microwave. My bed frame. My coffee maker. Literally every replacement part I have put on the wagon so far; made in China. What's with the xenophobia?

 

[Kermit]

You could have a thread just on China parts .........
And the misery of the cheep part!

"Made in China??? The horror!!!"

 

[Oldiron440]

Almost looks like a invitation to a rant......