advice on radiator

[53joe]

Hello
I'm new to the board and need some advice. I'm restoring a 53 chevy pickup and have a bad radiator. I had a quote on replacing the core on the original radiator for $360.00 ( is this expensive?) or I can buy a new aluminum radiator ( 3 core) for $229.00. What would you guys do? I was told the aluminum radiator would cool better but won't last as long. Any advice would be very appreciated.

 

[ccharr]

Welcome Aboard Joe, enjoy your ride.

Cost and your pocket book mandate what you do, isn't there someone around that could rebuild the old one and add a row to it?
For me the old look stays, but are you going to Hot-rod or make a boom out of it, why have it look original. Your Truck, your Dream.

 

[bigtimjamestown]

Hello
I'm new to the board and need some advice. I'm restoring a 53 chevy pickup and have a bad radiator. I had a quote on replacing the core on the original radiator for $360.00 ( is this expensive?) or I can buy a new aluminum radiator ( 3 core) for $229.00. What would you guys do? I was told the aluminum radiator would cool better but won't last as long. Any advice would be very appreciated.

If this truck is going to be a weekend toy then the Alum. radiator will probably last you a life time and cool just as good if not better than brass but then again as Charles said you have to decide what look you are trying to achieve. If you go aluminum however make sure you get one with welded tanks and not epoxied.....Big Tim

 

[Fern53]

Hello
I'm new to the board and need some advice. I'm restoring a 53 chevy pickup and have a bad radiator. I had a quote on replacing the core on the original radiator for $360.00 ( is this expensive?) or I can buy a new aluminum radiator ( 3 core) for $229.00. What would you guys do? I was told the aluminum radiator would cool better but won't last as long. Any advice would be very appreciated.

When I had my '53 recored it was $350 at a local shop. So I'd say that price is fair.

 

[48aero]

If you use the aluminum be sure to use extended life anti-freeze to protect against dissimilar metals. I bought one of the
champion ones on ebay and just put it in, bolts right in. (229.) Jesse

 

[53joe]

Thanks guys. Decided to fix the original and I'm taking it in today. Wanted the original Harrison Radiator name on it. Will let you know how it turned out.

 

[codyfox]

Radiator

Thanks guys. Decided to fix the original and I'm taking it in today. Wanted the original Harrison Radiator name on it. Will let you know how it turned out.

I went ahead and bought me one from LMC with everything I needed with it and I believe with parts, etc...it was $330 total..Somewhere in that range. Well worth it..

Part # Description Qty Price Total Status
32-2910 RADIATOR 1 279.95 279.95 In Stock
30-0070 RADIATOR MOUNT BOLT KIT 1 1.95 1.95 In Stock
32-0012 RADIATOR CAP-4 LB 1 3.95 3.95 In Stock
32-0080 RADIATOR DRAIN TAP 1 3.95 3.95 In Stock
30-3426 CLAMP-RADIATOR HOSE4REQ 4 0.95 3.80 In Stock
30-0262 BOLT A/ 1 0.45 0.45 In Stock
30-0656 FLATWASHER A/R 14 0.25 3.50 In Stock
30-0626 LOCKWASHER A/R 14 0.35 4.90 In Stock
30-0845 NUT A/R 4 0.65 2.60 In Stock


Cody