parts store radiators

[natedogg]

I need a radiator for a 85 short bed that will fit like oem. Has anyone tried the radiators from local parts stores? The online reviews don't sound good. I may end up getting the original rebuilt. Thanks for any and all replies.

[tucsonjwt]

See my recent post on an Autozone Spectra radiator.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...or+replacement

It has only been in a few weeks but it seems to be OK. Rebuilding an original will be very expensive. I was a copper/brass radiator fan until the one I had sprung multiple leaks and was too costly to repair.

The fit of the Autozone radiator was OK, but I don't think you will get exact match in every aspect unless you find an OEM Harrison radiator, which I don't think exist anymore.
aluminum/plastic for $170. The Spectra from Autozone was $125 with local sales tax and 20% off promotion from Autozone with free shipping.
The local radiator shop had a copper/brass replacement for $450, or an

I would go with the Autozone radiator and take a $125 chance and see how it works out. You should get $30 for your scrap radiator and might get a new radiator for less than $100 net.

[Matt Man]

I had the same issue when I put the new motor in my truck back in April, I wanted to get the original rebuilt, but at over 400$ I couldn't afford it at the time, I bought a spectra for around 150$ shipped I think. Been great ever since no leaks or anything, runs nice and cool here in the desert.

[TexasJeff]

I am going through this now too, trying to make the decision to go new or have the original flushed and fixed. Orielly's and Napa radiators are like $184, I never get parts from AutoZone.

[jjmorrse]

I try to find aluminum ones with metal tanks. Summit or Jegs has them usually. can sometimes price between plastic and copper. It is more of a bias against plastic than anything else I could prove in terms of quality.

[76shorty]

My local radiator shop charges me 250 to rebuild mine. Ive done this on 2 of my novas and I havent had an issue. Yes the price is double but I know its solid. Ive never really had any luck with "store bought"

[tucsonjwt]

Solid aluminum like Champion is not necessarily foolproof. My neighbor has a Champion and it has problems - leaks, overflow fitting cracked, etc. Also, not every shop will repair an aluminum radiator. I can buy 4 aluminum/plastic Spectras for the cost of one copper/brass aftermarket or rebuild.

I have an old beater square, so it will never be sold at Barrett-Jackson. I still like copper tubing for plumbing houses, but that is getting out of reach pricewise also.

[TheWhiteElephant]

Why not go with an aftermarket aluminum radiator, or is that out of the question? What is the general consensus? Sure, it is nothing close to looking original, but the prices seem to be good for a quality one. I'm going that route pretty soon. Sounds like a good Christmas present.

[blazer2007]

Originally Posted by TheWhiteElephant

Why not go with an aftermarket aluminum radiator, or is that out of the question? What is the general consensus? Sure, it is nothing close to looking original, but the prices seem to be good for a quality one. I'm going that route pretty soon. Sounds like a good Christmas present.

I was looking at al. rads online and found some not positive remarks on these too,I need a larger rad one day and don,t see many options.

[TexasJeff]

I took my radiator to get fixed, the guy said there were to many holes to fix it, just get a new one. So I went to O'Reilly's and got one, it does have plastic tanks and a aluminum core. It dropped right in with no problems, one thing I found strange is no petcock, just a plug, not a problem just thought it was strange. I paid $143 and of coarse it was the more expensive choice they offered, 28-1/4 x 17, or 28-1/4 x 19, mine was the 19, with a/c and auto trans.

[SparkyRnD]

we make bolt in radiators for the 73-87 models, and we also offer a forum member discount:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=617025

[chrismoore701]

How do these autozone radiators hold up to maintaining the temp. They look awful thin. I have a 3 core radiator and the new ones look like they are single.

Thoughts

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

How do these autozone radiators hold up to maintaining the temp. They look awful thin. I have a 3 core radiator and the new ones look like they are single.

Thoughts

When I swapped from a 250 six to a 350 I bought a single row aluminum radiator with plastic tanks from O'Reilly Auto Parts for around $125. The brand is Murray, but it seems to be identical to Spectra and others. I got the engine running in September, and the radiator kept the coolant temp at 180-190 on days with temperatures in the high 90s. No doubt my OEM fan shroud and 18" clutch fan help!

There are at least three sizes available for my 82 C10. So if you buy a new one, especially if shipping charges are involved, make sure you order the correct size (length x height x thickness) so your fan shroud and top brackets will fit it.

[Matt Man]

I drive my truck in 100+ degrees constantly (especially this summer), and the spectre radiator worked like a champ. I also have a 6 blade fan and new heavy duty fan clutch. The fan clutch and 6 blade fan made a HUGE difference on mine.

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by Matt Man

The fan clutch and 6 blade fan made a HUGE difference on mine.

Glad I started off going that route. It was a pain finding a radiator and fan shroud that fit together, but it was well worth the trouble.

Someone (on this forum, I think) said he's running the small, single row 17"x21" aluminum radiator and fan shroud on a blown 383, and it doesn't overheat!

BTW, I used a new GM water pump and a high-flow Robertshaw t-stat, which might contribute to the effectiveness of my truck's cooling system.

Oh yeah, my radiator has a lifetime warranty from the O'Reilly Auto Parts store just down the street, so it will be easy to replace if it fails.

[gmachinz]

If you want/need a stock OEM radiator in great shape I have one....as well as a stock shroud if you need one. Its used but I ran it for awhile without any issue. PM me if you are interested.