Problems Finding A New Radiator

[wildmanaaron]

I cannot seem to find a radiator anywhere for my Truck. I want a radiator that has metal tanks instead of the plastic tank/aluminum core radiators that everybody is trying to sell me (Those look like they should fit my Nissan Altima). I have went to Auto Zone, Advance, O Reilly's, Napa, and even tried the local radiator repair shop. None of the people have been able to order a metal tank radiator for me.

I have been looking up one with a 19" tall core, from a 1986 Chevy Truck, 2wd, w/AC so it will fit underneath the top LH & RH radiator brackets that work on 3-row models.

Anybody else have any similiar trouble lately. I guess the manufacturers are trying to cut costs since metal is so expensive right now.

[lolife99]

Just bought a 4-core copper/brass model from Oreillys. They matched autozones price of $264.00. Check them out on line.

[Restrorob]

I purchase all my radiators from here; http://www.radiatorbarn.com/

I have bought 3 from them so far and have had no problems, They also offer lifetime warrenty.....

[wildmanaaron]

Was the ones that you got from Radiatorbarn with metal tanks?

[Pyrotechnic]

I had the same issue recently. I honesty didn't care about whether it was an old school brass/copper or a plastic/aluminum.

First I tried finding a 19" tall 3 core. Couldn't do it. They had a 19" tall aluminum/plastic, but the core was so damn thin and it would have required smaller mounting pads.

So I went to another place, got one that looked right so I bought it. It was a 3 core but I found out on engine swap day that it was the few inches less than 19" short radiator for a 6 cyl.

Took it back and did the proven trick. I asked for one for a 1 ton 454 truck and they brought out a monster 19" tall 4 core in brass/copper. After all the trouble I had, I just took it. Going bigger certainly couldn't hurt, though it meant that I needed new radiator support pads, which is why I wanted the 3 core at first. A call the dealership and $30 later, I had the larger support pads.

If you want, I can get you the GM part number for the support pads and the part number (Ready-Rad from O'reilly) for the 4 core radiator if you want.

Either way, this whole aluminum/plastic stuff that they are phasing in has made for the worst time that I have EVER had trying to locate a radiator, since some of the new old stock that hasn't been bought up yet is still brass/copper and all the new stuff is aluminum/plastic. In another couple of years you won't even be able to get a copper/brass.

[benoit454]

I go onto autozone's website or advanced and they have the copper/brass listed on there, which have the (metal) end tanks.

I've bought 2 of them in the last year or so. One for an 86 305 4x4 with a/c and the other for a 85 monte carlo without a/c. Both were 3 core, even the same number. One from autozone one from advanced.

[Restrorob]

Originally Posted by wildmanaaron

Was the ones that you got from Radiatorbarn with metal tanks?

Two of them had the metal tanks, The last one I bought was for my old work car. It was listed as metal tank but they shipped plastic, I called them and they said they no longer handled the metal for my car. The guy told me it had a lifetime warranty so I went ahead and put it in.

I see now all they show is plastic for 86 trucks....

This is the one I bought for my 74;

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

I built my own mount brackets and retained a stock chrome top plate and shroud. I wanted a external trans. cooler so didn't need one in the radiator and the tanks polished up great.

[wildmanaaron]

That's a pretty good deal on the one from Summit but I would like to stick with a stock appearance and it doesn't have a fitting for my radiator overflow hose to hook to. I ordered a CU730 from Auto Zone last week (View Picture Here) and it arrived today. As heavy as the package was, I just knew I had gotten lucky and received the right type radiator that had metal tanks. But guess what, it was plastic and aluminum!

[LBJ]

After I cracked the plastic tank on my 91 GMC, I went to the local rad shop for some repair ideas. He said he could get me an ALL METAL radiator like they used to install on new cars. I picked it up at the local wholesaler after paying him and installed it myself. Brand new. This was around the year 2000 so I cannot remember exactly what it cost, but was around $275 - $300. Worth the money on still going on the truck I sold to my brother. Sorry I cannot remeber the brand. But, they are out there. I'd go to a well run radiator shop and tell them what you are looking for. They will be glad to sell you one!

[Srubydo1986]

im lucky so far ive just keep using old one and havent bought any new ones. If i had to i guess id take my old one to a radiator shop and have them fix it or find me on.

[bigfredtn]

The last couple I bought, I got from http://www.radiator.com/. If you are in or near a major city, they will deliver the same day. Cheaper than any of the parts stores.

[knightlife]

got mine from radiator barn....19 in 4 core...I highly recommend them.

[72C203503ONTHETREE]

Had the same trouble with my 73 C10. Only had the plastic aluminum versions but I needed it right then. Cost $100 at O'Reillys but has not overheated at all so far even in 90 degree weather. They did have a huge 4 core version but I didnt have the right upper bracket and couldnt wait to find one.