Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lha1992 · 10-18-2011, 03:10 PM

Well, as some of you may have read in one of my threads about my truck getting in a front end collision (which it is in the body shop right now), I found out my radiator is leaking coolant. It doesn't leak when the engine is running but once its turned off after about 30 minutes you can see coolant leaking on the ground. The leak is coming from the drivers side tank and since this is the original radiator and it has plastic on either side its not really worth fixing so might as well get a new one.

But which kind of radiator should I get? I was looking at a stock one from Auto Zone but didn't know if I should get one from there or should I get an aftermarket one or something from somewhere else?

My truck is a '89 C1500, 350eng, 700R4, with AC so.

Lemme know what y'all think? Thanks

gregory5000 · 10-18-2011, 07:52 PM

Start by reading my thread here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=4.8

I think I would try and find one at a junkyard or take it to a radiator shop and have it fixed. The china made radiators(along with everything else) are junk. I took my 98 to the shop the other day to have the exhaust fixed and was talking to the owner and he said the chinese parts are making it hard on them because they get so many bad parts out of the box. Do not buy a new radiator unless it is a factory one.

red94chev · 10-18-2011, 08:59 PM

God d@mn. I had to get a new radiator about a month ago. Went to Kunkels to get it. The first one leaked. Went back for another one...it leaked. Finally the third one was good but it realy gets annoying changing radiators 3 days a week.

I dont know if they were bad luck or Chinese junk.

Restrorob · 10-18-2011, 09:40 PM

I've bought five radiators from Radiator Barn, Haven't had the first issue and shipping is QUICK, The one in my van is over 9 yrs old and just put one in my Jeep a couple months back and it's just fine......

lha1992 · 10-18-2011, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob

I've bought five radiators from Radiator Barn, Haven't had the first issue and shipping is QUICK, The one in my van is over 9 yrs old and just put one in my Jeep a couple months back and it's just fine......

Are the radiator barn's radiators made in the USA? Can't find info if they are or aren't.

SiCk_DiAbLo · 10-19-2011, 02:45 AM

I picked one up at AutoZone, no problems yet!!!..Fit in like a glove, it's the chinky one..Said if I ever have a problem, bring in for another..

lha1992 · 10-19-2011, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SiCk_DiAbLo

I picked one up at AutoZone, no problems yet!!!..Fit in like a glove, it's the chinky one..Said if I ever have a problem, bring in for another..

I was thinking of one of those spectra brand ones from auto zone but didn't know of the quality of them or where they were made. I'm still thinking though.

rocking chevy · 10-19-2011, 08:23 AM

I don't know where to get one, but I do know that aluminum is better than a regular one, because a two core aluminum is just as good as a four core regular one.

Restrorob · 10-19-2011, 12:03 PM

I don't know where there made, But I heard nothing but good about them when I was told of the place years ago. With having no issues myself and getting them the next day in my case, I won't buy from anyplace else.....

ironroad9c1 · 10-19-2011, 04:26 PM

other than expensive All aluminum custom radiators no factory or aftermarket replacements are made here .

10-18-2011, 03:10 PM	#1
lha1992 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 504	Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? Well, as some of you may have read in one of my threads about my truck getting in a front end collision (which it is in the body shop right now), I found out my radiator is leaking coolant. It doesn't leak when the engine is running but once its turned off after about 30 minutes you can see coolant leaking on the ground. The leak is coming from the drivers side tank and since this is the original radiator and it has plastic on either side its not really worth fixing so might as well get a new one. But which kind of radiator should I get? I was looking at a stock one from Auto Zone but didn't know if I should get one from there or should I get an aftermarket one or something from somewhere else? My truck is a '89 C1500, 350eng, 700R4, with AC so. Lemme know what y'all think? Thanks

10-18-2011, 07:52 PM	#2
gregory5000 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: elora tn Posts: 121	Re: Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? Start by reading my thread here. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=4.8 I think I would try and find one at a junkyard or take it to a radiator shop and have it fixed. The china made radiators(along with everything else) are junk. I took my 98 to the shop the other day to have the exhaust fixed and was talking to the owner and he said the chinese parts are making it hard on them because they get so many bad parts out of the box. Do not buy a new radiator unless it is a factory one. __________________ 2001 GMC 2WD, 1998 Chevy K2500

10-18-2011, 08:59 PM	#3
red94chev Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Conowingo, MD Posts: 341	Re: Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? God d@mn. I had to get a new radiator about a month ago. Went to Kunkels to get it. The first one leaked. Went back for another one...it leaked. Finally the third one was good but it realy gets annoying changing radiators 3 days a week. I dont know if they were bad luck or Chinese junk.

10-18-2011, 09:40 PM	#4
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? I've bought five radiators from Radiator Barn, Haven't had the first issue and shipping is QUICK, The one in my van is over 9 yrs old and just put one in my Jeep a couple months back and it's just fine...... __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

10-19-2011, 02:45 AM	#6
SiCk_DiAbLo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Norfolk,Va Posts: 357	Re: Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? I picked one up at AutoZone, no problems yet!!!..Fit in like a glove, it's the chinky one..Said if I ever have a problem, bring in for another.. __________________ 1993 Chevy Silverado. 1984 Chevy Z28. 1972 Chevy Custom 10. 1965 Custom 10..FOR SALE

10-19-2011, 08:23 AM	#8
rocking chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Nebraska Posts: 262	Re: Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? I don't know where to get one, but I do know that aluminum is better than a regular one, because a two core aluminum is just as good as a four core regular one.

10-19-2011, 12:03 PM	#9
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? I don't know where there made, But I heard nothing but good about them when I was told of the place years ago. With having no issues myself and getting them the next day in my case, I won't buy from anyplace else..... __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

10-19-2011, 04:26 PM	#10
ironroad9c1 Master Hater Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Temple,Tx. Posts: 402	Re: Need a new radiator. Which one to get and where? other than expensive All aluminum custom radiators no factory or aftermarket replacements are made here . __________________ 1997 C1500 ECSB 4.3/NV3500 8.5 3.42 "This evening, all of you bleeding hearts... why don't just go ahead and hug yourself for the next 20 minutes or so, because there's a really good chance you're gonna be offended".- Captain Owen Honors Last edited by scotts62; 10-26-2011 at 06:28 PM. Reason: language...



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