Radiator repair or replace?

[Coach529]

My radiator is leaking........curious if anybody has luck trying to repair these or if I should just replace it. Pretty corroded inside and one sid is coming apart from the core.

Is there a cheap alternative?

Classic Parts has them for around $350.

[fdwrench]

If it is the original v-cell radiator it is probably not worth overhauling. Even if you could find someone now a days that can use a torch you can not get a rod through them.
$350 is not a bad price for a complete radiator. IMHO

[NEWFISHER]

Look at the aluminum ones. You could paint it black if you didn't like the look and they cool so much better.
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[fdwrench]

There are pros and cons on copper vs aluminum radiators. Copper does transfer heat better than aluminum but aluminum is much lighter.
I think what it boils down to is what is more important to you weight, appearance, originality.

[Coach529]

I have found Alum replacements on Ebay for less than $200. I will likely go that route.

[mr48chev]

I think the key is as fdwrench said earlier in that it's getting real hard to even find a radiator shop that will attempt to repair an original radiator with that style core. And most of the time having one recored will cost as much or more than a new radiator even if you can get someone to do that. Every little town around here used to have at least one radiator shop and some had two or three plus several shops here in Yakima and now I'd have to stop and think of where there is still one open before taking a radiator to it. Luckily the one I would use stays busy because he works on a lot of farm equipment and big truck stuff.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I think the key is as fdwrench said earlier in that it's getting real hard to even find a radiator shop that will attempt to repair an original radiator with that style core. And most of the time having one recored will cost as much or more than a new radiator even if you can get someone to do that. Every little town around here used to have at least one radiator shop and some had two or three plus several shops here in Yakima and now I'd have to stop and think of where there is still one open before taking a radiator to it. Luckily the one I would use stays busy because he works on a lot of farm equipment and big truck stuff.

That is pretty much what I am finding. Fixin radiators is a lost art I am afraid.

My original will be sold as scrap copper and I will buy a $180 Ebay Alum replacement. It will work fine for the 2K-3K worth of miles I will put on in a year.