RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-23-12 02:07 PM - Post#2251269
So, i found out today that my radiator core is shot. Bad news.
The radiator guy said he could use the original take and re-core it for upwards of $500... Way too pricey for me.
I looked on Eckler's where I usually get all of my stuff, and they only had radiators for the manual transmission cars (i have a powerglide). My next stop was AutoCityClassic, where i found this:
http://www.autocityclassic.com/index.php?page=shop...
Is this a good deal? It seems awfully cheap, and my dad was concerned it might be Chinese 
Any other suggestions on where to look?
I am not too concerned about originality.
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 173rdherd
"7th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 343
Loc: BLACK DIAMOND BAY(tomball...
Reg: 11-29-04
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07-23-12 03:19 PM - Post#2251292
In response to RumblingV8
not sure where you are located, but in Houston a recore is maybe $300
58 4 dr Yeoman (Nadine)
57 4 dr 150 (Dottie)
53 4 dr tradesman (Tupelo Honey)
and they're all....
Positively Fourth Street.
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 Grey
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 152
Loc: Norway
Reg: 08-02-05
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07-23-12 03:39 PM - Post#2251306
In response to RumblingV8
Ecklers do have options for automatic transmission, dont they?
http://www.lategreatchevy.com/1959-chevy-bel-air/f...
1959 Chevrolet ElCamino
1959 Chevrolet Biscayne
1965 Pontiac Bonneville |
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Rugratman
Contributor
Posts: 450
Loc: Maryland
Reg: 09-15-10
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07-23-12 03:45 PM - Post#2251309
In response to Grey
Go aluminum?
Check out Ebay too if you are not against originality.
here is a used one
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-59-1960-60-C hevy-Impa...
| Just Learning as I Go Here... |
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-23-12 04:36 PM - Post#2251348
In response to Grey
Should have specified, it's a '58 not a '59
Would the '59 radiators work?
Another question. I asked a while back and bought one of the repro front emblems, but the self threading bolts are too large to thread onto the posts. What do i do about this?
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Bruces 57
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1663
Reg: 01-03-07
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07-24-12 02:42 AM - Post#2251508
In response to RumblingV8
Hello;
I would go with the aluminum radiator! But when refilling it, Try a bottle of this new Lucas cooling helper. I have had amazing results from the stuff!
BTW it costs $15.00 Expensive but well worth it!
Bruce
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models916
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1875
Age: 62
Loc: Addison, IL
Reg: 05-28-10
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07-24-12 08:18 AM - Post#2251605
In response to Bruces 57
Show-Cars sells a copper brass original HD for $369
I have a Griffin Aluminum, but they are around $500.
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Grey
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 152
Loc: Norway
Reg: 08-02-05
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07-24-12 10:24 AM - Post#2251646
In response to models916
Personally i would prefer a recore harrison radiator but if not available i think the replacment radiators at ecklers look pretty good. That said, i have no personal experience with them although i suspect i will have before this year has ended.
Impalas.com has a number of 1958 replacment radiators? I suppose if the aluminum new coolness look is what one is looking for there´s no substitute but other than that i guess a "4 core desert cooler" should have most engines taken care of and then some..
1959 Chevrolet ElCamino
1959 Chevrolet Biscayne
1965 Pontiac Bonneville |
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-24-12 11:40 AM - Post#2251673
In response to models916
Thanks for the suggestion bruce, i'll check it out. Any reason for the aluminum preference?
models- the Show-Cars site looks promising, and that's not a terrible price. I don't see anything for a 283 though. Would the radiators marked for the 348 be the same as what would work with my 283? If so, i'd hop on that no problem.
Grey- i'm not particularly aiming for a look. What you're saying is that an aluminum radiator would look out of place? I'm not very concerned with originality but if it sticks out like a sore thumb it is a problem. The impalas.com radiators are quite the hunk of cash, i could get the originial re-cored for that much.
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Grey
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 152
Loc: Norway
Reg: 08-02-05
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07-24-12 11:53 AM - Post#2251678
In response to RumblingV8
Nothing looks out of place as long as you get it the way you want it :-)
Personally i strive for doing as much as possible in a 59_ish way. Doesnt need to be stock but i prefer a vintage solution even if it is a technical lesser solution. I run diagonal tires, guess that pretty much sums up my view on things, huh? :-)
1959 Chevrolet ElCamino
1959 Chevrolet Biscayne
1965 Pontiac Bonneville |
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-24-12 11:57 AM - Post#2251681
In response to Grey
Well, i do want it to look like it's period. Like, any modifications i make are going to be things that could have been modified to look that way back in the day, you know what i mean? If they didn't have aluminum radiators back then then i wouldn't want to add one now.
I hope that makes sense
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Delray_58
Contributor
Posts: 668
Loc: Scotts Valley, CA
Reg: 03-20-10
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07-24-12 02:16 PM - Post#2251731
In response to RumblingV8
The Harrison radiator "look" was something that I wanted to retain on mine, since you can't get those anymore. So, I bit the bullet and had the original radiator repaired/rebuilt with the original tanks. I polished the brass and it looks nice and works nice, and it still has "Harrison" stamped on it.
'58 Delray 283 3-speed
In the family since new |
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-24-12 02:25 PM - Post#2251735
In response to Delray_58
How much did that cost you? Do you think it was worth it?
My dad offered the solution of going ahead and getting the cheap radiator, then later on when i have money having the original recored.
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Delray_58
Contributor
Posts: 668
Loc: Scotts Valley, CA
Reg: 03-20-10
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07-24-12 04:35 PM - Post#2251781
In response to RumblingV8
I actually took the radiator to a shop to have it recored. The guy checked out the radiator and said that he could recore it for me, but he could also try to rebuild it to restore its original performance at a much lower cost. He didn't think the radiator was that far gone.
If I remember correctly, the rebuild consisted of a boil-out, pressure and flow test, and leak repairs. As there weren't too many leaks, he simply fixed them instad of recoring. He also fixed a support bracket that had become desoldered from the tank.
The result has been good. The engine temps have been under control ever since (except for a time last month when my thermostat failed). I'm happy with it.
As for the cost, I honetly don't remember but I believe it was under $200. Again, it wasn't a recore, so that made the whole thing much cheaper.
'58 Delray 283 3-speed
In the family since new |
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-24-12 04:54 PM - Post#2251790
In response to Delray_58
Unfortunately, i was told that mine is nearly completely gone and would have to be recored... Thanks anyway
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frankthetank
Contributor
Posts: 662
Loc: Lodi California
Reg: 02-22-11
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07-24-12 05:08 PM - Post#2251802
In response to Delray_58
The Harrison radiator "look" was something that I wanted to retain on mine, since you can't get those anymore. So, I bit the bullet and had the original radiator repaired/rebuilt with the original tanks. I polished the brass and it looks nice and works nice, and it still has "Harrison" stamped on it.
1963 Chevrolet impala sport coupe
2006 Chevrolet silverado crew cab 2wd |
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Delray_58
Contributor
Posts: 668
Loc: Scotts Valley, CA
Reg: 03-20-10
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07-24-12 11:17 PM - Post#2251916
In response to RumblingV8
If you choose to go with the replacement radiator, save the original if you can. It's getting harder to find Harrison tanks these days. Good luck!
Frank: Thanks!
'58 Delray 283 3-speed
In the family since new |
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models916
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1875
Age: 62
Loc: Addison, IL
Reg: 05-28-10
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07-25-12 07:15 AM - Post#2251994
In response to Delray_58
348 radiator fits. I got the Griffin in aluminum. If you paint it black, it looks very original. Top tank is identical to stock.
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prgm_mgr
Member
Posts: 459
Reg: 07-06-05
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07-25-12 07:23 AM - Post#2251999
In response to RumblingV8
You may want to get a second opinion. The first guy I took mine to said too far gone, buy a new one, etc. He offered to change out the tank - whole cost around $400.
I took it to a second guy who was used to fixing old radiators. He said, Let me try - it may last a month or years. So far so good and it was less than $100 about 8 years ago.
I'd also call autocity and see if they can help you out - find how close their $199 model is to what you want. The description says it can be used for auto or manual tranny -
How close are you to being on the road? If this is all that's holding you up, I'd go with your dad's suggestion. Either way I'd keep looking.
Just some thoughts.
Mark
Edited by prgm_mgr on 07-25-12 07:26 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-25-12 10:39 AM - Post#2252042
In response to prgm_mgr
Delray- I'd definitely be keeping the original. I would never scrap something like that. Not enough of them around for me to not feel horrible doing it!
Thanks models. Nice to know i do have that option 
Mark- Now that you say it, i'll definitely get a second opinion or two. $500+ seemed way steep to me. I'll try and find an "old timer" like that. 
As for AutoCityClassic, i think i might go with the Show-Cars radiator, since it's not THAT much more. I'd also prefer something that would look original, i guess.
I still have a little bit to go before i'm on the road. I'm hoping for mid-late August, but i still have to fix this radiator nonsense, have my carb rebuilt, do a whole bunch of stuff with my brakes, and a bunch of smaller things yet. We'll see what happens. This is definitely a setback, but it's a good thing it happened now and not in three weeks.
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 Chevyfan60
"10th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 732
Loc: Longmont, CO
Reg: 04-19-01
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07-25-12 11:14 AM - Post#2252054
In response to RumblingV8
Hey Rumble, take a look at this one:
Radiator on ebay
Michael
1960 Impala 348, 1960 El Camino (x2), 1960 Nomad, 1992 S-10 Blazer, 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD,
2002 Trailblazer |
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-25-12 11:16 AM - Post#2252055
In response to Chevyfan60
Would it fit a '58?
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prgm_mgr
Member
Posts: 459
Reg: 07-06-05
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07-25-12 07:25 PM - Post#2252211
In response to RumblingV8
If you get a new one at at good price, maybe you could marry the old tank to the new bottom - it would have to be a good price though.
Mark
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RumblingV8
Forum Newbie
Posts: 95
Loc: Allentown, PA
Reg: 03-11-12
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07-25-12 10:40 PM - Post#2252267
In response to prgm_mgr
I'll check into this as well.
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CarlK60
Senior Member
Posts: 885
Age: 27
Loc: Glenville, MN US
Reg: 04-26-00
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07-26-12 08:08 PM - Post#2252534
In response to RumblingV8
Just a word of caution. I drive my 60 daily, it gets alot miles. I bought one of the Harrison look-alikes from Show Cars, I believe it was around '06, it made it past the warranty before the side straps (ya know the ones that bolt to the radiator support and hold the radiator together) fell off. Ive already had 2 or 3 leaks fixed and it is currently leaking again. The radiator guy said that the chinese who made it didnt degalvanize it before soldering the straps on, thats why they fell off. It looks nice, but I'll be looking for a different one for the Nomad.
| 60 Impala 2dr hardtop (348 4-speed), 60 Biscayne 2dr sedan (348), 60 Nomad (348 Man. O/D 4-speed), 60 Kingswood wagon 9 pass., 91 Caprice |
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DeeGee
Senior Member
Posts: 9828
Loc: Oklahoma
Reg: 01-28-01
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07-27-12 10:33 AM - Post#2252691
In response to CarlK60
I had the engine in my 59 (a 283) overhauled and the radiator cleaned and repaired. Afterwards, it tended to run hot (never boiled over, but hot). I ordered a 4 core desert cooler; it was so thin that I dinged a hole in it putting it in. I took it out, replaced it with the original and later traded it for a Harrison that had an extra core added. The Harrison with the added core is just the ticket. Runs cool. It is an original radiator (for a 61 or 62, but only an expert can tell the difference).
My experience with aftermarket stuff has not been good; know what you're getting before you buy; it's easy to get screwed. Get stranded once and any bucks you saved by buying cheap go out the window, plus more and you have all the aggrivation.
A diamond ain't nothing but a piece of coal that stuck with it. Brother Dave Gardner; ca. 1963
Have Wings, Will Travel |
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58coupe
Forum Newbie
Posts: 71
Reg: 04-06-08
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07-27-12 01:53 PM - Post#2252729
In response to RumblingV8
RumblingV8, The original Harrison radiator on my '58 was leaking badly and I ordered a replacement from Auto City Classics. This was about 6 years ago and the radiator was all brass and copper tubes. It matched exactly the original Harrison except for the name "Harrison" stamped on the top. While this was on order I found a radiator shop to recore my original Harrison, which I opted to do. The new radiator arrived and I kept it for about a year and sold it on ebay.
The recored original worked well for about three years and then the original top began cracking. Needless to say I regret selling the radiator I got from AutoCityClassic.com.
It appears the brass and copper radiators are scarce but I would bet not impossible to find. As I remember, A google search found a company on Arizona or Calif. making a brass and copper replacement for the '58 Chevy and may have been the supplier for Auto City Classic.
If you want an original looking radiator I would search the web for a source for brass rather than buying an aluminum.
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58coupe
Forum Newbie
Posts: 71
Reg: 04-06-08
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07-27-12 01:58 PM - Post#2252732
In response to 58coupe
Here ya go!
http://www.usradiator.com/chevrolet-biscayne-19 58-...
Brass and copper radiator made in the USA and will look original when you open the hood.
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 speedygman
"5th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 1589
Age: 70
Loc: Gorgeous Georgia
Reg: 06-27-08
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07-27-12 02:42 PM - Post#2252749
In response to 58coupe
This is the company that I used on my 348 with the Optima core, (4row) has greatly improved temperature. Stock gauge shows in the bottom quarter of gauge. If left idling for prolonged time 45 minutes or longer it gets to 3/4 mark with AC on and outside air 100 plus. You could also put your top tank Harrison on this radiator. I had to space shroud back 3/8 inch.
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