radiator

[geraldchainsaw]

ok,  1  st,  I live in the Detroit area.    I took my car in  for a  new water pump,  an when  got it home I checked out  everything,  the top  of the rad had collapsed,   guess what?,  try finding a rad repair shop,   I think a rad presure check to 17lbs might possibly put it back to normal, not sure,   so aslso looking  into a new  aluminum rad,  there  goes original.    any thoughts?,    gota  be a rad  shop in detroit  that still morks on old rads?

[mustang6984]

Check in with gasman here. He lives just sw of you...and if there is ANY shop withing reach that can do the work...he WILL know who and where.
Has to be one somewhere I would think.

[gasman826]

link to SUPERIOR RADIATOR, MT Clemens  https://superiorradiator.net/

If they can't fix it, they'll make one.

[geraldchainsaw]

to gasman,  befor I posted  on 57ford forum,  I emailed superiory,    they havn't  got back to me yet

[mustang6984]

Thanks for the helping hand Gary.

[mustang6984]

to gasman,  befor I posted  on 57ford forum,  I emailed superiory,    they havn't  got back to me yet

To be honest...I'd call them and leave e-mailing to communication after a deal has been struck. Waiting on e-mail responses these days...reminds me of waiting on snow in July in the Mojave Desert.
JMHO.

[59meteor]

I have an aluminum radiator in my 59, looks almost identical to the original radiator, the top tank has a very similar shape and ribbing. I have been driving my 59 with that aluminum radiator, cooling a 428 CJ, for 5 years now,and 6000 miles, and I am very happy with it. I bought it from Auto City Classic in Minnesota, for just under $300.00

[oldave57]

I recently replaced my radiator for a similar reason.  The original radiator developed a leak in the top tank seam and I debated getting it repaired or installing a new aluminum radiator.  I opted for the new radiator (very reasonable price on Ebay for a 3-Row radiator, about $120 including shipping).  The new radiator fit perfectly and it runs considerably cooler.  The original radiator did not overheat, but on hot days it would run well past the center of the gauge in traffic.  The new radiator drops the gauge indicator much closer to the low side of the temperature band (probably bumping against the thermostat except on idle).  I know the new radiator is sourced in China, but the workmanship is very good, nice tig welded joints.

As far as originality, I'm not too concerned as I plan to keep the car for a while and use it primarily for cruising.

Good Luck,
Dave

[geraldchainsaw]

I talked to Superior rad in Mt  Clemens Mi,  they can rrestore old rads,  or build me a new aluminum one,   but,  my old rad may have a few dents,  ,no leaks,  so theheckwith it,  I'll just paint the scuff marks  an let it go,  I'll just keep the hood closed.     but at least I onow who can repair rads now,    thanks for all the info

[Fairlane62]

You mentioned in the original post that the radiator had collapsed.  Were you able to get that fixed?

[geraldchainsaw]

I found a place todo it,   but heck,  for $600 I'll live mwith it

[Fairlane62]

Ok, I misunderstood, I thought it was completely collapsed.  Glad its operable and you can still drive it.