My car is a 1957 Oldsmobile Super 88 but has an engine/radiator from a 1963 Oldsmobile 88 (394 engine). Does anyone know a cheap replacement radiator that would fit? I took my current radiator in (leaks in several places) and was told it needed a new core and would cost $750. I'm not sure if that is normal but I don't think I've ever bought a new radiator that was even half that cost.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Here's a recent thread on radiators.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...55-app-174991/

 

When I had my 54, I used an aluminum radiator for a 68 Dodge Coronet. I could not find an aluminum radiator for my 54. I studied radiators and finally found that the Dodge radiator had the inlet and outlet in the correct places and was the correct width. It was a little short so I made an air dam to go under it to force all the air through the radiator. The aluminum radiator was not expensive and really helped cool the car. I am ot saying the Dodge radiator will fit your 57 but you may need to start measuring and looking.

 

Thanks for the input. Not sure if I want to bite the bullet and spend the money on a quality rebuild or buy new. I did find a place that will put a new 3 row core in to my original for $600. Just wondering if I buy a $350 new radiator....will I do $250 worth of work to make it fit......time to do some more measuring!!!

 

I had the original radiator in my 54 re-cored into a 4-core for $600. That was several years ago. It did not help one bit. I think part of the problem was it could not move enough air through the core. I had cooling issues after I put AC in the car. It didn't matter if the AC was on or not. I installed a six blade fan (no clutch), a fan shroud and a pusher electric fan in addition to the aluminum radiator. After spending lots of money and time, the problem was solved.

 

Did you ever test your 54 with the AC compressor belt removed before installing the fixes you mentioned? That's odd that the car would overheat even with the AC off.

 

Noooooow I cant precisely say im running a BBO just yet.. But my cooling system was built for that in mind.. Im running a Large 2 core from Coldcase.

 

Where are you located ??

 

Good morning and happy Friday. I'm in sunny Southern California!!

 

I think the condenser restricted air flow through the radiator. I had no cooling problems until I installed the AC. There would be no need to remove the belt since that would be the same as turning the system off and the AC clutch just free wheels then.

 

Ok, I was going to suggest a place for recore but its on my side of the country so probably not a good choice

 

I have had the expensive and moderately priced aluminum radiators. They work pretty good, until they don’t, then they come apart and are almost unrepairable.

The best aluminum radiators made are by Ron Davis. He can make a cooling package for you based on your old radiator and your horsepower/cooling expectations. Not cheap, but the best never is.

Being in So Cal, I would look at small radiator shops close to or in a border town where things can be fixed cheaper and using solder and possibly a new copper core.

There is a good shop here in Denver that is ran by a Hispanic gentleman, and he can re-core brass/copper radiators or all sizes.

I am sure there are still some places left to do that over there either on or across the border.

I had our 4 core Chevy truck radiator we use on our Cutlass repaired by this shop in Denver and it has had no issues.

I recommend staying with a brass/copper if possible.

 

Hi everyone,

I broke down and had a local shop recore the original radiator. Was quoted $600 to put in a new 3 row core. Will bolt right back into place when done.

The nice thing is this guy looked like he had been doing radiators since the 60's. Nice old guy...

 

Awesome! Let us know how she cools when you install the radiator.