There is a thread running about aluminum core radiators with plastic
tanks. I used to sell the warranty parts to replace them and would not
hit a bull in the **** with all of them ever made. Maybe they make them better, I've been out of the biz for a few years. My 83 H/O practically
had zippers to keep the radiator in place. It was aluminum with plastic
tanks. When it went out of warranty I bought a Modine brass and copper
radiator in it. I've never had a prob since. It rarely gets over 180 on the hottest summer day.

All of which brings me to my next question, DOES ANYONE STILL MAKE BRASS AND
COPPER RADIATORS??

Owen

 

Hi,

I had my last one re-cored by a local shop back in 2018, cheaper route would have been aluminum, think since most "High Performance" builds and all the TV shows all tout the aluminum versions is why there so popular.

I currently have to replace a heater core in my 65 and same thing it's hard to find a brass/copper factory style replacement, and when you do, it cost a bit more than an aftermarket aluminum ones.

Most new cars have the plastic tank/aluminum core versions mainly economics and weight, not so much based on cooling abilities.

Regards,
Jim

 

http://usradiator.com/

 

Jim, I believe the aluminum radiator industry must sponsor some of the
TV shows which would explain why they always use those products.
Another good example would be the additive industry. No bottle of magic elixir is going to restore a worn out engine; it's not going to rejuvenate
seals to stop leaks, and it's not going to increase mileage appreciably.
When I was in dealer parts the shop mechanics were paid a cash
incentive to push customers to buy the magic aftermarket maintenance
sh$#. I caught unmitigated hell from management for railing against it
and openly referring to it as snake oil. My two favorites were the battery
flush and brake system flush as useless ****. At the end of the day I could walk through the shop to use the restroom, look in the garbage cans, and see that most of the stuff went in the trash. I even got pix that were very useful when I'd get chewed out for not supporting the additive program. RANT OVER

Same question, what manufacturer still makes brass and copper radiators?

Owen

 

Here you go:

https://classicfordradiator.com/copp...orsforgms.aspx

http://www.walkerradiatorworks.com

http://usradiator.com/radiators/oldsmobile/442

I thought Year One use to but couldn't find any,

I have always had my old one's re-cored by local shops, again more costly than AL versions, it's all preference and as you mentioned, hipe you subscribe to

Regards,
Jim

 

Thanks Jim, I appreciate it. The Walker folks didn't show one that I could find,
so I sent them a note. It's reassuring to know they are still available, but what
a case of sticker shock! And it's a real plus to see some are still made in the
USA!

ANYONE ELSE GOT A LEAD??

 

All things being equal, a copper/brass radiator will cool better.

The advantage of aluminum is things don’t HAVE to be equal. Aluminum aftermarket radiators have cooling tubes about a 1 wide, far bigger than you could ever make a copper radiator tube. The bigger the tube, more surface area which equals more cooling capacity.

When was the last time you saw a late model car overheat (without seriously neglected cooling system, or engine problems)? It just doesn’t happen anymore. There is no way today’s new car buyers would accept anything less than perfectly functional A/C and zero maintenance or drama. You just don’t see cars sitting on the side of the road with steam pouring out from under the hood.


I had a 4 core old school radiator in my car years ago. While it never overheated, occasionally it would run a little warm. Keep in mind, at that time I didn’t have the loose 10 inch converter, and I didn’t have air conditioning. Since I installed the Be-Cool radiator, the hottest I have EVER seen has been a little over 200. That’s sitting in stop/go traffic, a/c going full tilt, hauling a small U Haul trailer. I would have never been able to say the same with the old school copper/brass.

Im not one to jump on the latest/greatest fad, but a quantity aluminum radiator is much more efficient than the old technology.

 

Unfortunately to get a quality Copper Brass rad, you have to pay. There is a Spectra Copper Brass rad but it probably won't cool as well as the aluminum plastic rad. I went with a Autocity 2 core aluminum with 1 1/8" cores and stamped tanks. Cold Case uses the same stamped tank with dual 1 1/4" cores. Paint them high temp black or buy this one black powder coated.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/352137821187

 

A local shop recored the original radiator in my '66 Toronado for $500.