So my lead guy gives me a 911
after work today. His 99 Chev 454 pu
quit on him.

We deduced Napa battery shot after 3 yrs.
Took him up for the pro-rate on a 6 yr, not bad. $53.
Get back to the truck and I notice MY shortbed is
leaking green on the drive way.. Hmmm.

Come to find out it has developed a small crack on
the very top, left of the inlet hose, before the top plate, damn.
Well, I had already had it rotted out and figure with those stupid
PLASTIC end tanks and being aluminum anyway, where can I get
a deal on one? That's where I need your thoughts guys.

The truck is a Chev 4.3 5 speed with a 4.3 V-6 and air.
Any thoughts as to quality and price. I would like to
find one with copper tanks, but probably not going to happen.

 

I'd put a Vista Pro or a Spectra in there. Yes they have plastic tanks, but they are good inexpensive radiators. You can order them local.

 

I replaced the radiator in my Mom's 1996 Buick Riviera. Yep, it had cracked the plastic tank on one end. I just went with one from RockAuto and it seems to be doing fine.


John

 

By the way, I believe the plastic tanks are replaceable talk to your local radiator guy.

 

Thanks for the info guys.
I am going to try the trick I
learned from the crack in the oil pan.
If it works, great, if not, a new one.

 

What trick is that?

 

I have used Proliance Radiator. If you Google it, you will get to Amazon. I bought one with metal tanks for my 89 3/4 ton Suburban and it was perfect fit, just like OEM and keeps the 454 at 180 degrees. Also got one for my 72 Cutlass with same results. I would avoid the plastic tanks, especially on one of our older cars.

 

My replacement came from Rock Auto. Even with shipping it was well worth the price.

 

I have been using Napa they have plastic and metal tank options on most cars. I think the last one was a Spectra. It was and exact fit on my 73 with metal tanks...

 

All great suggestions guys, thanks.
I used the trick that I used on the
crack in the oil pan.

Two small dimples at each end of the
crack, then cut a trough the crack with my drimmel,
fill with JB weld. Time will tell. Nothing ventured
nothing gained as they say. Will post results.

 

Good luck with that...repairs like that on those kind of parts always give me a queasy stomach...never feel like i can trust it for sure...hope it works out

 

Well, no bueno. Oh well, worth a shot.
Got it to a slow seep after about 40 miles.
Visited with a nephew this weekend, he had
a little Ford that he used fiberglass on and
it worked for him.

Could not find a direct fit unit with copper tanks
so I ordered a Spectra lifetime warrented for 149.00
out the door from A.Z. It will be here in the morning.