radiator replacing suggestions?

[Erik V]

So the stock(ish) core has let go right in the middle. We tried peeling back the fins so we could roll/solder up the leak, but the tube is so brittle it just pinch cracks. I really dont want to trust the core to hold together since primarily my rig will be a tow vehicle, and a toy. Those are 2 uses that simply pulling over to let it cool arent viable options.

So Evilbay is full of stuff, I like the all aluminum ones-but they dont appear to mount as they should. Local shop can get me a 3 core OEM style replacement for just under a couple hundred bucks. I dont really want to buy an era unit even in visually decent shape-they're old and I dont want to trust a 40 year old radiator.

So who's done what, and how much did it cost? I'm itching to drive my Jimmy more than around the block with what little water it does hold-the radiator is now the biggest thing holding me back.

Thanks

Erik

[Erik V]

OK, so I fell for the oldest trick in the book-post before search button.

So I'd still like to know specifically what Blazer/Jimmy peeps are doing in this situation.

But looks like on a pickup forum Oreilly and Autozone are likely candidates for a 4 core at ~$200. Have to modify the mounting areas of the shroud and top brackets tho.

Erik

[rsavage]

I haven't had to replace the Blazer radiator but I did replace the radiator in my 70 SWB 4X4 pickup (4 core as it has AC). Bought a brand new stock type copper brass radiator. It fit right and no modifications were necessary. I paid about $200 shipped to my house about two years ago. The guy sells on ebay as "completeradiators". It looks like he's a little higher now. If you need the stock look and fitment, a replacement stock type radiator is the answer. If a stock look doesn't matter than you can use an aluminum radiator, but I believe they take a little more work to fit (radiator hold downs = shroud). More than likely any of these radiators, including the copper/brass, are made overseas to be as cheap as they are.

[cparman]

I have a 4 row in my Blazer that I bought from a local supplier $200 or so. I did replace all of the mounts for the radiator with the wider mounts, they are available from any of the truck parts suppliers. My Blazer had a small radiator in it and the new radiator would not fit into the mounts and were worn out

[BIGBLU 72]

i have a spectra 4 core from Autozone and it works great!

[cleszkie]

I spent some cheddar ands went with an aluminum BeCool unit. Fit great and never goes over 190 with my electric fan setup. Needed the cooling power for long trips through the southern Cali desert and Mexico.

[BLUE THUNDER]

I bought an aluminum one from Ebay and I LOVE IT!!!!!! My temps hardly get out of the cold. Best $200.00 bucks i've spent so far. Oh, and btw, it went right in. I had to mod the rt mt brkt a little w/the cut-off wheel, but those are a dime a dozen.

[Erik V]

Sweet install! Who was your seller? Looks like a 3 core?

I have one more lead to chase down on a stocker, if its a bust-then I'm going to throw money at a new one.

"dime a dozen"? Dang, I spent $10 on a good pair of them (then found the stockers the next day on a shelf).

Erik

[SeventyOne]

Do you guys with aluminum rads run zinc anodes to prevent deterioration?

[BLUE THUNDER]

I'll ck. It's a Silla, and it is a 3 core. Let me look for the seller.

[Erik V]

I found lots on Evilbay in the 150-200 range for 2 core Aluminums. Probably going to order one up over the weekend.

Still need to get some other knick knacks for it before its road worthy anyways. Its been 14 years, I can wait another week.


Erik