radiator, fix or replace - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mehoff400 · 11-26-2023, 02:44 PM

Dually i bought with a 454 has a radiator leak in it.

best option to get the stock one fixed or just replace with a new one?

unsure if the quality is the same with new one from rock auto.

chrismoore701 · 11-27-2023, 08:20 AM

I like the stock look on mine, it fell into my fan and I had it fixed. Question is, can you find a good repair shop?

**old Rusty C10** · 11-27-2023, 04:07 PM

every time i try to save a few dollars and but a replacement radiator which is aluminum and plastic, i soon regret it as they start to leak by the tank. Its worth the extra money to recore an old radiator as opposed to buying the junk they pass of as new and improved

**Ironhorse** · 11-27-2023, 04:22 PM

Agree with member old Rusty C10. I had the original 4 row radiator repaired in my '71 4x4 and the original 4 row radiator re-cored for my '71 Chevelle. Truck repair was only $50 and done 15 plus years ago. The re-core on the Chevelle was just under $500 but very satisfied. No experience with the newer offered all aluminum tanks at all but my son only got two years in the aluminum/plastic tank radiator for his '96 Z71 before it started leaking at the plastic weld section.

Good thing to generally consider is: "Cheap isn't good and Good isn't cheap"
Good luck in your decision. Will add it is getting harder and harder to find a GOOD radiator repair shop.

Dead Parrot · 11-27-2023, 05:10 PM

The fix option depends on why the existing one is leaking. If due to road hazard like a rock, repair may work. If due to age and internal rot, fixing the leak may just delay the inevitable for a few months.

If it is leaking around one of the hose connectors, may be a simple clean, flux and solder job.

11-26-2023, 02:44 PM	#1
mehoff400 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Puyallup WA Posts: 365	radiator, fix or replace Dually i bought with a 454 has a radiator leak in it. best option to get the stock one fixed or just replace with a new one? unsure if the quality is the same with new one from rock auto. __________________ 66 c10 patina 250 T-5 My truck

11-27-2023, 08:20 AM	#2
chrismoore701 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Highland, IN Posts: 2,326	Re: radiator, fix or replace I like the stock look on mine, it fell into my fan and I had it fixed. Question is, can you find a good repair shop? __________________ Chris _______________________________ 1979 Chevy Stepside SPORT 2018 Chevy Silverado, 39 years apart My build 2008-2016. http://m.imgur.com/a/bURrE

11-27-2023, 04:07 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: radiator, fix or replace every time i try to save a few dollars and but a replacement radiator which is aluminum and plastic, i soon regret it as they start to leak by the tank. Its worth the extra money to recore an old radiator as opposed to buying the junk they pass of as new and improved __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-27-2023, 04:22 PM	#4
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,294	Re: radiator, fix or replace Agree with member old Rusty C10. I had the original 4 row radiator repaired in my '71 4x4 and the original 4 row radiator re-cored for my '71 Chevelle. Truck repair was only $50 and done 15 plus years ago. The re-core on the Chevelle was just under $500 but very satisfied. No experience with the newer offered all aluminum tanks at all but my son only got two years in the aluminum/plastic tank radiator for his '96 Z71 before it started leaking at the plastic weld section. Good thing to generally consider is: "Cheap isn't good and Good isn't cheap" Good luck in your decision. Will add it is getting harder and harder to find a GOOD radiator repair shop. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

11-27-2023, 05:10 PM	#5
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,611	Re: radiator, fix or replace The fix option depends on why the existing one is leaking. If due to road hazard like a rock, repair may work. If due to age and internal rot, fixing the leak may just delay the inevitable for a few months. If it is leaking around one of the hose connectors, may be a simple clean, flux and solder job.



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