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Old 05-14-2015, 10:16 AM   #1
lameyer
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Default Aftermarket Radiator

I have been looking to replace the radiator in my 47 I came across some that are made of aluminum and the top hose connections are bigger than the bottom. Is there a reason for this?
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Old 05-14-2015, 10:26 AM   #2
deuce_roadster
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

Sounds like a "blem" radiator or one made for another specific application. When I ordered the Griffin aluminum radiator for my avatar roadster I was able to specify the sizes of all the hose connections.
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Old 05-14-2015, 11:51 PM   #3
fordor41
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

I've heard of some people having cracking problems with alum radiators, especially ones bought on the cheap. stick with a name brand
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Old 05-15-2015, 01:58 AM   #4
deucemac
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

I had a Griffin on my roadster and it started leaking like a soaker hose. Had 1600 miles on it but just out of warranty. Called them and they said, send it back at your expense. I did and they could not solve the leak but would give me a deal for $80 more than I paid for it and I had to cover shipping. I got a Brassworks unit and 10k miles later is working great and cooler than the Griffin. Can you guess which one I would buy again?
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Old 05-15-2015, 02:17 AM   #5
Marvin/TN
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

The only reason OEM uses Aluminum Radiators is for weight savings no cooling advanage. Copper/Brass radiators cool as well and are easier to repair if ever necessary.
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Old 05-15-2015, 07:58 AM   #6
FortyNiner
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marvin/TN View Post
The only reason OEM uses Aluminum Radiators is for weight savings no cooling advanage. Copper/Brass radiators cool as well and are easier to repair if ever necessary.
Cost and weigh savings. Copper is about $3 pound and aluminum is about a dollar.
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Old 05-15-2015, 08:57 AM   #7
Ralph Moore
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

Walker is top quality! Well worth it.
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Old 05-15-2015, 09:08 AM   #8
wga
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

U.S. Radiator, made in Vernon (Los Angeles) Ca. Either brass or aluminum, excellent quality, fit, etc. If you go aluminum, ,word, is do not paint the fins, just the tanks and mounting frame. I've been to their factory and their equipment is in good condition, cleaworking areas, etc. No need to go with a high efficiency core.
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Old 05-15-2015, 09:21 AM   #9
FRANK PKNY
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

By all means go with Walker there the best people to work with and their products are superior to all others. I have been using them for years. I ordered a radiator for my 39 PU and forgot to tell them that I had a 59A engine in it. The 59a uses a slightly different position on the outlets . When I went to install it I realized that. After talking to them they said return it and they would replace it with the correct one. They did so promptly and did not even charge me for the shipping back to me. Can't beat that kind of professional service. Frank
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Old 05-15-2015, 09:30 AM   #10
Vic Piano
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

Is there any particular reason why you don't have the OEM radiator repaired?
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Old 05-15-2015, 09:39 AM   #11
JSeery
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

If you need a new one I like Brass Works.
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Old 05-15-2015, 09:57 AM   #12
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

Guess I got lucky. My Griffin is 15 years old and has many thousands of miles on it with no problems.
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Old 05-15-2015, 09:58 AM   #13
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Default Re: Aftermarket Radiator

As already mentioned by several contributors, the Walker is probably the best "bang-for-the-buck radiator choice. However, they are not EXACTLY stock appearing.
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