Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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Joined: Apr 2020
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Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
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I have a 1940 Special Deluxe Sports Sedan with a Copper Radiator with mulitple leaks in the core. So do you guys & gals replace with a Copper radiatior or do you go with the new Aluminum ones ? how about corrosion ? Thanks Bkayak

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If the tanks are good I usually have a new copper/brass core installed with the original tanks.

Dave

Last edited by Dave39MD; 05/06/20 11:16 AM.
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A good radiator shop can fix the leaks by getting to them, cleaning and soldering. Sometimes a flue may need eliminating by cutting and soldering up the flue at the cut or at the top and bottom where they enter the top tank and the bottom tank. Most radiators will continue to provide sufficient cooling with several flues eliminated. The more (above about five) you eliminate the more you lose cooling efficiency. Back in the old days up to about a quarter of the flues could be eliminated(after boiling and rodding) and the radiator function well within reason.

After the radiator has been cleaned and pin holes are detected under pressure then rather than re-core some Solder Seal was used to good experience.

If there are a lot of bigger holes and the radiator man keeps having to chase them and solder or eliminate too many then it is time for a re-core job.

All the above in considered only after the radiator has been boiled and rodded. A dirty radiator is difficult to solder, even with cleaning acid, and the Solder Seal will not work very well.

Best,

Charlie computer

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I prefer copper/brass radiators mainly because of Charlies comment, they are relatively easy to repair any stone damage. Aluminium is not so easy to repair.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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I need a replacement radiator for my 1937 Chevy coupe. Where can I find one? All i find online are aluminum or with incredibly expensive. Please help with any ideas.

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I am in Australia but my local radiator shop had a listing for my truck and was able to get a reproduction. While the new core fitted into the original side straps the crank handle can no longer be used as the lower tank is too low. I am not worried about this though.
Tony


1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Charlie had a NOS 1937 radiator. Not sure if he sold it. Seach for "41specialdeluxe" and send him a message.


1938 Canadian Pontiac Business Coupe (aka a 1938 Chevy Coupe with Pontiac shaped front sheet metal - almost all Chevy!)
1975 4-speed L82 Vette

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