SirRobyn0
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2019
- Posts
- 6,755
- Reaction score
- 11,402
- Location
- In the woods in Western Washington
- First Name
- Rob
- Truck Year
- 1984
- Truck Model
- C20
- Engine Size
- 305
Ok so here's the deal. My truck still has it's copper / brass radiator. I've been watching it since I got the truck 3 years ago. Based on a visual inspection when changing to coolant I would describe the internal passages as moderately clogged, but not enough to have problems even towing the trailer in hot weather with the A/C running unless pulling a long hill. So I've known that I'd need to do something one of these days. Well the other day I checked the coolant to find that it had lost about 1/2 a gallon since I'd last checked it. Long story short it's seeping from the driver side core down low. It really is just a seep and no fluid has been seen dripping yet.
So there is only one radiator shop left anywhere near me and I've not used them. So I called and was quoted $550 - $650 to re-core it, $400 - $500 to repair it, certainly more than I can afford for a radiator. Even keeping in mind the high cost of living here.
I figured I'd slap a spectra aluminum / plastic parts store unit in and hang on to the old brass unit, with the thought that I'd do something with it later on, but every flavor of parts store radiator I can find is out of stock. Even though my truck has the 305 I do tow and haul so I'd like a 4 row or equivalent larger tube radiator, I'd settle for 3 though which is what's in there.
I'm not a real fan of anything other than the original style copper / brass radiators. I'm ok with the aluminum / plastic but only if it's a good brand, the only real attraction there is the sub $150 price tag. I don't like it, but I'd be willing to go all aluminum, trouble is I have no idea what brands are good or bad. I do not want to go to an electric fan.
There it is got any ideas. I guess I should do an online salvage yard search.
So there is only one radiator shop left anywhere near me and I've not used them. So I called and was quoted $550 - $650 to re-core it, $400 - $500 to repair it, certainly more than I can afford for a radiator. Even keeping in mind the high cost of living here.
I figured I'd slap a spectra aluminum / plastic parts store unit in and hang on to the old brass unit, with the thought that I'd do something with it later on, but every flavor of parts store radiator I can find is out of stock. Even though my truck has the 305 I do tow and haul so I'd like a 4 row or equivalent larger tube radiator, I'd settle for 3 though which is what's in there.
I'm not a real fan of anything other than the original style copper / brass radiators. I'm ok with the aluminum / plastic but only if it's a good brand, the only real attraction there is the sub $150 price tag. I don't like it, but I'd be willing to go all aluminum, trouble is I have no idea what brands are good or bad. I do not want to go to an electric fan.
There it is got any ideas. I guess I should do an online salvage yard search.
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