I am planning to buy a new radiator for my '72. Have looked at lots of radiator sites and made lots of phone calls. Comming up with a wide range of prices from $260 for a 4 row to $175 for a 3 row. Any advice as to a reputable dealer? Any "best" radiator for street use? Do not need an aluminum unit.

Have you priced having a local radiator shop do a re-core on your current radiator? They can put in a 3 or 4 row (as you desire), and may be cheaper than buying new.

That is what I had done. I liked the idea of a local warranty on the work and was very satisfied with the quality of workmanship that I received at my local shop.

I wish I had a good radiator shop here. Charged too much money for a job not well done. Bought an MSA three row a few years ago. No complaints considering what I'd been through. In my experience if you tell the shop around here what you're driving they do a crappy job. If you just tell them to fix it then usually its ok. Paint came off my local repair the first time the radiator got to full temp and the top tank leaked worse than when I took it in. Oh well, live and learn.

Much luck,

Chris

I priced a recore to 3 row at a reputable shop in Portland and it came to the same price as a new heavy duty 4 row from MSA. To go to a 4 row, and if it needed a larger tank, a 4 row recore would be $100 more. Not much of a choice here. But what about some of the $200 radiators from other places. I know that you get what you pay for!

I am not sure if my current radiator is original or not. Is there any way to tell?

Originally posted by ZwolleY

But what about some of the $200 radiators from other places. I know that you get what you pay for!

Nuff said.

I was/am afraid to place a $200 gamble. I found someone I trusted, and knew (from reccomendations of local repair shops and friends) would stand behind the product if needed. Also I knew they had been at the same location for 20 years. They weren'y going anywhere.