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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: Blazin on November 10, 2010, 07:49:23 pm

Title: Radiator
Post by: Blazin on November 10, 2010, 07:49:23 pm
Been looking to buy a 3 core radiator for my 86 K 2500. Can't seem to find any brass copper radiators. Everyone I have called has plastic / aluminum ones only. Any one have any places that I could call?
Title: Re: Radiator
Post by: topp on November 10, 2010, 07:56:27 pm
Considering Aluminum is an amazing heat conductor, why would you want copper?
Title: Re: Radiator
Post by: Blazin on November 10, 2010, 08:10:11 pm
The plastic tank to the aluminum core doesn't seem to hold up well in a plow truck. The constant lurching when you push up into a bank, and the vibrations seem to make them fail prematurely. Plus the biggest one I can find is a two row core. I want something with three or four rows of tubes.
Title: Re: Radiator
Post by: Psycho71 on November 10, 2010, 08:14:58 pm
Check out flea bay. They have several people selling the all welded all aluminum radiators for good prices. I bought one last year for my '71 and have been very happy with it. My old stopped up 4 core copper/brass wouldn't handle the Tx heat, but the new 2 row aluminum does a great job. It is just a 2row, but the tubes are larger than in copper cored rad's. and the added conductivity of the aluminum helps too.

Food for thought.
Title: Re: Radiator
Post by: Blazin on November 10, 2010, 08:26:16 pm
I will probably just go with the aluminum one I had delivered under the pretense it was brass. If it fails I will take it back the store and have a bad spell!! lol
Title: Re: Radiator
Post by: Captkaos on November 10, 2010, 08:39:14 pm
Have you checked on a replacement radiator for a diesel?
Title: Re: Radiator
Post by: VileZambonie on November 10, 2010, 08:47:58 pm
The nice thing about copper is you can easily repair it but forget it with aluminum. I agree about the aluminum/plastic tanks not having the elasticity BUT most of the new radiators have a lifetime warranty so if they pop you just get a new one.
Title: Re: Radiator
Post by: Blazin on November 10, 2010, 08:56:14 pm
The diesel radiator would require the mounts, a different fan shroud etc. All stuff I don't really want to deal with at this time. I have a diesel parts truck I could rob it all out of, but time is getting tight for snow etc. Have been surfing the web looking and they are hard to come by. I can get mine recored for $320. I might do that? Was kinda hoping I would have it road worthy by this weekend is all!