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Radiator suggestions

Radiator suggestions

hdgapeach

Old Time Jeeper
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Location
Franklin, GA
Vehicle(s)
Right now, only one '76 CJ5. 304 with a three speed stick. Everything else is pretty much stock 'cept for a 4" suspension lift. Came to me with a back breakin' 4" suspension lift attached to a reverse shackle setup (Reversed the reverse shackle :dung: and now she rides like a Caddy!) Also posess a few 60s & 70s Mustangs and a couple of late 70's F150s 4X4s.
Attempted to search the forums for possible answers but the search tab ain't workin'. BUT, I am getting responses to threads on my email!! Thanks a bunch for that, guys.

Anywho, my radiator has crapped out on me. Noticed it the other day when I was stabbin' a new distributor in the hole. Hasn't left a drop on the shop floor yet, but I noticed the wetness on the right side, top, engine side of the core, right under the top tank.

There is nobody within 40 miles of where I live that even fools with radiators and the one at the 40 mile mark ain't worth a flip at fixin' radiator leaks. A new one would be cheaper than using the one guy I know of after I have to return it a couple of times for "new" leaks. I figured I'd just order a new (maybe all welded aluminum) tank online and have it sent to the house, but GOOD LORD! There must be a zillion online offerings with about as wide of a price range as you could imagine. Just guessing the $125 aluminum ones are made in China and wouldn't last the 40 years the original one did.

Gimmie some of y'alls suggestions, please. My CJ5 is a '76 with a AMC 304 in it. Original everything under the hood, except for the DS II with TFI conversion and Jimbos headlight relay harness kit he used to make (God I love that harness!!!!).

Thanks in advance for all replies & suggestions :notworthy:.
 
For starters, I would have to suggest a brass before aluminum as they do have to get cleaned out more.
 
For starters, I would have to suggest a brass before aluminum as they do have to get cleaned out more.

Great point! Hadn't thought about that fact. So, now I'm aiming toward a stock type replacement (3 core). Got any brand name suggestions? I keep seeing the dreaded "Omix" name that I (and others) hate. Don't know if I should trust 'em or not.
 
I picked mine up on ebay. It's aluminum and seems to be well made. Fit was perfect. Not sure why it would ever wear out. It was under $200. If it lasts as long as the original I'll be almost 90 and probably won't care..... [emoji12]

Aluminum cost less to buy, lasts longer than brass/copper and cools the same or better.


Wooly
 
AND-Use distilled water with your AF mix-NEVER use 'tap' water.
Not hard to learn how to resolder one. :chug:
99% of the 'brass' rad's sold today are thin junk from china----
I would still pick brass over alum.
LG
 
Got mine from AutoZone with the last forever Warrantee or is that Guarantee? I've don't the same for years on every vehicle I've owned. This last radiator did have a pin hole in it, but the replacement was free and a CJ radiator is easy to install. Yes, I know the radiators are cheap China :dung:, but my cheap china :dung: fit perfectly has lasted nicely.
 
:agree:
Auto Zone is very easy with warranty claims to deal with too.
OP-Are you running a shroud on your radiator? You should.....
LG
 
I picked mine up on ebay. It's aluminum and seems to be well made. Fit was perfect. Not sure why it would ever wear out. It was under $200. If it lasts as long as the original I'll be almost 90 and probably won't care..... [emoji12]

Aluminum cost less to buy, lasts longer than brass/copper and cools the same or better.


Wooly

Ebay was the first place I look over, and the first place I got a little overwhelmed. Never would've thought there'd be so many choices with such a great price range. I've installed the all aluminum in custom built hot rods before and never had any issues. Main concern was the "Chinese" factor that raises its ugly head every now and then.

Reckin' I got some ponderin' to do :D.
 
AND-Use distilled water with your AF mix-NEVER use 'tap' water.
Not hard to learn how to resolder one. :chug:
99% of the 'brass' rad's sold today are thin junk from china----
I would still pick brass over alum.
LG

Thanks for the reminder, Lumpy. Got to get a few gallons.

I've re-soldered radiators in the past that had pin holes in the middle of the core passages - no problem. My thoughts are that if I reuse the original, I might as well have it rodded out good, pressure checked, and holes soldered. I can perform all of it 'cept the rodding part. Don't have the set up to do that like it ought to be done. Ain't no body within reasonable driving distance that can get it done with my confidence that I won't have to make at least one return trip to re-re-fix new leaks.

I intend to butter up the leak enough to get me by until a replacement arrives. I just want to have the original done professionally and keep it for "just such an occassion".
 
Got mine from AutoZone with the last forever Warrantee or is that Guarantee? I've don't the same for years on every vehicle I've owned. This last radiator did have a pin hole in it, but the replacement was free and a CJ radiator is easy to install. Yes, I know the radiators are cheap China :dung:, but my cheap china :dung: fit perfectly has lasted nicely.

I appreciate the info, HG. I'll check the AZ site this evening and look at their options. They're convenient since I pass one on the way to work everyday.
 
:agree:
Auto Zone is very easy with warranty claims to deal with too.
OP-Are you running a shroud on your radiator? You should.....
LG

You'er right about the ease of warranty claims! Don't mind taking something back to AZ 'cause I can usually do it on the way to the ATL on the State's dime :D.

No shroud.......yet. It'll have one before summer gets here. I've always wondered where all the shrouds end up. I see more CJs without 'em than with 'em.
 
I use flattened out coat hanger wire for 'rod-out' work.
Give it a try--
LG
 
I use flattened out coat hanger wire for 'rod-out' work.
Give it a try--
LG

Might just have to give it a shot. I'll let you know how it comes out.
 
Good luck :chug:
LG
 
I picked mine up on ebay. It's aluminum and seems to be well made. Fit was perfect. Not sure why it would ever wear out. It was under $200. If it lasts as long as the original I'll be almost 90 and probably won't care..... [emoji12]

Aluminum cost less to buy, lasts longer than brass/copper and cools the same or better.


Wooly
Old thread but, I just bought an aluminum Champion for under $200.00, well built and fit great.
 
replaced the radiator in my wrangler a couple years back.Bought a aluminum from Radiator Express. They upgraded to largest size that would fit with no alterations.Very good service,packaging,fit,finish were all outstanding. This was under $200. Won't get into the brass/copper/aluminum/whatever deal what I can say is that with a/c on in 100 deg weather no problem. mike
 
:eek: I bought a griffin I wanted American made and big as possible and wanted it to look similar to the original (top flow vs side flow) what great packaging, bolted right in and great craftsmanship, cant wait to get on the road to test it out real good :chug:
 

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