Are all Squarebird radiators created equal? If not, where can I get the best possible quality squarebird radiator no matter what the cost? Or would recoring be the better way to go?
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Copper transfers heat twice as fast as aluminum. Brass is better too. You can easily repair or re-core copper using common solder. Good luck with aluminum.
The real problem comes over time, regardless of metals used, when the cores close up with lime and other deposits because fresh, name-brand antifreeze wasn't used or it was left in the system long after the 'anti-corrosion' chemicals were used up. I'm referring to phosphoric acid. It is sold as CLR (Calcium Lime Rust) and other brands. Good antifreeze contains a mild solution in it.
BTW, phosphoric acid is in Coca-Cola and many other soft drinks. (We used to sit at the soda fountain and ask for a cherry phosphate... same thing.) It seems everyone around the world knows that Coke removes rust, but it's a mild solution that happily agrees with the hydrochloric acid your stomach produces.
The only advantage in using aluminum is in weight reduction. Modern radiators are made with plastic tanks and aluminum cores, pressed together with 'O' ring seals. Yeah, it's cheap and fast but it works as long as you keep your antifreeze up. New cars get around the short lifespan by using orange antifreeze (good for 100,000 miles). Never mix green with orange antifreeze.
So, copper radiators are a thing of the past. If you are lucky enough to have one, even if it leaks, repair and reuse it.Member, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, Michigan -
There are reproduction radiators available for these cars now, but I dont know what they are made of. I suppose a person could call one of the T-bird parts houses and ask.
I'm guessing these units are only made at one factory...Comment
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There must be hundreds of millions of radiators out there. With that, there must be hundreds of radiator manufacturers. I remember watching coils of brass blanked and stamped into radiator tanks at Ford. Then all of a sudden, they stopped.
Moline radiators and heat exchangers are among the very best. - DaveMember, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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I guess what I was thinking is that those new reproductions are probably only made by one shop, since the demand for these specific units has got to be pretty darn low now in the year 2013.
I have no facts to back that up; its just a logical "guess".
That being said, when I got my car in 2009, the lower neck had a small crack. I took it to an old-school radiator shop in Kenosha. They boiled it, brazed it, and repainted the whole thing for about 25 bucks. I was expecting to give them at least 100 for the repair. Maybe yours can be fixed as well; if you can find the right shop like I was able to stumble into.Comment
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I guess what I was thinking is that those new reproductions are probably only made by one shop, since the demand for these specific units has got to be pretty darn low now in the year 2013...
...That being said, when I got my car in 2009, the lower neck had a small crack...
Something like a radiator re-core will cost, but as you found out, they keep prices low for us. This only works if the car owner comes in. It's easy to see that this project is for HIS car. If a dealership, for example, wants a 'job' done it will be at full price.
Classic car license and registration in Michigan is $30 for TEN YEARS. That's three bucks per year. If you want to use 'period correct' plates, that costs a bit more. Michigan is (or was) the motor capital of the world. In appreciation and recognition of this, Michigan promotes classic car ownership at a very low cost.
The Woodward Dream Cruise happens once a year (the third weekend in Aug.) and over 1.5 million people attend. Oh, and it's free. Check THIS out. Hotels and motels are booked years in advance and they require guests to book the entire week. Guys coming with trailered cars from Florida, California, Canada, etc., need that week to set up and get ready. There's nothing like it anywhere, and Royal Oak is the very center.Member, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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The reason I asked is because Mac's, Bird House, and other vendors all sell brand new units but the prices vary. Mac's is considerably more, and that is either because it is a better unit or ... just considerably more.
I would recore if I knew the radiator in my car already is any good. Even that is questionable.Comment
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Beware of offshore units, cheap and low in quality. Beware of box stores and even specialty stores. They may be selling an inferior product. This is a huge problem in crash parts/auto body repair. Insurance carriers do not want to pay OEM prices.
To keep the radiator OEM, consider a quality re-core (with a quality conscious shop). Most aftermarket radiators are usually made to fit multi-vehicles and require modification(s) to fit your vehicle.
-MODINE RADIATORS-Comment
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Had the same issue when I replaced my engine last week. Radiator started leaking at the top hose connection. Must have bumped it a little too hard taking the hose off. Figured I would have to come up with a new one.
Asked around and wound up at an "old school" radiator shop in town. The fellow said he would be glad to try and fix it and boil it out. Gave me a quote of $75-$125 depending on how much time he had to spend on it repairing the leak.
When I went back the next day to pick it up he said he fixed the leak 99% but was afraid to heat it any hotter because it was melting "old repairs" on the other side of the hose connection. He told me he tested it and only saw one or two tubes that were not flowing so he didn't boil it out - said he thought the process would do more harm than good since the radiator was flowing good. Told me to put 1/4 of a small tube of Aluma-seal in it and don't worry about it.
Charge - $0. I did as he recommended and so far no leaks and running nice and cool.
He did mention that if it gave me any trouble that he could re-core it.
Good question on the radiators though Jordan. Just as info I'd like to know if anyone has purchased one and their input on quality and fit. Hopefully I'd never need it but would be nice to know which is the best.
EricComment
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automotive-related shops bend over backwards for guys with classic rides. Whether it's generators & starters or steering columns, or radiators, etc., they LOVE being a part of classic car restorations. It promotes their business because most of the classic car guys are in clubs or large groups. Word of mouth is huge and we have events that several clubs sponsor.Comment
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It's nice to live among others of profound character who share the same passion for classic cars and the men and women who restore them. - DaveMember, Sons of the American Revolution
CLICK HERE to see my custom hydraulic roller 390 FE build.
"We've got to pause and ask ourselves: How much clean air do we need?"
--Lee Iacocca
From: Royal Oak, MichiganComment
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I'm familiar with the ones sold by classic radiator. They are made in the USA and you have a choice of standard or high efficiency cooling. Their main business is radiators and they have good business practices. This radiator is a good choice if your mounting brackets are rusted out. It fits like the original, and the bracket design closely resembles the original. I provided original brackets for the development of this radiator.
I believe the one sold by Mac's is the same but they do not specify if it is High Efficiency or not. There has just been a price increase, so possibly the variation in prices you see reflects new/old pricing. Check before you order.
If you've got good brackets and tanks, a recore might be the way to go, but that is around 465. here in PA.
CarlComment
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I had mine recored about 6 months ago. Since I'm in Cali, the tanks and mounting brackets were all in good shape. I opted out of the high efficiency since it has an extra row of tubes, but they are smaller in size. There's only so much room when using the original tanks. Think the whole thing cost me $375 out the door. Price of copper is killing us. If you do go for a recore, mention it to the shop that when they solder the top mounting brackets back on the tanks, it is very important they get the right location and spacing. I had a little problem here and had to trim the top cover plate a bit to prevent any stresses on the radiator.
As for you guys making deals with these rebuilders, you must be nicer to them than I am. Haven't gotten any good offers yet for the old classic.Comment
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cool
[QUOTE i like (US) radiators 5/16" core but they are pricey . at 570.00 bucks
or so . for the money id get them to add heavy gauge
end tanks to it. since the tbird was not ribbed but a solid
design,. for me i'd want a 4 core , 5/16" tube, 23" x18"
core. with heavy tanks. i'd long since removed my
lower air porch behind the grill and put on a alum aloy air dam
that is on long brass piano hinge for the show . and drops at
speed . this forces a but load of air And just as important
leaks air into the engine bay to cool it tooComment
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