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By kevinwalshe - 15 Years Ago
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I got my radiator "rotted out" and right when the thermostat opened and pressurized it, she started peeing. Brought it back to the radiator shop and fix after fix, she kept popping holes because it is rotted from the inside out. Does anyone have a radiator to sell/where I can get one? I'm not into spending big bucks, and don't care if it is stock/aluminum/aftermarket or anything. I just want to get my car on the road. Any help is always appreciated.
Kevin Walshe
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By RodgerF - 15 Years Ago
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I don't have a spare radiator and replacements are expensive. Is it leaking from the tanks or core? Any radiator shop should be able to recore your radiator. I have to get mine done too. It's currently making a mess on the garage floor. 
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By kevinwalshe - 15 Years Ago
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They said that they could "recore" it by custom making the core since they are not available anymore. They want $400!!!! I am not paying that. I would love to keep my car original, but not that much. I am broke enough as it is. I just got it running and am itching to drive it! I found some on ebay ranging from $250-350. I just got a call from completeradiators.com and they are looking for something I could use. I will let you know how it goes and/or where I get one from. If any one else has suggestions I am all ears!
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By aussie-y - 15 Years Ago
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radiators are costly even in oz the cost of materials has gone up all over the world now .i got my 56 vicky radiator re-cord last month and it cost me $500 aust dollars.same as my 57 oz mainline ute got it re-cord last year about the same price .the old origanal cores were just worn out inside and now with both cars having new radiator cores in them they keep them running cool as a cucumber ???
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By 55Birdman - 15 Years Ago
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Go to a local salvage yard and see what you can find. There may be an older one lying around. Just try to find one that will fit size wise and adapt it to your situation till you are able to find the real thing. I have done ot many times in my life and it will get you by.
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By petew - 15 Years Ago
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I have one.. Nice radiator out of my 56. Drop me an email pjw101257@aol.com and I can tell you more about it. Pete Wolff
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By kevinwalshe - 15 Years Ago
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Birdman - I am going to head up to the junkyard if I can't come across anything. Any particular model in mind? I am pretty sure I could rig just about any radiator in it for a brief time, as long as the flow direction is the same and in/outlets are in the same relative position. I just emailed Pete as he said he's got one, so I hope everything works out!
Kev
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By mctim64 - 15 Years Ago
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kevinwalshe (4/28/2010)
Birdman - I am going to head up to the junkyard if I can't come across anything. Don't you mean "Auto Parts Recycler" Junkyard is such a nasty word in a PC world. 
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By 55Birdman - 15 Years Ago
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Tim, he was referring to all the "scrub" parts that are most likely there.
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By kevinwalshe - 15 Years Ago
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Haha! I say junkyard so the non-members don't go and pilfer all the treasures!!!
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By butchbov - 15 Years Ago
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These guys can fix you up, but it'll cost you some. http://classicfordradiator.com/copperradiatorsforfords.aspx I bought a new rad for my wifes 59 Edsel from them. Ordered it on a Monday & had it setting in the garage that Wednesday evening for about $425.00 a year ago. All copper & a direct bolt-in.
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By Jeff - 15 Years Ago
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i purchased a 4 row core radiator off Ebay for my '57, it is a part of US Radiator. The cost was a little over $300 which included shipping. The radiator shop wanted $400 to recore my old 3 row core. They also carry 3 row core radiators for under $300. Prompt service and a bolt in fit.
Jeff
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By kevinwalshe - 15 Years Ago
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Thanks again for the radiator! She works like a charm! Cheers Pete!
Best Regards,
Kev
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By ejstith - 15 Years Ago
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I got a brand new aluminum radiator made for my '56 from C, G&J Inc (Brice Thomas Radiator), 2776 Wills Creek Rd. Gadsden AL. 35904. Phone 256-546-4613. Eric Johns. Took my radiator up there for pattern (they should have kept the specs). Total radiator $320.00, shipping included. (Price of radiator was $275).
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By DANIEL TINDER - 15 Years Ago
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e.j.,
That's a good price. The T-Bird suppliers all ask $500. I'm considering one myself, as (aside from the weight saving) I like the larger tubes (less likely to clog) & the increased airflow compared to brass/copper 4 core models. My only concern is whether they might be more fragile, as the only major failure I ever experienced was with alum.
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By ejstith - 15 Years Ago
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Some today are made out of plastic so I would assume aluminum is stronger than plastic and there are a ton of them nowadays. The only issue I had was that there were no provisions to hold the overflow tube. I got 4 pop top rings from beer cans and jb welded the down the side and ran the hose down through them
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By Tom Compton - 15 Years Ago
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I popped a radiator twice before learning that the radiator cap should be 7# instead of 13#.
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By DANIEL TINDER - 15 Years Ago
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Tom,
Bras/copper radiators? T-Birds came with the higher pressure cap. Not sure why they needed more boil-over protection than pass. cars?
If aluminum IS more fragile, due to increased cooling over orig. 3-core, should then likely get away with running a 7# cap. and reduce stress.
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By Tom Compton - 15 Years Ago
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Yes, brass/copper - original radiator. Had not hear that 'Birds used higher pressure caps but we learn something every day or should.
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By GREENBIRD56 - 15 Years Ago
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I believe the radiator in the bird is physically smaller than the one in the same year sedan. That alone would change the amount of heat rejection. The birds also suffer from the one inch spacer under the water pump that leaves the pump impellor spinning in an open cavity. Changing the pressure cap from 6-7 pounds - going up to the 13 pounds on the bird probably raised the "boil over" point of the bird by 12°-14° (near 240°F).
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