Radiator Repair

[Terry M.]

So, when I was a kid in the sixties, there were radiator repair shops everywhere. The small town I lived by (Population 3,200) had two or three and it was no problem to have your radiator serviced in a day or two. Now, (in our throw away society) they are all gone. Some reasons could be environmental and others simply that there are less do it yourself car enthusiasts and probably a half dozen more reasons. Anyway, my question to forum users is: Are there any radiator shops still out there that can service '60s era radiators? Would prefer Midwest as I live in Iowa but, if the radiator must be shipped, a further distance is ok. Looking forward to any input. Thank you.

Terry

[Mark F.]

Terry,

What is wrong with your radiator ?
leaking tubes ?
leaking fill or hose necks ?
damaged tanks ?

[Keith M.]

Joe's Radiator in Ohio did a recore of my L46 radiator 3 or so years ago. Old school shop. Son was to be taking over so they should still be around.

[Duke W.]

Most sixties-seventies vintage radiators were soldered copper/brass construction, and most were reparable.

The furnace brazed aluminum radiators used on some Corvettes of that era were very rare back then. They were not reparable then and AFAIK they are not reparable now.

So the first think you need to state is what kind of radiator are you dealing with and what are the issues.

Duke

[Mike M.]

there is an old fashioned radiator repair shop about 40 miles from me. u will pass near it of u are going to carlisle. if u want their info, let me know and I;ll look it up. they recored several radiators and heater cores for me and very satisfied. he even did a core swap on our since departed 1956 GM 4104 greyhound bus. regards Terry, mike

[Harry S.]

there is an old fashioned radiator repair shop about 40 miles from me. u will pass near it of u are going to carlisle. if u want their info, let me know and I;ll look it up. they recored several radiators and heater cores for me and very satisfied. he even did a core swap on our since departed 1956 GM 4104 greyhound bus. regards Terry, mike

Mike, please post or PM the info. on the shop. I've got a 63 heater core than needs replacing.

Thanks

[Frederick H.]

Mike, can you send me the info on the raiator repair shop as well?

Thanks,
Fred

[Mike M.]

Clarks radiator shop,1829 Raystown rd, Everett, pa 15537. owner is dahrl clark. a Mopar drag racer. his phone # is 1 814 652 5153. mike

[Terry M.]

Thanks, everyone for the replies. I knew I could count on my Corvette brethren for great input. So, the radiator in question is the original in my 58,000 mile Dodge A100 pickup. It has a small leak where the core meets the tank. Who knows, it may need to be rodded out. Funny thing…Mike referred to his guy as a Mopar drag racer. I also got a text from Tim Schuetz about a shop near him…Mopar radiator specialist. I think I’m set. Thanks again to all. BTW…the radiator in my ‘65 Corvette is just fine😋

[Frederick H.]

Thanks Mike.

[Don H.]

Terry, We still have a good shop in Burlington, IA. Don H.

[David H.]

... as I live in Iowa ...

Terry

We've a local shop here in Wichita that does good work and has been here forever.

But, contact Brad Hillhouse Region VI Representitive ("Help" above Contacts List). Expect he has sources in Lincoln and or can put you in touch with folks in Iowa.

Dave

[Mark E.]

Given its age, if it has tanks attached to a core, a new core using original tanks will look original and cool like new.

[Mike E.]

Given its age, if it has tanks attached to a core, a new core using original tanks will look original and cool like new.

I agree. But make sure you specify that they use your original upper and lower plates between the two tanks. Otherwise you lose their accurate configuration and originality.

[Frederick H.]

I'm wondering if the expense to ship out of state and the repair my aluminum radiator (including retaining the original tanks/plates) will appraoch the cost to get a DeWitt's repro with the correct clamping marks, etc. Two different local shops have said it was unrepairable. Will give the guy in PA a call anyway I guess.
Fred