I had my stock radiator rebuilt at a local radiator shop. Looks so much better and costs about the same.
Anyone buy from CLASSIC RADIATORS on eBay?
- Thread starter alex e
- Start date
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Remember if there is a problem, say a small leak, there will be no recourse unless the seller wishes to be
honorable. I love ebay but they will not side with the little guy against a 'Power Seller/ ebay store"
My nephew bought a "brand name" perfomance clutch for his WRX. When it arrived it was a cheap chinese imitation. He asked to return the product, they said they wouldn't take open box returns. He sent it back anyway, they signed for it but didn't return his money. He filed a claim with ebay/paypal, the store filed a complaint against him. Two days later he couldn't log into EBAY. He was banned
honorable. I love ebay but they will not side with the little guy against a 'Power Seller/ ebay store"
My nephew bought a "brand name" perfomance clutch for his WRX. When it arrived it was a cheap chinese imitation. He asked to return the product, they said they wouldn't take open box returns. He sent it back anyway, they signed for it but didn't return his money. He filed a claim with ebay/paypal, the store filed a complaint against him. Two days later he couldn't log into EBAY. He was banned
couple of quick pictures of what I got on ebay LOL
If I had a pin hole leak I would fix it with my TIG.
But I do agree with you, EBAY has a bunch of shady charactors on it. FOr $200 I was willing to take the risk for a decent alum radiator. I will keep my other 2 around and still may put them together later on, but for now Ill run this one.
If I had a pin hole leak I would fix it with my TIG.
But I do agree with you, EBAY has a bunch of shady charactors on it. FOr $200 I was willing to take the risk for a decent alum radiator. I will keep my other 2 around and still may put them together later on, but for now Ill run this one.
- Thread starter
- #24
Sounds like the ticket. Quality welds appear to be evident.......
Like I said, not the best TIG work I have ever seen, could be a bit more even but look stonrg enough.
Its decent enough for the cash.
Aluminum does corrode
It could be critical that proper coolant is used with aluminum cooling systems. Aluminum components can corrode quickly when using standard coolant. The newer aluminum systems use an OAT (acid-based) fluid that creates a mils-thick protective film that coats the metal, which is why it's $30 a gallon. The standard coolant we all know does not create that film, as it is glycol-based, so bear that fact in mind when shopping for a radiator. I bought a replacement radiator, brass & copper, from a local supplier about 5 years ago, about $220, & no problems to date. I bought a radiator on-line for my mini-truck, supposedly Japanese, & it turned out to be Chinese-built s*** that I could've bought locally for half the price. I had a hell of a time getting them to refund my money. In the long term, it is always more economical to buy locally or from reputable, known suppliers, like the vendors mentioned on this board.
It could be critical that proper coolant is used with aluminum cooling systems. Aluminum components can corrode quickly when using standard coolant. The newer aluminum systems use an OAT (acid-based) fluid that creates a mils-thick protective film that coats the metal, which is why it's $30 a gallon. The standard coolant we all know does not create that film, as it is glycol-based, so bear that fact in mind when shopping for a radiator. I bought a replacement radiator, brass & copper, from a local supplier about 5 years ago, about $220, & no problems to date. I bought a radiator on-line for my mini-truck, supposedly Japanese, & it turned out to be Chinese-built s*** that I could've bought locally for half the price. I had a hell of a time getting them to refund my money. In the long term, it is always more economical to buy locally or from reputable, known suppliers, like the vendors mentioned on this board.
dgangle
total rice
Not to get off topic here, BUT.....
Please elaborate more on this. I have never heard this before. $30/gallon???? What brand are you referencing? What is 'proper coolant'?
Printed right on the bottle of the old-familiar Prestone (which is glycol-based) it states it is safe for all systems including aluminum.
From: Prestone :: Products : Antifreeze/Coolant
"Prestone® Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is compatible with ANY antifreeze/ coolant – regardless of color – for use in ALL makes and models of cars and light duty trucks. This patented formula provides a high degree of performance durability and carefully balanced protection against temperature extremes and rust corrosion of all cooling system metals, including aluminum.
Back to the topic, that rad looks like it may be sufficient for some. For $200 is is prolly a junk Chinese knock-off. I'd be very interested to see someone's experience with it both short and long term. Remember that (with a SBC conversion) while it will fit the LC cradle, one will have to either relocate the whole assembly to lower and center it on the SBC & build their own custom shround or go the Taurus/electric fan route. It's not going to be a simple bolt-in and go. Some assembly required as they say.
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Is that right?
I have installed the MAF aluminum radiator in three 40 series now and it seems to work just fine....
I hope your cheaper aluminum radiators work out for you folks.
- Thread starter
- #29
Steve! You are stomping on my buzz................
Just telling it like it is and being honest brother...
I really do hope that you guys have no problems with these radiators. I have paid for the same college credit in the school of life multiple times and know how it feels....
- Thread starter
- #31
Ok Steve what do you think it takes to keep a 350TBI cool in TX? Drop in MAF or something bigger?
35snmud
SILVER Star
I just installed the MAF kit, shroud & all. Bought a 19 5/16 dia flex fan too go with it. Been running it for 2 weeks now up some pretty good inclines in 90 to 100* heat. The carb'd 350 plugs right along at 190*. It will climb to 200 every once in a while but goes right back down. Life is good. Especially since I can't fit the taurus fan & new Delta current controller I bought.
Ken
RufusTheDufus
SILVER Star
So how's the radiator doing in your truck?
35snmud
SILVER Star
It's been absolutely perfect!! I haven't had any issues at all. The radiator setup was pretty expensive, killer setup though. Could have done it cheaper but at the time I didn't have any way to fab the mounts. The only thing you have to watch out for is tightening the frame up when installing. Hopefully they have corrected the problem after I contacted them about it. You can actually put too much squeeze on the radiator & distort it. I posted some pic's of it on here somewhere.
It doesn't have a drain on the radiator either which kind of makes a mess when you have to take the bottom hose off to drain it.
Very pleased with the setup though. In fact I'm convinced that I can sell the taurus fan & controller I bought.
Ken
I put a Classic Radiator in my cruiser and running now for about a month with no problems. It doesn't get that cold now here during the day but it runs really cool. I just need to install the temp sensor for Dakota Digital and the fan should kick in when needed.
- Thread starter
- #36
I went MAF aluminum ans using a one piece shroud and electric fan. I have a mech fan on the engine now though but no shroud.
dgangle
total rice
350-78, How's that radiator working out?
It's been great. No problems keeping it nice a cool on the hot streets of Phoenix. It stays right at the first hash mark, but I still haven't installed the correct temp sensor yet so right now I've got the fan running as soon as I turn on the key. It's going to be 108 this weekend so I'll give it a good test.
