Recored T3 Radiators

[jonnyb]

I've been told many times that the radiators with the plastic end tanks can not be repaired if the core goes on them. Well, I just found a small shop that actually has the machine to recore radiators with plastic end tanks. I gave him my worst radiator to try out last week. The deal was that if the end tanks crack when he takes it apart, he won't charge me anything, so I figured what the heck - might as well try it.

Well, I just got the radiator back and it's perfect! He used the original end tanks and top an bottom supports (he even was careful enough to keep the chrysler part number tag in tact) and made a custom core for it, and then he buttoned it all up with the machine for the crimped end tank pieces.

I have to say, it wasn't cheap, but if you are looking for a perfect original, this is the only way to go (unless Kelly finds another stash of T3 radiators somewhere...LOL).

Let me know if anyone has any interest and I can give you the info.

Jon

[turbovanman²]

That is good BUT the plastic end tanks do get brittle with age and on other vehicles, they are usually what fails, not the core.

[Directconnection]

I'm told it's the seals that go....

I still have my original VNT rads.... good to know.

[jonnyb]

I'm told it's the seals that go....

I still have my original VNT rads.... good to know.

Yup - that's what happened on mine. The seal let go and blew apart the metal crimping that holds the end tank on. The end tanks themselves were fine.

[Turbo3Iroc]

Way to go Jonny! The one I took out of my Spirit was leaking at the seal. I'd have rather had that one repaied than put a NOS one in the car. Damn.

[Ondonti]

Yup - that's what happened on mine. The seal let go and blew apart the metal crimping that holds the end tank on. The end tanks themselves were fine.

I accidentally a bought a radiator with a corroded crimped whatever it is. Looks like someone had bars leaked it
Never had a plastic failure.

Heck, its probably easier to find a bad core T3 to recore then find a good used one. Chances are it might last too

[Captain Chaos]

Glad to hear it worked out for you Jon.

["Top Fuel" Bender]

I bought the tool the to pull the end tanks off $40? (makes scrapping easier)
they have another $40 tool to put them back on too

[Turbo3Iroc]

Did they use new clamps Jon? My local rad shop told me that the clamps aren't available from Chrysler so that's why they won't touch them.

[jonnyb]

Yup - he was able to get new clamps and seals for the end tanks. So it has the original end tanks, core top, bottom and side bars, and a brand new core, seals and clamps.

[rx2mazda]

Did they use new clamps Jon? My local rad shop told me that the clamps aren't available from Chrysler so that's why they won't touch them.

I've ran into to many shops that specialize in "X" and still can't get you what you need. Then you go to another shop that specializes in "Y" and they are able to get it. Difference? Patience and concern! A lot of shops/shop owners just don't want to "waste" the time researching and calling and researching again for one job that will get them a few hundred dollars. What they don't realize is that we talk about it and in the long run they can make more money from the community. Imagine the hoops I had to jump through when my 1973 Mazda RX-2 radiator went bad. But, I was able to find one of those old, small shops that took the time and got me handled. END RANT

I'm glad it worked out for you, now we know of an option.

[MNmopar]

Would you mind putting the info up here in the thread, and can I ask you what it cost for the re-core?

[Black93RT]

Bump...!!


Johnny please post up details, like the shop location and contact info, the cost etc, etc

Thanks

[jonnyb]

I haven't been in this section in a while (been concentrating on my 86 GLHS). The cost was right around $450 including shipping. I can't remember the name of the place off the top of my head. I'm buried at work and don't really have any garage time scheduled this week, but I'm sure I'll be out there this weekend working on the GLHS again. I'll be sure to take a look at the box that he shipped the radiator back to me in - it has the company name and address on it and I'll post the info up here.

Jon