Radiator Recoring Prices?!

patrick · Post by **patrick** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 1:56 am

Okay, I finally found a used but correct radiator for my '73 (to replace the random POS that was on it in which the previous idiot--I mean owner--drilled new frame holes), AND finally found the correct fan shroud that will fit it since the previous had no fan shroud, purchased correctly shaped hoses from partsamerica.com, installed a new Mopar clutch fan to get rid of lame ghetto fixed-blade steel fan, etc. So far, the world is a beautiful place.

Now I call to get the correct radiator recored since it leaks, but when I called a few places, I was quoted anywhere from $400 to $800!

And this is just for a three-row. For that price, I can just buy an aluminum radiator. Anyone know the cheapest (but decent quality) radiator that will fit my '73 RR? Also, can I technically still use my Mopar clutch fan since I JUST bought it and installed it, or should I really go with electric and shelf the clutch fan? I hate to see brand new parts go to waste...

P.S. I don't necessarily care about keeping anything in the engine compartment factory correct (I'm not going to a car show or anything), but I usually do just because it's easier to get parts to match up.

CtownRunner · Post by **CtownRunner** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:00 am

Look at rockauto.com
They have a Proliance HD cooling radiator for $241. It suppose to be for a 400ci motor. They have 2 you'll have to get details for yours.

landon1 · Post by **landon1** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:04 pm

yep rock auto would have one, jcw even sells replacement radiators - not chrysler parts, but would look right and fit in well - i went with aluminum NASCAR-style radiator - frickin pos - it does it's job, but it's a pain because the lower radiator hose is designed for a chevy, not a ford or mopar, so it puts extra bends in it...plus you have to make brackets unless you get a direct-fit one (pricey)...

patrick · Post by **patrick** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 3:02 am

Thanks for the info guys! Really cheap (err, inexpensive) radiators. I don't know if I should bother with an aluminum one just yet since I can spend my bucks on other things, especially if fitment is a pain.

One final question, know if either the Proliance or JCWhitney (Spectra Performance) radiators will accept the factory fan shroud?

(RockAuto has the Proliance for $260 shipped and JCWhitney has the Spectra for $190 shipped!)

72RoadRunnerGTX · Post by **72RoadRunnerGTX** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 3:33 am

I think you may want to look around a little more, I donâ€™t think I paid more than $300 to have my core replaced. I found a smaller one man shop here locally that has been in the radiator business for many years. He recognized what it was at first glance and did a beautiful job on the re-core.

patrick · Post by **patrick** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:59 am

72RoadRunnerGTX wrote:I think you may want to look around a little more, I donâ€™t think I paid more than $300 to have my core replaced. I found a smaller one man shop here locally that has been in the radiator business for many years. He recognized what it was at first glance and did a beautiful job on the re-core.

Maybe I'm not looking at it through modern eyes: When I had my '69 Satellite's radiator recored, it was $100! Of course, that was 10 years ago!

But still, for the hypothetical $300, shouldn't I get myself a nice aluminum piece that cools better and saves some weight, or is my thinking off?

What I do like about my current radiator is that it fits my car perfectly. It's from a '73 RR that had a 400 and an automatic, and my car is a '73 RR with a (not stock) 440 and 4-speed. It mounts perfectly, and the shroud mates to the radiator perfectly. I don't care about numbers matching, but the fit is great!

With the aluminum, there's the issue with mounting to the vehicle and fan shroud mounting, and even the hidden cost of having to buy a "universal" fan shroud.

patrick · Post by **patrick** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 2:16 pm

Okay, status update: JC Whitney prevailed. There's a current promotional code for free shipping on orders over $75, plus no tax, so I allegedly have a correct fitting radiator shipped to my house for a total charge of $167.98.

I'll keep you guys posted on fit and finish. Hopefully the stock fan shroud mounts up.

Now what to do with my old radiators laying around? I heard the price of copper/brass is up?

rav440 · Post by **rav440** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 7:38 pm

patrick wrote: Now what to do with my old radiators laying around? I heard the price of copper/brass is up?

what is the part # for the 400 bb rad ? if it is correct for my runner and you want to sell it let me know .

thanks

patrick · Post by **patrick** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 1:48 am

It has casting # 3673947 which (according to some googling) translates to:

1973 B-Body 28" radiator for a 400/440 auto with A/C

It's presently on E-bay right now, but I'd rather sell it to a Road Runner Nest user that's going to put it in his/her Road Runner (*OR* Satellite, GTX, etc.)

Anyway, the E-bay item # (for pictures or whatever) is: 110269467890