Radiator
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Windsor PA
Radiator
I just took out my radiator this morning with the help of my brothers and dad. Did they build the car around the radiator? Holy cow, what a tussle. Now should I get it repaired or buy a new one? It was pretty rough. Good thing we took it out though. The bolt holding the bushings to the a-arm had come loose and the a-arm was coming apart. Now I see how a small repair turns into a frame off. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,333
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
I'm pretty sure I've seen an old picture of the assembly line and the first things that go are the rad, upper dash pad, center gauge cluster and the parking brake console.
Everything else gets put onto those as it traveled along (don't believe what's written in the AIM, those were only printed to through off the spies from Ford into believing the cars were built differently)
Mooser
Everything else gets put onto those as it traveled along (don't believe what's written in the AIM, those were only printed to through off the spies from Ford into believing the cars were built differently)
Mooser
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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Don't try to fix an old radiator. It's not worth all the effort just to put in an old radiator. Do it right once. Dewitt's 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
Speaking from recent experience, Its best to replace. especially if yours is rough. I just tried to have my 76 repaired and it didnt work. Saving up myself right now to but a new one. I will not say what brand to buy, just buy a quality one. Especially because its a bear to install.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
I have the hood off and headlights out so I can paint it and knew it was good insurance to go ahead and pull the radiator and have it tested. Especially since it was covered in leaves and pine needles. Shop said it had too many leaks to repair and would have to be re-cored. It was a replacement radiator so that would be a waste of $$$. Ordered a new one from JC Whitney for $227.
Now I'm wondering if I should replace the heater core. Aaagh, I hate the "while I'm in here syndrome"!!!!
Now I'm wondering if I should replace the heater core. Aaagh, I hate the "while I'm in here syndrome"!!!!
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Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Red Deer Alberta
I pulled my Rad and had it repaired. I almost fainted when I got the bill. Now Ihave an old rad and I "could've" had a much more efficient new one for a less. 
Last edited by john roth; Jun 3, 2012 at 02:16 PM. Reason: reworded
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 279
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From: Virginia Beach VA
I'm in the wrong line of work.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 267
From: iowa city iowa
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YIKES! I had no idea it cost that much to repair one! If you are not worried about it being original, then I would definitely look into replacing it with something better and be done with it.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 417
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From: Red Deer Alberta
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
I paid this shop $80 to repair two holes and pressure test. I took it home put it back in and bang another hole. I did buy a jbweld kit, mixed up a wad of it and put it over the hole. Right now there are no leaks. But I am replacing it once I have enough money. Will hold off on my daily driving till then. I will be going aftermarket rad for $240.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Have your original radiator cleaned and recored if needed. Reinstall it. It's factory and it fits.
The car was not built around the radiator...BUT, the radiator was installed before body drop when it was much, much easier to reach everything.
The car was not built around the radiator...BUT, the radiator was installed before body drop when it was much, much easier to reach everything.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jun 4, 2012 at 10:37 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
I think it would be wiser to replace the radiator with a new unit. If the car has been regularly driven for the last 35 yrs it is unlikely that it still retains the original radiator it left the factory with. And if you have looked into the cost of recoring a radiator these days, how much money are you really saving?
I feel that the only time I would repair the original is if I was building my car to be ncrs judged. And if I knew it was an original equipment radiator.
If you are planning on building a high performance engine, you will want a radiator with higher efficiency anyway.
I'll be using a DeWitts myself. I installed 1 in my 92 and it is a well made unit that dropped in. I would expect no less for my 72. I know there are others on the market, but I like to support USA manufacturers when I can.
I feel that the only time I would repair the original is if I was building my car to be ncrs judged. And if I knew it was an original equipment radiator.
If you are planning on building a high performance engine, you will want a radiator with higher efficiency anyway.
I'll be using a DeWitts myself. I installed 1 in my 92 and it is a well made unit that dropped in. I would expect no less for my 72. I know there are others on the market, but I like to support USA manufacturers when I can.
