radiator problem

pete3323 · Post by **pete3323** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 10:31 pm

So when i bought my car the previous owner had bypassed the heater core. I recently had a new one installed. Now my radiator is leaking on both sides. I believe it is the original Ford radiator. My question is, would it be worth repairing or should i get a reproduction? I am not planning any high HP mods so I don't need or want a hipo one. Thanks.

RollTide93 · Post by **RollTide93** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 10:36 pm

From my experiences a radiator is like a TV, it's easier to just get a new one. They are not that pricey and a shop needs to make money so it could get pricey. IMO.

WillyB93 · Post by **WillyB93** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:48 am

If you are going to get a new one you local part store probably only carry an aluminum 2 core plastic sides replacement. It may be worth while to look into repairing the existing, or make sure you get an exact replacement, or lean toward the aftermarket ones.

k98dave · Post by **k98dave** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:56 am

Pete3323
You might check with NPD (national parts depot) they may have OEM radiators

pete3323 · Post by **pete3323** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:17 am

Thanks, Dave. They have "OE style" for $350. Still not Ford so I don't know if it's worth spending that much when the after market ones are half that. Willy, do you have a suggestion on the after market rads? Thanks.

jstanley55 · Post by **jstanley55** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:23 am

If you're not looking for oe parts then I would just slap a nice aluminum radiator in it and call it a day. Did you do that heater core yourself? What a fun job that is....

WillyB93 · Post by **WillyB93** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 1:03 pm

I don't have a recommendation think quite a few people use the fludine radiator, really depends what you want to do in the long run with it.

pete3323 · Post by **pete3323** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 2:46 pm

I didn't do the heater core. Shop charged $450 for it. I know it's a bitch of a job though. That's why i'm not thrilled to have to fix/replace the damn radiator!

buddha · Post by **buddha** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 4:59 pm

pete3323 wrote:I didn't do the heater core. Shop charged $450 for it. I know it's a bitch of a job though. That's why i'm not thrilled to have to fix/replace the damn radiator!

Wow, I need to get into the heater core replacement biz.

It is a bitch, but there are worse repair/replace jobs than that.

I've heard a lot of chatter about this one over the years:

http://www.americanmuscle.com/mishimoto ... 79-93.html

Guys seem to like it for the price. After that you jump up in price for a really good one like a Fluidyne, Be-Cool, etc.

aaronlstiles · Post by **aaronlstiles** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:23 pm

Yes, Old Brass style replacements are through the roof with the price of brass lately. I would go OEM style if possible.

Post by **1993cobra** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 8:44 pm

these dont look too bad , for their price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/79-FORD-MUSTANG ... 27c39f615e

buddha · Post by **buddha** » Fri Feb 17, 2012 10:46 pm

aaronlstiles wrote:Yes, Old Brass style replacements are through the roof with the price of brass lately. I would go OEM style if possible.

Used to be able to buy a FMS, all brass radiator for $200. Then they went to the crap plastic side tanks. Don't know of any decent brass replacements.

RDLINE1 · Post by **RDLINE1** » Sat Feb 18, 2012 2:28 pm

I went with the Mishimoto a couple years back, Car is 347 5 speed. for 180.00 I can't complain at all. It was polished out and works very well for the price. Once I get on the highway the electric fan turns off.

k98dave · Post by **k98dave** » Sun Feb 19, 2012 8:50 pm

Thanks, Dave. They have "OE style" for $350. Still not Ford so I don't know if it's worth spending that much when the after market ones are half that. Willy, do you have a suggestion on the after market rads? Thanks.

NPD's are still brass/copper so they are the closest we can get to factory. If I ever need one for my car I will spend the $

k98dave · Post by **k98dave** » Sun Feb 19, 2012 8:51 pm

[quote="k98dave"][quote]Thanks, Dave. They have "OE style" for $350. Still not Ford so I don't know if it's worth spending that much when the after market ones are half that. Willy, do you have a suggestion on the after market rads? Thanks.

NPD's are still brass/copper so they are the closest we can get to factory. If I ever need one for my car I will spend the $