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aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Richard c
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Jul 7, 2011, 8:11 PM
Post #1 of 12
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aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Greetings, The radiator in my 82 chevy van needs to be rodded out, having touble finding a real old time Radiator Shop.
Most want to sell a aulminum radiator, they come in 1 or 2 row, the one in the van is brass 3 row.
I hate the idea of an aluminum radiator.
Question: Whats your thought? Are the Aluminums good? What would you do? What have you done?
Thanks Richard
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 7, 2011, 8:25 PM
Post #2 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Rodding out radiators is all over but if you find a radiator shop they might be able to clean it out in acid bath.
If you just go new the 2 row aluminum should work fine if specifically designed for the vehicle. Aluminum transfers heat well but you want an exact fit and a HD fan clutch if it isn't pulling air well,
T
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Richard c
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Jul 7, 2011, 8:54 PM
Post #3 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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I have heard of corosion and electrolisis problems with after market aluminum, any truth to that.
When you say rodding out is over, do you mean it is no longer done? It's a great thing, makes a radiator like new.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 8, 2011, 2:31 AM
Post #4 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Aluminum should use antifreeze rated to protect it. "Rodding" out radiators: Used to be two radiator shops nearby for "fixing" radiators that did all that stuff and re-cored and fixed leaks but it seems to be a lost art. New was getting so reasonably priced I quit having radiators re-cored for new ones.
The multiple rows were used for vehicles with A/C and back when would get the A/C radiators for cars even if they didn't have A/C as they fit fine in at least the American Iron cars and trucks.
You should call around and see if a brass one can be had as I think they will last longer than the alloys/aluminum ones,
T
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re-tired
Veteran
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Jul 8, 2011, 4:22 PM
Post #5 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Brass tank/copper, core radiators are still available . They are pricey tho.
Heres a sample:
Spectra Radiator - Copper core Part Number: SPICU321 Manufacturer Number: CU321   - List Price: $432.66
- You Save: $66.00
- Shipping: FREE
- Our Price: $366.66
- Low price guarantee
-
Qty:
In Stock
SPECTRA RADIATOR, COPPER CORE/BRASS TANK, 3-ROW, NEW -- 28.25 x 17 x 1.88 in. core size, 3.5 x 18.62 in. inlet header, 3.5 x 18.62 in. outlet header, 1.31 in. inlet size, 1.56 in. outlet size; With 8.5 in. 5-plate transmission oil cooler and 8.5 in. 4-plate engine oil cooler; 100 percent leak tested; Made with the highest grade of materials to ensure product longevity; Manufactured under ISO 9001/TS 16949 quality system; Equipped with accessory packs to accommodate various original equipment models; Tested in an endurance simulator in order to exceed OE standards; With 2-year Spectra warranty. - Fit Note: Automatic Transmission, Standard Transmission
- Material: Copper core
- Condition: New
- Endtank Material: Brass
- Quantity Sold: Sold individually
- Product Fit: Direct fit
- Product Color/Finish: Black
- Automatic Transmission Cooler: Yes
- Core Dimensions: 28.25 x 17 x 1.88 in.
- Engine Oil Cooler: Yes
- Inlet Size: 1.31 in.
- Number of Rows: 3
- Outlet Size: 1.56 in.
- Warranty: 2-year Spectra warranty
View more View less Fits the following 1987 Chevrolet G10 submodels: - 1987: Chevy Van; 8 Cyl 5.0L; "GAS, Naturally Aspirated"
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Richard c
User
Jul 8, 2011, 7:17 PM
Post #6 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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This Chevy van is used for heavy work carrying lots of weight up the mountain and towing loaded a trailer. With that in mind, do you think a 2 row aluminum will keep it cool? I see them on Ebay for under $100.
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re-tired
Veteran
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Jul 8, 2011, 7:32 PM
Post #7 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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I would go for a 3 row aluminum radiator with separate oil cooler and trans cooler. Be sure to have a thermostatic fan clutch. When towing esp in mountains to much is better than to little.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Richard c
User
Jul 8, 2011, 10:29 PM
Post #8 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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If I can get a 3 row I will.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jul 9, 2011, 5:20 AM
Post #9 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Agree - If this works this hard get the best cooling you can. Do watch hard working fan clutches as they may not wobble or anything but do lose their power to pull over time and use. Thermostatic HD will have a temp sensitive spring in the front. If warm to hot out they can really roar pulling air,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 9, 2011, 5:56 AM
Post #10 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Don't forget that aluminum does a much better ob of dissipating heat than copper does so a 2 row aluminum may actually be better. Also, electrolisis is a condition of the vehicle's electrical circuit which will damage any cooling system.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Richard c
User
Jul 17, 2011, 11:19 PM
Post #11 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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I was about ready to go with an aluminum when Wife found a three row copper/brass with engine oil cooler/ trans oil cooler. More costly but as wifey says "when nothing else runs we can always count on the beast" [82 chevy G30 4 wheel drive Pathfinder conversion.] I have all the parts to reinstall the engine oil to radiator lines. One flexable line needs replaced and is hard to find on line.
Thanks for your thoughts and help.
Richard
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Richard c
User
Aug 5, 2011, 9:06 PM
Post #12 of 12
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Re: aluminum radiator? 82 Chevy van
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Greetings, Well, Here is an update on the Radiator Kafaful: The rediator I ordered arrived. Wrong one Aluminum, to large, pain in the neck.
Day before yesterday I took the Copper Brass radiator the I revoved from the van to a shop in Reno, some 80 miles off the mountain, and dropped it off to have it rodded out. I picked it up yesterday, straightened the fins and installed it today.
I should have done this in the first place 1/3 the cost. New Fan cluch,thermostat and a Copper Brass Radiator.
(This post was edited by Richard c on Aug 5, 2011, 9:18 PM)
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