Rod Radiators

strum456

Oldtimer
I need to get a new radiator for my 1934 Chevy Master. It had a Griffin radiator since I built the car in 2010. It is now leaking from the joint between the tubes and lower tank. I have no reason to believe that this leak is caused by anything other than a manufacturer defect. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be getting another Griffin radiator.

I just got off the phone with Scott from Wizzard Cooling. He was very helpful and their pricing is much less than Griffin.

Any feedback or advice would be much appreciated.
 
I used a Wizard cooling radiator for my 53 custom truck. So far so good. The only think I didn't expect or like was the "Wizard Cooling" name etched in the top of the radiator tank. That wasn't in the final drawing they sent me.
 
I used a Wizard cooling radiator for my 53 custom truck. So far so good. The only think I didn't expect or like was the "Wizard Cooling" name etched in the top of the radiator tank. That wasn't in the final drawing they sent me.

All the work we do in engine compartments, the last thing I would want is a radiator to have a name on top.
Would not think that I'm the only idiot to think this way.
 
first off do not look to hot rod radiator companies. the are way over priced and no better than the rest. on a narrow nose car it's tough . on all others i use cross flow . half the cost.
 

Attachments

  • 5.0 induction.jpg
    5.0 induction.jpg
    54 KB · Views: 167
You're right about that, Shine. I just about fell off my chair when I saw that Griffin wants 1k for another rad. The last one I got from them was probably about half that.
 
I need to get a new radiator for my 1934 Chevy Master. It had a Griffin radiator since I built the car in 2010. It is now leaking from the joint between the tubes and lower tank. I have no reason to believe that this leak is caused by anything other than a manufacturer defect. Needless to say, I don't think I'll be getting another Griffin radiator.

I just got off the phone with Scott from Wizzard Cooling. He was very helpful and their pricing is much less than Griffin.

Any feedback or advice would be much appreciated.
Hi, is your radiator aluminum or copper brass ? Any competent radiator shop should be able repair it.I have a 34 standard sedan with a 350 small block in it with a copper brass radiator.
 
Some Griffin radiators use epoxy to attach and seal various components. I looked into it when I was looking for my truck, seems to be a problem with them. I always thought Griffin as a top brand, but on at least some models they have dropped the ball.
 
I go to my local radiator shop. Give them my dementions and mounting points and the make a new custom fit radiator. Last one was just under $200 and it looks factory.
 
Some Griffin radiators use epoxy to attach and seal various components.

That's the issue with mine. As I understand, the part of the radiator that is reinforced by epoxy is non-repairable.

I am not aware of any local shops that make custom radiators, but I'll make some calls. Otherwise, I'm looking at $600 for a Wizard radiator.
 
I'd try the local radiator shop also. I'm not a hot rodder but get a few recorred every year and they can repair alot of damage. Around here the local radiator shops have dried up so I have to drive an hour or so to get the service I want.

I recently had to drive 5 hours each way and had an early brass radiator duplicated. It cost over 20 thousand dollars so a grand sounds like a steal.
I've had good luck with Cerakote P202 satin black heat transfer coatings. I still use black epoxy on top and bottom tanks but I use the cerakote on the core.
 
At the advice of Dub, I called a local radiator shop. As expected, they explained that there is no one locally that could help me. But, they highly recommended Superior Radiator in Michigan. Their price was the best by far - $400 plus shipping. I'll post back once it is delivered.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dub
I recently had to drive 5 hours each way and had an early brass radiator duplicated. It cost over 20 thousand dollars so a grand sounds like a steal.
I've had good luck with Cerakote P202 satin black heat transfer coatings. I still use black epoxy on top and bottom tanks but I use the cerakote on the core.

20,000 radiator for some reason reminds me of some lyrics from the Neil Young song "Cortez the Killer". "
But they built up
With their bare hands
What we still can't do today


There used to be a radiator shop in every town. Some of the old skills are being passed on but much of it has been lost. Hence you have to pay 20K for a radiator. One reason why I respect Kent White so much. He and a few others are trying to make sure that the Old World (for lack of a better term ATM) skills are passed on to future generations.
 
there is a rad shop in every small town around here. i use to have rads recored with the Z core . now days i just get a universal aluminum and go .
 
Back
Top