I took my 1951-A radiator (chevy 1/2 ton P.U.) into the shop for cleaning/pressure testing and was told it should have a replacment core; the cost to rebuild would be approx. $600 out the door. However he recommended that I kept this for a spare and buy an aftermarket radiator that runs ~ 1/2 the cost $400.
Im torn between stock and keeping it original vs $$$ cost.
What say you, fellow VCCA members?
Thank you in advance for your comments.

DAC
member I.D. # 046380

Last I heard it cost $350 to recore an original radiator.
Don't know where they came up with their $600 figure.

The repop radiators are OK but, I have heard a few guys complaining that the mounting straps were not welded in the correct position & they had to take the straps apart & reposition them & reweld to get everything to line up with the core support & fan blade properly.

I had to replace my 1936 truck radiator because the local shop could not fix. It was just gone. I used some serious place called Brassworks in Paso Robles, CAIF. (805) 239-2501 I sent mesurements from the old radiator and used a sheet of craft paper to draw an outline including where the holes were. Received a very nice and correct replacement. They also correctly placed the core onto the braces so the fan had the exact clearance as the old one. I think they advertize in the G & D.

Follow up and Great news.

I took my radiator to Sun City Radiator near Phoenix Az,
actually Sun City, and Monty the owner dipped and cleaned
it then tested it and it came out with flying colors, perfect!

Moral of the story, get a second opinion. The first radiator dr. wanted to replace with a new core $600 total, the second radiator dr. cleaned and tested first and prescribed to re-installed, total cost $75.00!

I had a new core installed in my 1951 1 Ton. They told me that the core would not look exactly the same because of the newer construction but that it would provide additional cooling. I have been very happy with the result.

I used ferndale radiator to repair my 51 truck radiator, and also left him a old (need to be recored) 51 for the shelf. This guy can do any thing and it will be perfect! My repair cost $108, give him a call.

http://www.ferndaleradiator.com/
(248) 541-9688