Mike, are you able to guide me to the correct radiator?

Thanks

Greg

https://www.thebrassworks.net/collections/chevy/products/1930s-chevy-radiators

It appears that I ship my radiator to them and then they provide me with a quote?  Am I understanding correctly?

Call them and ask. In the absence of mass produced parts with a set price the best option is to direct your questions to the folks who know the answers and that's the folks at the radiator restoration shop. OEM exact reproductions are most likely not made because of the very low demand. I don't know, but my assumption would be it will cost you some money. If it's more than you're ready or able to spend you'll probably have to look at making a non OEM radiator fit. That too will probably be expensive. Custom fabrication is expensive unless one possesses the tools and skills to do it themselves. It can be a difficult decision to make but we all face it from time to time. I have WAY more money in my cars than a sane person would spend. I made one local fellow angry because, when he tried to talk me into driving my 38 down a muddy road to attend an event he was having, and I told him no because I have more money in the car than he makes in a year, he took that as an insult. I considered it self deprecating because I'm the one who was silly enough to spend the money.

@ragnar-2-2 Greg, I might be able to help. I looked at a bunch of radiators on eBay and did not see one that was suitable for a "stock" application . Brassworks has an excellent reputation. I would call them to get a price range and also ask about extra cooling capacity. If, for some reason, your tanks cannot be used, let me know.

Mike

Wise words from all!  I'll get a quote and pass it on here in the forum.

Greg

Got my quote from Brassworks for a replacement of the radiator and sidewall surround for $1,600.  I saw that they noted a "non pressure" system, is that correct?  I have not heard of a non-pressurized radiator.

@ragnar-2-2 

Yes, "non pressure" is correct.

Thamk you sir!

@ragnar-2-2 Greg, That sounds like a ton of $ for a radiator. It's hard to imagine what would make it so expensive. 

Mike

@35mike 

It does sound like a lot of money but...

I, like Tiny, am accumulating money in my '46.

More that I probably should.

That said, I stumbled on a really nice NOS Chevrolet (Harrison) heavy duty (3" core) radiator, in a part numbered GM box, that is the exact original fit for '46 trucks.

It even has the original wing nut style drain valve wired to it.

That radiator was already obsolete by 1954 and Chevrolet substituted the regular 2" core in it's place.

My old 2" core radiator is alright for now, but who knows when that might change.

So, many probably think I'm crazy, but I paid $900 for it.

And there was no new copper or high priced labor involved in building it.

Two years ago just getting a John Deere tractor radiator recored with a regular production core cost us well over what Greg was quoted.

So... I'm not so sure that Greg's quote is so bad if the radiator is going to look completely original and is of high quality.  🙂

These old vehicles are called money pits for a reason. The only guarantee is it'll cost more in six months.