Radiator re-core?

[toddscharger]

Has anyone had a radiator re-cored?
How much did it cost? Would you do it again? or would buying a new replacement radiator be the way to go??
Thanks, Todd

[chargerbr549]

I have had several radiators recored and have had great results. If you are worried about originality and the tanks are in good shape I would have it recored and depending on the application the price probably isn't whole lot different than a new one and not to mention whenever you put in a different radiator than stock there always seems to be some type of modification you have to do to make it fit.

[67_Dodge_Charger]

I was quoted $400 for a recore on my 67.  I could get an aftermarket radiator for $250 to $350.  Personally I would get a recore over a aftermarket radiator. 

Robert

[resq302]

I agree with getting your original one recored.  Not only will it look better, but it will probably hold up better as well since generally the newer stuff is made like crap I have seen.  Also, with recoring, they can upgrade the core to a high efficency core or even add an extra row if you want and can fit it.

[bull]

I was quoted about $350 to rebuild and convert my original 2-row into a 3-row. They said they can use the original upper/lower tanks and sides but the inner portion would be all new.

[Steve P.]

Stock factory motor or a bit more,, a recore is just fine. A pile of added horses,, you may want to go with a newer hi cooling rad.

[dodgeterm]

on this topic:

all the old style radiator cores (like the original ones used in our cars) were once produced regionally (there were at least three in Georgia)..  The equipment was old and old  technology.   As  radiators switched to plastics and aluminum,  the old core shops went out of business.  all the old machinery was consolidated by one or  two companies  somewhere in the Ohio valley area (i think thats the location).  Since the machinery is no longer produced or supported by the original manufacturer,, the consolidated machinery is used a s spares...  (as B-52s are mantained!)..  now I think its a single core manufacturer.

"rod it out".,  old timey radiator shops can attempt to "rod out" a radiator that doesn't flow and looks like it'd need a re-core...  cost is about $75-100.  they take the top tank off and run a metal rod down each flue and push the debris to the bottom tank... 

along the same lines:   Autozone sells heater cores (produced in Mexico) for 66-70 b-bodies (non-AC) and sells them for $30.  probably same supplier as Year One & Paddock.

[Ghoste]

There is someone making old style cores up in Quebec as well but that may be an option that is only open to you in Canada.