Relentless search for a radiator

[dekker0]

Well, I feel like I've exhausted every search and list of links I can, but I can't pin down a radiator for a '53 or '54 hardtop V8. Any of you fine folks have any leads? I've checked ebay, Stude International, Hemmings and Old Cars classifieds, etc. etc. Much appreciated.

[Gunslinger]

Are the tanks on your radiator in good shape? If so, a radiator shop can recore it for you. There are also shops that fabricate you a new radiator. A lot might depend on whether you want an absolutely correct radiator or a newly fabricated one that is even better than the original...either in brass or aluminum.

[dekker0]

Tanks are in so-so shape, the drain plug is a little out of commission and it's leaking from somewhere underneath. How much does a recore usually cost? I'd rather keep something older in there now to match the rest of the rust.

[Gunslinger]

I'd guess about $300-$400. I could be high depending on the radiator shop labor rate and the cost of a core. They order cores by dimensions. If you go that way, ask for a core with increased fins per inch...it's more efficient without adding extra row width. Most shops will paint the radiator when finished so it won't match when reinstalled.

[dekker0]

I'll definitely look into it. I also just happened upon this -

http://www.studebaker-info.org/text3/53rad.txt

[Captain Billy]

Do a search ...someone has a post about FSR radiator in Memphis building direct replacement rads in aluminum...I think

[sbca96]

That was for a Lark though, isnt the '53 radiator shorter in height?

Tom

Do a search ...someone has a post about FSR radiator in Memphis building direct replacement rads in aluminum...I think

[PlainBrownR2]

I'm going to presume the 53 C/K radiators are similar, but the '55 C/K radiators are 2/3 the size of the Lark radiators and have a rounded sloping tank with an angled sloping upper neck. The reason for the size is if a full size radiator is used, the hood will not be able to line up with the fenders once it's closed. The hood will also not be able to close properly as the sloping hood will contact the radiator cap on the larger radiators. The humor is the saddle is the same size as the Lark radiator so it may accept it, it just won't allow the hood to properly close.

[mrobertweiss]

FSR radiator fits, reasonable price, 200 $, but not an exact copy. griffen makes an exact duplicate, but Plain Brown probably won't want to pay the premium price, I know i hated it. But a great radiator. I have one that has a hole in it, needs a recore. Theres a thread on 4-core radiotor for a CK from a few moths ago, all this was covered.

[PlainBrownR2]

FSR radiator fits, reasonable price, 200 $, but not an exact copy. griffen makes an exact duplicate, but Plain Brown probably won't want to pay the premium price, I know i hated it. But a great radiator. I have one that has a hole in it, needs a recore. Theres a thread on 4-core radiotor for a CK from a few moths ago, all this was covered.

Hey easy now, I did put down 300 for a recore with an extra row on my Lark radiator a few years back and I loved it, as it had to go in my driver . Could I do it now? Probably not, at least until the financial situation improves . If I had a choice though, I'd take the Griffen radiator as you get all new components over having to deal with the original 50 year old brass and copper piece that Studebaker originally supplied, but that's me.

[dekker0]

How long does it take for Griffen to turn around an order? Also, what's the Stude parts situation in Iola?

[Edsel G. Tattooer]

I saw one, I believe in a 53 4 door if that will work. here is a picture of the car. If I remember right it had a V8. I thinki took the valve covers off for my brothers 58.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6699621&l=0734c09070&id=774710359

And here is the yard they will pull and ship I believe If they wont ship it I would make the run for you. I love that place.

http://www.windyhillautoparts.com/

[jallen]

I have an extra radiator for a 53 - 54 C-K, AFAIK they are all the same, where are you located? You can PM me if you like.

[Chicken Hawk]

Well, I feel like I've exhausted every search and list of links I can, but I can't pin down a radiator for a '53 or '54 hardtop V8. Any of you fine folks have any leads? I've checked ebay, Stude International, Hemmings and Old Cars classifieds, etc. etc. Much appreciated.

I have two here that a fellow left with me to sell for him. I don't know that much about thems so if you want to call him, his number is 765-662-2432 and his name is Tom Schlee and is in Marion, Indiana. Or if you would rather he call you, send me your phone number and I'll give it to him.

I think he said both of them are for the '53 (he used to own one) but positive at least one of them is a '53.

Ted

[dekker0]

I have two here that a fellow left with me to sell for him. I don't know that much about thems so if you want to call him, his number is 765-662-2432 and his name is Tom Schlee and is in Marion, Indiana. Or if you would rather he call you, send me your phone number and I'll give it to him.

I think he said both of them are for the '53 (he used to own one) but positive at least one of them is a '53.

Ted

My number is 906-869-4608, but if you could give him a heads up I can even call in the next couple days.