Haven't been here for a while, and when I have been lately, it has been for a few short minutes...for those who pay attention, the College World Series is going on...that means my job is busy, Busy, BUSY! But I NEED to take a break from the hectic workday to relay this message and ask for any info that may help out.
I have been tinkering with my Lark all winter with the brakes, and now they are where I want them to be (well mostly, I have some minor stuff I need to work out just for my standards, but they are road worthy again) Then, about a month and half ago, the alternator conked out...three weeks ago, I got that done. Now, after finally being able to enjoy my Lark this summer, another major thing has given up the ghost: the radiator.
Granted, I could tell it was getting a little tired. After 47 years and 100,800 miles I could see the effects of aging, but I guess I did not figure it would happen this way. I was driving down the highway at around 45 when water started spraying onto my windshield on a bright sunny day. I could tell it was coming from under the hood, so I pulled over and took a look, and the base of the neck? I don't know the proper term. The short tube where the cap snaps on, where it connects to the top of the radiator, was foaming coolant out, collecting on the fan and spraying everywhere under the hood. Messy, but I caught it right way, so no overheating. I was able to drive it back to my garage without incident. But now it is out of commision til I find a suitable repair. And I figure with the age on the thing, just repairing the neck, or whatever it is called, would be superfluous without repairing/replacing the whole thing.
So, I guess my question is, how hard is it to procure a new/ rebuilt radiator, if at all? Where should I try looking? Is my best bet to just go to a shop and get the thing refurbished? Are there other radiators out there that are common to a 1963 Lark Custom 259 V8? (I almost forgot to tell you what I am working on here) And what about price? I am willing to pay whatever is needed (emphasis on needed, not what is unreasonable) because I do want to do this right. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
I have been tinkering with my Lark all winter with the brakes, and now they are where I want them to be (well mostly, I have some minor stuff I need to work out just for my standards, but they are road worthy again) Then, about a month and half ago, the alternator conked out...three weeks ago, I got that done. Now, after finally being able to enjoy my Lark this summer, another major thing has given up the ghost: the radiator.
Granted, I could tell it was getting a little tired. After 47 years and 100,800 miles I could see the effects of aging, but I guess I did not figure it would happen this way. I was driving down the highway at around 45 when water started spraying onto my windshield on a bright sunny day. I could tell it was coming from under the hood, so I pulled over and took a look, and the base of the neck? I don't know the proper term. The short tube where the cap snaps on, where it connects to the top of the radiator, was foaming coolant out, collecting on the fan and spraying everywhere under the hood. Messy, but I caught it right way, so no overheating. I was able to drive it back to my garage without incident. But now it is out of commision til I find a suitable repair. And I figure with the age on the thing, just repairing the neck, or whatever it is called, would be superfluous without repairing/replacing the whole thing.
So, I guess my question is, how hard is it to procure a new/ rebuilt radiator, if at all? Where should I try looking? Is my best bet to just go to a shop and get the thing refurbished? Are there other radiators out there that are common to a 1963 Lark Custom 259 V8? (I almost forgot to tell you what I am working on here) And what about price? I am willing to pay whatever is needed (emphasis on needed, not what is unreasonable) because I do want to do this right. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
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