View Full Version : Radiator repair shops
FINOCJ
November 23rd, 2017, 04:56 PM
Looking for any recommendations for old school radiator repair shops in the front range that can actually solder up tanks etc.
dieseldoc
November 23rd, 2017, 06:24 PM
Denver raditaor
And we use one that is on the south side of I-70 the East end of the frontage road.
They don't take checks....
They do good work decent prices as well.
Full acid dip tank they do core replacement if needed.
Have taken them some very old ones and got them back in very nice condition.
Good luck sir
Spieg
November 23rd, 2017, 07:14 PM
Aurora Radiator - about as old school as it gets.
https://s3-media4.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/_cCGYSCEDpGBGtus7lC-xA/o.jpg
Just north of Colfax on Florence.
Patrolman
November 23rd, 2017, 10:38 PM
Be sure to check online for new prices. When I needed the radiator repaired for my 86 Toyota (all copper) I actually was able to get an upgraded all aluminum radiator shipped for about $100 off Ebay. The seller even shipped me a replacement a year later when the first one failed.
dieseldoc
November 24th, 2017, 10:58 AM
The aluminum replacement will have plastic side/head rails.
They are not rebuild able at all.
It's a throw away part.
The copper core and head rails original can be rebuilt.
They can record it if needed.
My opinion is keep the original that are more reliable.
We have some at work that are 30 years old been out and cleans resealed about every 6 years when the boys shell an engine.
The same goes for our trans and hydro coolers!
We have yet to need to replace one!
Now the work trucks with the plastic fantastic head rails.....we do 3 replacement a year we have 10 work trucks.......do the math and you see there not a savings.
They just make more work!
Coolant is not getting any cheeper as well the EPA wants to see tracking on it now....how much is getting used per engine......Grrrr!
Patrolman
November 24th, 2017, 10:09 PM
The aluminum replacement will have plastic side/head rails.
They are not rebuild able at all.
It's a throw away part.
Surprisingly the radiator that I got is all aluminum. I wouldn't have purchased it otherwise. VERY pleased with it. There was a very minor defect that showed up after a year, and the seller sent me another at no charge. Not as high-quality as the Howe radiator in my 4Runner, but still a very nice item for the cost.
Here is a comparable model for a CJ5 for $115 from a different seller:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-72-86-Jeep-CJ-CJ5-CJ6-CJ7-3-8-5-0-GPLUS-Full-Aluminum-Racing-Radiator-MT/141958904472?fits=Model%3ACJ5&hash=item210d68fa98:g:g0cAAOSwe51Z7VSt&vxp=mtr
dieseldoc
November 25th, 2017, 10:22 AM
All aluminium head rails?
Jim
November 25th, 2017, 11:22 AM
.
Patrolman
November 25th, 2017, 11:27 AM
Mine is. I can't speak to the one that I linked to as it is a different seller, but it appears to be all aluminum.
Since the cost of having the original copper 1 row rebuilt was as much or more than having a new aluminum 2 row, I opted for new. I know that James likes to keep his CJ-5 relatively stock, so the aluminum would stick out like a sore thumb.
FINOCJ
November 25th, 2017, 01:13 PM
I have found all aluminum replacement for $275 shipped to my door. I am going to try repair option first...but am not going to fight it too much.
dieseldoc
November 25th, 2017, 01:55 PM
James call around to the shops.
You should be less than $275.
We did bigger ones for $150.
2-3x's the size you have.
FINOCJ
November 27th, 2017, 05:54 PM
Dropped the radiator off at the Denver/Colorado Radiator shop on Onieda that doc mentioned (near Monaco and I70). So we'll see how it goes. They had a bunch of large equipment radiators being worked on - shop looked clean and organized. They are going to run a pressure test on it tomorrow - we'll see how that compares to the Grand Junction shop that ran a pressure test last week.
There are a couple other shops that seem good like Sercks and A1 but their location wasn't as convenient. For anyone in the same boat down the line needing repair and not replacement...search options will be much better if you specify OTR/18wheeler and heavy equipment radiator. I'll give an update on my experience.
dieseldoc
December 5th, 2017, 01:28 PM
Any updates on your radiator?
FINOCJ
December 5th, 2017, 02:03 PM
Denver/Colorado Radiator Repair (same shop - seems to use two names) on I70 east frontage rd and Oneida did the repair - small crack in the core. Only cost $60 which seemed very cheap - hope the repair was quality and will last. They pressure tested, tanked, soldered and repainted (or whatever the black coating is). Only took them a few days - I picked it up on Friday but haven't installed it back and tested. Working on the suspension project and want to check a few things with the radiator out - its easier to inspect the water pump and oil pump. I seem to have a small oil leak that I thinking is coming from the oil pump gasket (maybe the front seal).
dieseldoc
December 5th, 2017, 02:32 PM
$69 is about right for that little radiator.
We spend$150 on our big ones.
We have yet to have repair fail.
No the guys tear it up right after putting it in is a totally different story.....
Glad you got it back already.
Bet it runs for a long time.
The back crap is a paint sealer thing.....nasty don't get it on ya you will wear it for a while.
PhillipG65
December 5th, 2017, 06:37 PM
Great to hear James!!
Bet Brandon is right, I also believe you'll have no trouble with that radiator
I know many who have gone to same shop for their radiator needs and all have given them high praises
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