Hope your week is going well.

I just noticed a bit of "weeping" at the fins on the engine side of my radiator.. Local club guys are suggesting an aluminum radiator, but I like the stock look. The current radiator is a four row, with the original tanks and the little guard on top. I have had this one rebuilt a couple times, so was thinking of just taking back to the same radiator shop and have them go through it. A few guys here were telling me that you can't keep rebuilding an old radiator.....

Wanted to see if others have had issues with redoing a radiator that is over 50 years old?

Depending in the condition of your tanks, there's nothing wrong with having your radiator re-cored. Then too, its all about the skills of the shop doing the work. My OE two-row became troublesome after just a few years of ownership and after several repairs I had it re-cored to a three-row. Still running it today with not a single repair and it holds up well to Texas heat.

I sent both my radiator and my fuel tank to these guys to be refurbished. Both installed on the car and functioning just fine...radiator even in 105* Texas temps. :)

Hart Radiator Service
20123 FM 362 N.
Waller, Texas 77484
(936) 372-9107
Don Hart
Betty Hart
http://www.donhart.com

Edited September 14Sep 14 by texasz

I thought the stock radiator was a 2 row system. Has yours been replaced at one time. I went to the Hart’s radiator site. Looks impressive. These type of shops along with machine shops are fading away.

Edited September 14Sep 14 by Yarb

If you decide you want a new radiator, this one is closer to stock than an aluminum radiator.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8609984&cc=1209170&pt=2172&jsn=575

10 minutes ago, SteveJ said:

If you decide you want a new radiator, this one is closer to stock than an aluminum radiator.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8609984&cc=1209170&pt=2172&jsn=575

Steve! Would never have guessed new brass rep rads are available, and the price!!!! $400 CAD geez Louise, it costs near $500 to recore an OEM rad in Calgary! Thanks!

And while I’m here, if you live in a cool climate, (like Moi) you may find an aluminum rad is actually overkill, and may not allow the engine to warm up enough to clear morning condensation and warm my ancient and frail frame sufficiently. I’ve had to block half the rad some days. Z’s not so bad, 510’s seem plagued with this. Aluminum not always best.

And (jeez Jim, shut up already) there are some excellent aluminum repair DIY polymer repair sticks out there. Think Hot glue (the “right” hot glue).

Edited September 15Sep 15 by zKars

Thanks for the information. Yes, many years ago I recored my radiator in California to a 4 row core. That was most likely back in the 80's. Then I had a leak fixed about 20 years ago,,,,,,, now waiting to see the cost of repair at the radiator shop. For those that have had theirs recored, what was the cost?

Pictures for reference.......

11 hours ago, zKars said:

Steve! Would never have guessed new brass rep rads are available, and the price!!!! $400 CAD geez Louise, it costs near $500 to recore an OEM rad in Calgary! Thanks!

I have a habit of researching parts when I hear of people having problems in case I have that problem later or to come up with improvised fixes should original style parts not be available.

Recently I was researching vacuum solenoids in case someone with factory AC in a 260Z or 280Z needs replacements. I saw some Infiniti vacuum solenoids that may be adaptable for that.

19 hours ago, 70z4fun said:

Thanks for the information. Yes, many years ago I recored my radiator in California to a 4 row core. That was most likely back in the 80's. Then I had a leak fixed about 20 years ago,,,,,,, now waiting to see the cost of repair at the radiator shop. For those that have had theirs recored, what was the cost?

Pictures for reference.......

In 11/2022 I paid $191.11 to have "steam clean, chemical flush out, repair, and test radiator" completed. This came with a 90 day warranty.

In 02/2021 I paid $469.39 to have the fuel tank 'interior and exterior tank coating, remove dried fuel or tar, rust and corrosion repair" completed (Tank Renu products used). This work comes with a lifetime warranty.

Edited September 15Sep 15 by texasz

Well,

Got the word on the radiator, small leak and needs the bracket welded up. Flows well and does not need to have the core replaced.

So to get it right, about $400, which is a bit higher than I want, but they do good work. Asked about putting a new core in it, $1400....... IF it was a show car, I would think about, but $400 seem acceptable since I drive it and keep it original makes sense, instead of getting an aftermarket radiator......... Now to decide if I should replace the Harmonic Balancer and crank seal before I stick it back together........

Maybe next time I will put a new core in it,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I will be much older then.............

Replace the crank seal. What’s the issue with the balancer?

The old balancer is OLD and has cracked rubber on it, but seems fine. Thought I would pull it and have it either "serviced" or see if it's ok.

I have one of the SFi Harmonic Balancer in the shop, so thought I would give that a try.......for the time being........