My son and I have been shopping radiators as the restore progresses and have read the pros and cons of the various vendor and the members on the boards advice on which one they like.

I stopped today at oreillys for some belts and asked them if they could get radiators and they quoted me a price of 155 bucks, it would fit his 68 chevelle with small block and A/C eventually! This is a 1 row radiator with plastic tanks. I realize you get what you pay for but wanted to hear if anyone has had any first hand exsperance with these radiators. I know on the Net you can pick one up for 200 plus shipping that people have been happy with as well as alumtech products which looks like a first class product. My son is the one buying the parts while he goes to school and works part time so a 100 bucks difference is 3 days of work.

Thanks

I visit junkyards and look for old G.M.s 70-80s Chevy,olds,pont,buick,caddys. I go for the wagons they most always had 4 cores. cost is around 25-35 dollars. Get it re-cored and you have a new 4 core rad for less than 200.00.
You want the 4 core upper and lower tanks. In my 70 454 Velle driver, It has a 80s type 4 core from a caddy.
Just an idea. This worked for me.
Bob

I visit junkyards and look for old G.M.s 70-80s Chevy,olds,pont,buick,caddys. I go for the wagons they most always had 4 cores. cost is around 25-35 dollars. Get it re-cored and you have a new 4 core rad for less than 200.00.
You want the 4 core upper and lower tanks. In my 70 454 Velle driver, It has a 80s type 4 core from a caddy.
Just an idea. This worked for me.
Bob

Recore costs lots more than that nowadays. I have gone the recore route on my MOPAR five years ago. Cost 190 bucks and I got a good deal at the time. One thing you have to keep in mind is the tanks don't last forever either. Years of vibration and heat/cool cycles take their toll. Mine sprung a couple pinhole leaks two years after the recore job. Radiator guy fixed them, but eventually there will be more. Me personally; I'd go with an OEM replacement reputable brand like Modine, etc. Many if not most are hecho in Mexico, etc. but they still work fine.

Yeah, you gets what youse pays for, but if what youse gets is good enough, where's the problem? (unless you paid too much)...(or more than necessary)

Checker auto is now owned by O'reillys. This is probably the same one you were looking at if you are going to go that route.

http://shop.oreillyauto.com/ProductList.aspx?PartType=31&PTSet=A

Will it do the job? Hard to say. I had a 4row copper/brass and now have a cheap $150 jegs brand aluminum one. They cool the same and so the change was not worth it. I have yet been able to use the A/C in the 120 degree summers here. Are you going to be able to put a fan shroud on that radiator? Air flow will be very important. Check online places like Craigslist or people parting out vehicles. Take measurements of what will fit and you may just be amazed at the options you have. Some 90s pickups will have ones that will work as well as many other cars. Find something low buck to get you running, but plan ahead to upgrade.

I bought a 3 row stock replacement about 5 years ago. I think from Autozone, it was between $100 and $150, can't remember now. It cools great.

My son and I have been shopping radiators as the restore progresses and have read the pros and cons of the various vendor and the members on the boards advice on which one they like.

I stopped today at oreillys for some belts and asked them if they could get radiators and they quoted me a price of 155 bucks, it would fit his 68 chevelle with small block and A/C eventually! This is a 1 row radiator with plastic tanks. I realize you get what you pay for but wanted to hear if anyone has had any first hand exsperance with these radiators. I know on the Net you can pick one up for 200 plus shipping that people have been happy with as well as alumtech products which looks like a first class product. My son is the one buying the parts while he goes to school and works part time so a 100 bucks difference is 3 days of work.

Thanks

Proliance seems to have a good rep if your looking for good 4 row brass copper replacement ...with buddget being a huge concern for your son i think this unit would be suitable for his needs .
http://www.summitracing.com/search/Part-Type/Radiators/Brand/Proliance-Ready-Rad/Year/1968/Make/CHEVROLET/Model/CHEVELLE/Engine-Type/V8/Engine-Size/6-5L-396/?Ns=Rank|Asc

our Rads start at 495.00 for the Aluminum unit... so honestly if you dont need the extra cooling the Aluminum provides you can save 255.00 bucks .

just here to help
Don- Alumitech

Thanks guys, I think I will head out with a tape measure and see what I can find. I am sure one of these days he would like to put a fat block high horse engine in his car, When its time to restore it for his own son who knows.

Another question: The Hollander book of chevelles does it also show different cars that have radiators that fit, just curious if it has all this stuff or mostly drive line, It has been recommended to us and we are considering getting one.

I just order a radiator for my 69 Chevelle from these guys.... Http://www.discountautoradiator.com It was an all aluminum 3 row with welded on aluminum tanks and tranny cooler built in. It was a scratch/dent or leftover. It was $120 and is the 28 1/4 by 18 inch core. I was very happy when it showed. A few small dings in some of the fins, but I expected that with the price. The normal price is $176.