Its that time of year, radiator season - 2020 edition

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ck80

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So, I'm in need of a radiator. Or, well, I think I really ought to be, so I wanted to share my research. After putting a new water pump on (basically no remaining gasket btw) I noticed that there were some wet looking spots on the elderly radiator as well as a spot someone in the prior 45 years pushed a 4" long bead of jb weld where the core and tank met on one side.

I thought I'd try to make a list in one place of what the various radiator manufacturers out there were and their general specs. Maybe y'all can post experiences with general manufacturers as well.

*disclaimers - due to all the sizes, car lines, and specs, this info was true for the application I've been looking at. It may vary. Also note that some companies claim to be 'designed' or 'engineered' in the usa, but, don't say they were MADE here... and if they were, they'd say it. So I went with where it appeared they were assembled/made.

Add to that with aluminum rads not all are "direct" direct fit even being listed for that application, may require mods to the mount cushions and/or shroud.

Made in the USA:

Summit:
* copper/brass or all-aluminum available - SOME copper/brass are NOT USA
* alum 2 core uses .750 inch tube

U.S. Radiator:
* brass/copper or all-aluminum available
* alum 2 core uses 1.000 inch tube

DeWitts:
* All-aluminum construction
* choice of 1.250" or 1.000" tube on 2 core

Griffin
* all-aluminum construction
* 1.250" tube on 2 core model

Be Cool
* all aluminum
* 1.000" tube in 2 row core

These guys are in Western New York. My brother used them for the aluminum radiator in his 74 Monte Carlo. I believe they are 100% USA made including the core.

Made in Canada:

Spectra Premium (some applications):
* copper/brass or plastic/alum available
* plastic/alum can be single row

NAPA
* rumored to be rebranded Spectra

Made in Mexico:
**Summit**
* SOME sizes of copper brass were labelled made in Mexico instead of USA in summit comments

Made in Taiwan:

Cold Case
*all aluminum
*1.250" tube in 2 row core

Made in china: (free corona virus with every purchase?)

Champion
* All-aluminum construction
* .750 inch tube in 2 row core

American Eagle (by Champion)
* All-aluminum construction
* 1.000 inch tube in 2 row core

Carquest/ToughOne/Ready rad
*plastic/alum

Frostbite (Holley)
* all aluminum
* .750 tube in 2 row core

OSC Automotive
* plastic/aluminum
* can be single row

Mishimoto
* all aluminum

Unlisted, but rumored to be chinese/asian:

Engineered cooling products/speed cooling
* all aluminum

Unknown:

Restoparts (OPGI)
* copper/brass available
 
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TURNA

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Unlisted, but rumored to be chinese/asian:

Engineered cooling products/speed cooling
* all aluminum


100% MADE IN USA!!!

I have them in both my cars fit is perfect

Cools amazingly!!

I bought their complete fans/radiator/harness setups

Frank is a great guy!!
 
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What is it going in and what motor? I say one of the 2 core with 1.25" tubes. That depends on the planned fan setup as well.
 

pagrunt

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*disclaimers - due to all the sizes, car lines, and specs, this info was true for the application I've been looking at. It may vary. Also note that some companies claim to be 'designed' or 'engineered' in the usa, but, don't say they were MADE here... and if they were, they'd say it. So I went with where it appeared they were assembled/made.
Add to that with aluminum rads not all are "direct" direct fit even being listed for that application, may require mods to the mount cushions and/or shroud.
 
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ck80

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100% MADE IN USA!!!

I have them in both my cars fit is perfect

Cools amazingly!!

I bought their complete fans/radiator/harness setups

Frank is a great guy!!
Can you show me anywhere he says that it's made in the USA? I saw claim it was designed/engineered, but nothing about "made in the usa".

I'd think you would put that first and foremost like the other domestic producers since it's such a selling point.

Might be they buy parts from elsewhere and do some of the final assembly in house?

Until he advertises the product as 100% made in the usa I'd have to leave the category as-is since it's unknown. There's other websites where guys claim to receive product in boxes labeled with a different company name, and also allegations on other forums that claimed they suspect there is oveseas product involved ... all kinds of heresay out there.

May be a great guy, doesn't mean the product is 100% made here until he advertises it as such somewhere
 
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ck80

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Links, part numbers, etc.....?
Wouldn't help too much for the application I was searching, although if anyone has some they'd like to add I'd be happy to update it into the top message.
 
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ck80

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What is it going in and what motor? I say one of the 2 core with 1.25" tubes. That depends on the planned fan setup as well.
It's going into a 45 year old truck, just using stock fan. But, the intent was to showcase what the different manufacturers use as a starting point since a brief perusal showed they generally followed the same core construction and just altered measurements and tank fittings for different car lines.

Specifically it will be for an inline 6 that (someday) is slated for multiple carbs, header, some finned aluminum dress up parts, and likely a 4l80e that's sitting around. Just following a do it once, don't look back philosophy.
 
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TURNA

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Jul 24, 2009
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Can you show me anywhere he says that it's made in the USA? I saw claim it was designed/engineered, but nothing about "made in the usa".

I'd think you would put that first and foremost like the other domestic producers since it's such a selling point.

Might be they buy parts from elsewhere and do some of the final assembly in house?

Until he advertises the product as 100% made in the usa I'd have to leave the category as-is since it's unknown. There's other websites where guys claim to receive product in boxes labeled with a different company name, and also allegations on other forums that claimed they suspect there is oveseas product involved ... all kinds of heresay out there.

May be a great guy, doesn't mean the product is 100% made here until he advertises it as such somewhere


Ive been dealing with Frank for 15 years

He makes all his stuff in house
 
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79 USA 1

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These guys are in Western New York. My brother used them for the aluminum radiator in his 74 Monte Carlo. I believe they are 100% USA made including the core.
 
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