While doing some routine maintenance this weekend I saw I had a coolant leak in my '64 Wildcat. I pulled the radiator since it looked like the source of the leak and dropped it off at the local radiator shop today. According to the shop owner it looks like I'll need a recore at the cost of about $400 :ball: Does anyone know of an aftermarket drop-in replacement for the '64 Wildcat with factory air? It's a 3 row core with an angled upper hose connection that clears the A/C compressor and belts. I want something that is original appearing and requires no mods to install and in the $300-$325 range. If I have to pay more than that I'll just have mine recored.
One company makes the Harrison appearing repro. You can check with Alumitech but the recore will be cheaper. http://www.chevellecooling.com/
Thanks Jim. The recore is looking better all the time. Better to get it done now while there's still someone out there who knows how to work on the older radiators. Many, many of my old friends who knew this stuff have either retired or passed on.
As long as the top and bottom tanks are in good shape, a re core is the way to go. I always thought the A/C equipped 63/64 Wildcats would have used something larger than a three core, but that was not the case. The non-A/C cars used a three core too. The only difference was the top inlet was on a 90 degree angle. Chris
I just finished 1400kms through the mountains with a new rad from RockAuto. It was listed as being an aluminum core/plastic tank unit, but when it arrived, it turned out to be all brass! Anyhow, my car has overheated the whole time I've owned it, with two rads (one brand new), several thermostats, a new water pump, and Water Wetter. All this with no AC working either. Anyhow, my new rad from RockAuto has finally cured the overheating. Is it the best quality? Probably not, maybe the metal is thinner than stock, I don't know. But for the price, it's looking good right now!
I've never had a problem with overheating, even in the mountains of NC. My A/C does not function and I have no plans to ever use it. The tanks are good on my old radiator so I believe the recore will be the way to go. I have a hard time ordering something when I can't see what I'm buying. I've checked the usual online retailers but they always say the photo is not the actual part. I want to keep the car as stock appearing as possible and I definitely don't want to modify anything to make something fit unless its the last resort. If for some reason a recore isn't an option I'll try RockAuto.
When I needed a new radiator I went the local shop re-cored route and don't regret it one bit. They made mine look factory- down to drips in the crappy paint on it :grin: From what I recall it was around $400 as well.
