I finally broke down and ordered one of those fancy aluminum radiators for my '70 Skylark from Donald Kyte (Alumitech Reproductions, http://www.chevellecooling.com/) I decided to go with Alumitech mainly because I had read so many good comments about them on several of the forums. All I can say is, every one of those favorable posts about his products and service is ABSOLUTELY deserved! I submitted my (online) order last Sunday night (7-10-11), and the box showed up at my door in Midland, TX today (7-15-11). That's what I call fast service. The packaging was excellent, and the radiator arrived in perfect condition. Talk about a work of art! I don't know whether to stick this thing in my car, or hang it on my living room wall! You should see the welding - prettiest aluminum bead I've ever seen. Alumitech is the kind of company we should all support - they build a great product, at a competitive price, in AMERICA, using domestic materials and labor. Take it (for what it's worth) from another satisfied customer, if you need a new radiator for your classic Buick, don't waste your time even considering any other source... HIGHLY recommended.
I have one and love it. This is its first summer in the car (long story) The car has never gone over 175 - 180. I had it parked for some time with the motor running on a hot day and the gauge never moved.
I love my Alumitech radiator. The customer service and quality are off the charts. 100% USA made. It is WAY better than the Be Cool I had before.
Just got my car running yesterday and while breaking in the cam in the garage it stayed cool for the 1/2 hour. So I'm impressed!!!
I have one of his radiators, very pleased. And he is definitely #1 in customer service. The first one had an incorrect componet, one phone call and Don said "Hey I screwed up" He sent a pickup ticket, paid shipping both ways, fixed the problem at absolutely no cost to me (he actually built another new radiator). The car runs as cool as can be, I am completely happy. And I will use him again without a doubt. Mike
Carl (70455ht), My beautiful new radiator (Alumitech SKU: SKYLARK G/S A-68/71-A AUTO TRANS) cost $495 + $40 shipping = $535. Considering the high quality of the packaging, the size and weight of the box, the distance from Michigan to Texas, and the speed of delivery (via UPS), I doubt they made any "profit" on the shipping fee. I haven't got it installed yet, but I will be using the stock (original-type thermostatic) clutch fan + the original fan shroud. Should work fine cooling my little mostly-stock 350 small block, even in West Texas. A general note about the cost: I started looking (longingly) at the Alumitech radiators several years ago, and at that time I thought they were a bit too "pricey" compared to other products on the market. When I took another look just recently, I found their price much more "in-line" with similar (but not necessarily equal) offerings from other vendors. For instance, OPGI wants $499.95 for their aluminum "direct fit" radiator, and T/A Performance wants $592 for theirs. The current JEGS catalog lists a Be Cool "direct fit" application for 68-77 Skylark at $704.99 (!!!!!) I haven't seen these other products, so I can't say how they compare. My only point is that the Alumitech price now seems pretty "reasonable" compared to others in the same general category. Of course, there is always something cheaper available (eBay), and if that is what a person chooses to buy, that is strictly their business. Quality usually costs a little more, and in this case I do believe you get excellent value for your money. Just my opinion...
The Be Cool radiator I had was more flimsy. The core fins were really thin and easy to deform. The Alumitech is built MUCH better. The fins are stronger, and the welds are beyond outstanding. I love the fact that that all of the parts are USA made.
i'm still waiting on mine..ordered a custom 72 style but with 1.25 tubes mine was 50 more over the standar price. had a delima with a stupid CC spliting up my payment..posting half monday and holding the other half friday morn :-( can;t wait to get mine to replace this stupid leaky champion cooling.rad . ps. I'll also be using stock a/c hd clutch fan and shroud till i have enough for a spal 12inch twin efan kit w/ shoud and a hi output starter from jamie
