Fix my orignal radiator or just replace??

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4spd340Swinger

4spd340Swinger

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My original radiator in my 1969 340 Dart has failed. Not sure how many people actually repair them anymore, mainly because of shops. I would prefer to have it re-cored but if not what would you suggest for a replacement. Thoughts??? Thanks!!
 
If you want to keep it original, contact Glen Ray Radiators in Wisconsin. Bob can fix you up.
 
If the radiator is original to the car then yes have it repaired but if its not then I would go aftermarket just please do your homework on radiator brands there are plenty of choices from super cheap to high dollar but in my humble opinion rads are a you get what you pay for kind of item and the cheap rad is all fine and good till you overheat and are stranded on the side of the road (ask me how I know this one)
 
Its a scary game. I took a rad from a 440 ci Dart that was overheating, something black inside there to a "reputable" rad shop and they quoted me $1050 cdn to rebuild. I knew that was bad kind of accepted that diagnoses. I took another from an Imperial and was told the same thing. However, this one was good, I just wanted a cleaning. I ended up buying a two core aluminum with electric fans for $550 US. Its hit and miss. If you need originality, need to find a trustworthy shop. It they start on it, it could be $65 - $90 to tell you its toast when you could have spent that on a replacement.
 
My vote is recore.

You can also change the fins per inch and number of rows for additional cooling.
 
4spd340Swinger said:
My original radiator in my 1969 340 Dart has failed. Not sure how many people actually repair them anymore, mainly because of shops. I would prefer to have it re-cored but if not what would you suggest for a replacement. Thoughts??? Thanks!!
Click to expand...

Hello 4spd340Swinger,,
As a out side chance you may want to call Maine radiator supply and see if they can recommend some one in your area. Maine is a major supplier of radiator parts / supplies to the shops that repair radiators. They do not sell to the public. I had my radiator re-cored locally and the shop used a new core from Maine. Total cost out the door was $ 400.00 using my old top and bottom OEM Mopar tanks. Best money I have spent..
Maine Radiator MFG.
https://maineradiator.com/antique-classic-muscle-car-cores/
Hope this helps...
Stay Safe.......
Happy Mopar :)
Arron
 
I took my 69 340 rad to get redone. Old school guy that had worked with Glenn Ray at some point. Removed tanks and side brackets, and reused them on new rad. Added another(3rd row), widened tanks. You cant even tell 3rd row was added. Absolutely beautiful work.
Cost me $600 here in Ontario Canada.
Keep looking and get your original redone.
 
Glenn Ray doesn't just recore they restore them, here is the OEM radiator for my 67 273 Barracuda.
2018-08-20_001.jpg



Alan

2018-08-20_002.jpg
 
Yes no difference in 69 for manual vs auto transmission. Same # . 68 340 4spd and auto were different numbers.
I would either wait till you find a shop or put another one in temporarily. The guy that did mine is a craftsman. As much a metal worker as he is a rad guy. Does rads all the way back to the 20's. Show quality. I'll see if I got more pics of mine with 3rd row added.
4spd340Swinger said:
That is the exact same number in my car. I guess that is the correct one for me.
Click to expand...
 
recore is more than a new aftermarket rad.
depends on your car and if you want original looking.
 
I bought an aftermarket one from cold case, who is a vendor on this site. Very nice quality. Just check your clearance to the fan. Aftermarket radiators are often thicker than stock.
 
Just bought a cold case for my 71 bee this summer, looks good but not factory looking.

for my numbers matching 68 i re-cored the rad, made it a 3 row and used the old tanks. Cost almost $600 in 2012. I understand it was difficult to do.
 
If you are enjoying driving your car, do so fairly often and don't need or care about the look of the radiator, then a Performance Aluminum radiator will cool better and cost a lot less than restoring the original radiator. I would absolutely save the old radiator in case you or a new owner ever wanted to restore it back to original. If you have kept your car totally stock and don't drive it except to shows, then Glen-Ray is the best way to go.
 
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