GnatGoSplat Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 Anyone ever replace just the plastic radiator tank rather than replacing the whole radiator? Is it a worthwhile endeavor? This guy makes it sound easy: http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/diy-submission-forum/513284-changing-radiator-end-tanks-without-breaking-tabs.html However, W-body radiators appear to have beefier tabs. I just thought about doing this because it's slightly cheaper than replacing the radiator with a cheap eBay one and the GM radiator is 1-5/16" while eBay AND O'Reilly Auto Parts rads are only 1". On the other hand, that would really suck to go through all that work and have the thing leak where the tank attaches to the core. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 It can be professionally done... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted February 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 How about non-professionally? I bet a professional would charge more than an aftermarket radiator costs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 How about non-professionally? I bet a professional would charge more than an aftermarket radiator costs. get a quote? i have a radiator that was fixed professionally int he same manner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted February 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 Do you remember how much you paid? After reading about the leaks this guy had after reinstalling a radiator tank, it seems like it could be too frustrating for a DIY. http://fourdoorbronco.com/board/showthread.php?p=53275 Also, I can't think of a way to pressure-test it before reinstalling like he was able to. Probably less hassle just to throw a cheap eBay rad into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 not by me, but the person who sold me it. $50, iirc. should i bring it when I cruise I44 next week? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted February 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 The tank itself is $50 so it's probably not worth it. I've just about talked myself out of replacing just the tank. You gonna be down my way next week? I didn't hear about that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy K Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 The tank itself is $50 so it's probably not worth it. I've just about talked myself out of replacing just the tank. You gonna be down my way next week? I didn't hear about that! not for certain yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfewtrail Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 They make tools especially for removing/replacing end tanks on radiators. I know people who have replaced the tanks with no issues and then I've seen a few that have leaked not long after being swapped out. If it were my car, I would probably just replace the entire radiator since they should only be around or a little over $100 through radiator.com or somewhere similar. I would at least call(the website sucks since they took away the traditional radiator look-up, it goes to the automated chat bullshit now which I despise) radiator.com and get a quote on the thicker radiator. If this code(40415) is still valid, it should take $25 off the price. That code has been around forever and they should still honor it. I ordered two radiators in '09 and they honored the discount code for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted February 6, 2010 Report Share Posted February 6, 2010 I had to replace the radiator in my LQ1 Cutlass when I first bought it, because the morons at the car lot had raised the car from the lower radiator support, crushing the lower part of the radiator. Mine came from Advance Auto Parts, and is a genuine GM radiator...I think it was $160.00. I can get you the P/N if you need it...it has a Delphi sticker on it. Anyone ever replace just the plastic radiator tank rather than replacing the whole radiator? Is it a worthwhile endeavor? This guy makes it sound easy: http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/diy-submission-forum/513284-changing-radiator-end-tanks-without-breaking-tabs.html However, W-body radiators appear to have beefier tabs. I just thought about doing this because it's slightly cheaper than replacing the radiator with a cheap eBay one and the GM radiator is 1-5/16" while eBay AND O'Reilly Auto Parts rads are only 1". On the other hand, that would really suck to go through all that work and have the thing leak where the tank attaches to the core. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GnatGoSplat Posted February 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2010 Ah, I won't worry about the tanks then. If I swapped the tank by itself and it leaked after I got the car all put back together, the only one I'd have to be pissed off at is myself. If I buy a whole radiator, at least I could blame the company I buy the radiator from! I'll try to get a quote from radiator.com, but I think in the end I'll probably go for the eBay radiator. As long as it's not damaged in shipping, it should be good enough. It seems to be the same radiator that would cost me $150 from O'Reillys anyway. Galaxie, thanks for the P/N offer, but we don't have an Advance nearby. Nearest one is 70-miles away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.