Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

does anyone know where I can get my radiator recored without having to sign over the house lol

No sorry . I had to just go find another radiator.
that skill seems long gone. but please let us know if you find one

They still recore truck radiators-might go in that direction. It is not cheap-

I don't know where you are, but might talk to one of these places:

sanjoseradiators.com/

antiqueradiatorrepair.com/

It would be helpful if you told us what year and model, postwar and later prewar fin and tube types are very much less expensive to recore than the earlier cellular type.

Recore of common postwar fin and tube radiators seems to be running $650 - $900 in the Northeast.

Hi Bear,
for example: my 1953 Packard Clipper radiator needed too much repair work to make it worth while. Having the radiator recored and reusing the original upper and lower tanks was just shy of 1000.00 dollars. I'm in Vancouver, WA and there are still radiator shops doing mostly large truck radiators. I saw one radiator being repaired that was as big as one side of a double sliding door in a closet.
If you're in the Pacific Northwest let me know and I'll forward a contact phone # of the repair biz. Good luck.
Regards, Steve

I use Mac’s Automotive & Radiator Repair in Bend, OR for radiators, coolers and gas tanks. They are a local chain with shops in several Oregon towns, mostly in the western part of the state.

Right now, things are tight and prices are through the roof on most things. I'm dealing with this in different markets. Inflation is ramping up from poor US fiscal policies. I had mine done a few years back and was no where near what these numbers are. Local guy did a heater core last year and was reasonable. I'd stop short of price gouging but most things are still in short supply. Not sure the prices will go down, but depending on your urgency whether you can wait out the market.
Radiators have changed and most of the new ones are toss and replace, not made to repair like the vintage. The corner independent shops have disappeared, if they didn't diversify. There's been consolidation in the industry as well.

Hi, Bear,

My son took my old radiator to Mac’s in Oregon, the place Don mentioned, four years ago. I moved to MD last year.
I drive my 1940 Super 8 every day and the cooling system, with the replacement specs on the attached invoice, performs beautifully.
I subsequently added a parade fan in front of the radiator but I use it rarely, except when I come home and plug the car into the charger, plus open the bonnet to reduce heat on the hood paint.
I don’t know what model Packard you have, but I suspect costs might be about the same.

Attach file:

---

  RaqdInvoice2017_7890.jpg (306.42 KB)

I’m having my radiator recored in my ‘49 …. They told me 685$ to complete the job
Arrow Radiator
Hilliard , Ohio
614-876-6416