OEM 959 & 956 radiators: appraisals

[Topcat]

I would like to know what these are worth restored vs. needing re coring in your opinion. Thanks

[moparmaniac59]

I have no idea what the 959 & 956 radiators are for?? But I had a quote to recore my 4-core big block radiator and almost pooped in my drawers when the guy told me $800 bucks!! This is due in part to the high cost of copper. Heck low lifes are now stealing it from central A/C units at churches, schools and hospitals. The shop that gave me the quote was a well respected radiator shop I've been doing business with for over 20 years, so I know they weren't trying to jack me up. Be prepared for big bucks for a re-core if the radiator has a lot of copper!!


                                                             Matt B.

[Topcat]

Wow 800 for a re core? Was that recently? Because copper has drastically reduced to about half what they were per lb. than last July/August.

[Moparal]

I put a 3 flute in my 954 radiator about a yr ago. Parts and labor plus tax was 208.00  That's a 70 bb 4 speed 22 inch radiator.

[moparmaniac59]

The quote I got was sometime in May or early June 2008. I didn't know the price had come down. I ended up getting a real nice aluminum radiator.



                                                             Matt B.

[Topcat]

I have a Modine 26" radiator in really good shape. Would it be possible to transplant the core from it into my 959?
Or is it not worth the effort or make any difference?

[Topcat]

I have no idea what the 959 & 956 radiators are for??

                                                             Matt B.

        956...26" 440/426 70' radiator
3443 959...26" 440/426 71' radiator

[MEK-Dangerfield]

I've seen the 956's go for close to $1000.     

[Topcat]

Here's the 959 I just got. Call it Old Faithful.

http://s173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/topcatcuda/?action=view&current=100_4183.flv

[Katfish]

Looks like you can get a new repo.  I would guess, maybe $200 -$300 since it will need another $500 to get it recored.

http://www.harmsauto.com/iHarms_Radiators.html

[Moparal]

Can you tell the repro from the originals?  I mean it's all good, but are they marked to where people will know there fakes as to not get taken? Some want real oem. The rads look very nice.  TC  if your rad was here, I could get it recored cheaper than 5 easy. It would have to be painted tho.

I just get confused on authentic authorized repro parts I guess. They should be marked somewhere so that they can't be confused with the real McCoy's. Like date coded glass?  It's date coded for 1970's but it is 2008 . Why even bother? It needs to say replica somewhere some how. Or am I thinking wrong some how?

[Topcat]

Good question Al.

The repro top tanks just don't have the crispness in the numbers and the edges as do the OEM units. The indentations on the repros is hardly noticable.
They are nice but they are a dead giveway IMHO. Look at the pics with the #'s.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260336082555

                                                                       &

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170289019521


I think I'll be putting this rad on ice for a while for a re core now. I just need to concentrate on the engine re build now financially. Grant at the radiator shop who did the PSI test said if I waited there's a chance copper pricing may come down even more making a re core even less than it would be now.

Perhaps it's time to keep an eye again on the London Metal Exchange the next months ahead...( kinda like the equivalent to the NYSE; but for metal) It's half of what it was early last summer right now. 
Hopefully it'll reflect lower re core costs later on.

[Topcat]

I have a Modine 26" radiator in really good shape. Would it be possible to transplant the core from it into my 959?
Or is it not worth the effort or make any difference?

Forgot to mention...oh so close to do a transplant.
Modine is about a half inch wider on the header where the tank meets and mounts on.
Darn!!