thomasrc
Member
Need Help from the MOPAR Brain Trust
Calling on the collective wisdom of this great forum—if anyone can help crack this, it’s you folks. Working on my 1948 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine and have hit a wall with the original copper/brass radiator. It flow-tested at just 60%. At 1 psi, one leak. At 2–3 psi, 6 spots and counting. I’ve been to several specialty radiator shops in Southern California. Over the phone? “No problem.” In person? “Sorry, can’t touch it.” I’m sure some of you know that routine.
One local guy—son of an old-school radiator master—gets it. He says a shop in L.A. can build a new core for around $650, 2–3 week turnaround. But the real work is uncrimping and disassembling the tanks. He ballparked the job at $4,000–$4,500—if I can nail him down. He’s a movin target. Oh, and one shop actually quoted me $14,000. I almost asked if that came with a parts car and free lifetime lap dances.
I saw a beautifully restored ’48 Chrysler T&C on BaT, and it mentioned a shop in Berkeley that did a recore. I’ll be calling them Monday. Meanwhile, does anyone know of a solid radiator shop—anywhere—that still works on these old copper/brass beasts?
The rest of the car is in great hands: a real-deal mechanic with five bays of vintage iron and a waitlist. He’s sharp, honest, and backed by a friend with 40+ survivor cars. Both of these guys know & suggested the guy mentioned. We’ve replaced the water distribution tube, pump, head, etc.
Any leads, ideas, or aluminum replacement options (I know, I know…)—please let me know. I’m hoping someone can pull a rabbit out of a hat—or, well you know where.......
Thanks in advance,
Thomas
Calling on the collective wisdom of this great forum—if anyone can help crack this, it’s you folks. Working on my 1948 Chrysler Crown Imperial Limousine and have hit a wall with the original copper/brass radiator. It flow-tested at just 60%. At 1 psi, one leak. At 2–3 psi, 6 spots and counting. I’ve been to several specialty radiator shops in Southern California. Over the phone? “No problem.” In person? “Sorry, can’t touch it.” I’m sure some of you know that routine.
One local guy—son of an old-school radiator master—gets it. He says a shop in L.A. can build a new core for around $650, 2–3 week turnaround. But the real work is uncrimping and disassembling the tanks. He ballparked the job at $4,000–$4,500—if I can nail him down. He’s a movin target. Oh, and one shop actually quoted me $14,000. I almost asked if that came with a parts car and free lifetime lap dances.
I saw a beautifully restored ’48 Chrysler T&C on BaT, and it mentioned a shop in Berkeley that did a recore. I’ll be calling them Monday. Meanwhile, does anyone know of a solid radiator shop—anywhere—that still works on these old copper/brass beasts?
The rest of the car is in great hands: a real-deal mechanic with five bays of vintage iron and a waitlist. He’s sharp, honest, and backed by a friend with 40+ survivor cars. Both of these guys know & suggested the guy mentioned. We’ve replaced the water distribution tube, pump, head, etc.
Any leads, ideas, or aluminum replacement options (I know, I know…)—please let me know. I’m hoping someone can pull a rabbit out of a hat—or, well you know where.......
Thanks in advance,
Thomas
