Going for a Stock OEM Copper/Brass Radiator...Which One?

[Mikey]

I've narrowed my decision to either Tom's Bronco Parts or Amazon/eBay has the Spectra Premium CU521 for about $20 cheaper (Same that NAPA sells at $100 more)......Shipping really hurts Tom's pricing.....

Which one?

Do not bother starting with a discussion on aluminum.....I just want a good stock fit brass/copper one. Drop it in and go! Any others I missed?

I've been having heating issues and my radiator is date stamped 74 and Ford part number dates it at 73! It's the original one!!!!!! Yes, I have shroud (TBPs), new t-stat and clutch fan with 79 Van steel fan.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[bronconut73]

Grab a triple pass copper/brass from WH or BC.

 

[ryansbronco]

autozone has it for abou $206
then save $40 when you buy online and it looks like free shipping

 

[ScanmanSteven]

I have the triple pass from BC with no problems of leaking and great cooling on a 351.

 

[broncnaz]

I have the BC HD radiator no issues here. Ran another venders and it was problematic. BC resuses stock bronco tanks which are way better built than anything Ive seen out there today. I believe that was the main issue with the other radiator as the tanks would flex and the solder would crack causing leaks.
Basically you will probably be dissappointed with the cheaper copper brass radiators.
As was said if you have a local radaitor shop you might consider getting them to recore what you have a good industrial core will cool much better than the stock type core.

 

[SteveL]

Another vote for bc. I run their standard 3-core to cool the 351's in our broncos.

 

[rwill]

I just installed the Spectra CU521 to get a trans cooler.It is not as heavy as the origanal but at the $200. range with lifetime warranty it looked to be a solid deal. Very few miles on it but no issues.
Roger

 

[Mikey]

Well....BC ripped me off on a minor purchase (under $20) so they have lost thousands of past purchases and will continue to do so. Will never buy from them. Yes, I gave them a chance to make things right but they blew me off. Thinking TBPs at this point. They always have been upstanding people but shipping is a killer.

 

[broncnaz]

Id bet the TBP one is the same as the spectrum. Worst that can happen is it fails and you dont buy from another vendor

 

[ryansbronco]

Well....BC ripped me off on a minor purchase (under $20) so they have lost thousands of past purchases and will continue to do so. Will never buy from them. Yes, I gave them a chance to make things right but they blew me off. Thinking TBPs at this point. They always have been upstanding people but shipping is a killer.

see if grayhound would be cheaper. Id bet they would run it to their local depot to make a happy customer

 

[blubuckaroo]

Save yourself a lot of trouble and get it from a radiator shop. I see you're in Tehachapi. Go to Discount Radiator on White Lane in Bakersfield. They installed an X style core in mine for less than the radiators the Bronco Vendors sell. This thing is a three pass staggered core that is really built strong.

 

[bronconut73]

Well....BC ripped me off on a minor purchase (under $20) so they have lost thousands of past purchases and will continue to do so. Will never buy from them. Yes, I gave them a chance to make things right but they blew me off. Thinking TBPs at this point. They always have been upstanding people but shipping is a killer.

WH has a triple pass too.

BTW. I have been upset with some vendors before too (not BC).
Sometimes you just have to get passed it and realize that your situation was the exception to the rule and not the norm.
BC has some cool stuff. Just sayin'.

 

[Mikey]

I thought of going to Bakersfield but 4 one hour trips adds up in time, gas, money and hassle.

Looked at WH but don't need triple pass 4 row at nearly double cost, their 3-row is more that Tom's.....

 

[Mikey]

Didn't really want to go into BC's stuff here, just clarifying my choices. It's the same thing, it's not that a mistake is made, it's how the mistake is dealt with that matters. You treat me bad, I won't buy from you...simple. Since I was 15 (I'm 49 now) I've been building cars, have 5 now. Only two vendors have ever made my black list and only one eBay guy. The other vendor deals in classic Cougars. I'm a super easy customer to deal with.

 

[Mikey]

So, no one has any experience with Spectra? If not, then Tom's it is as I know they have excellent service and products. They've gotten a lot of my business over the years.

 

[Mikey]

Order placed with Tom's....needed an aux tank and new door latch as well....