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I have a 55 Hardtop with 291 V8. I'm looking for a reliable source for a replacement radiator. Haven't had any luck searching the internet. Would prefer to replace rather than recondition existing, unless there is no option. Would appreciate any suggestions. I'm located in upstate NY. Thanks, Duane
Duane
The same Radiator was used in the other MoPar Division's and like years.
It will help if you let some one know what is the nearest town that you
live in because another may know of one that's "just a ways" from you.
Rodger & Gabby
FltSgt@outlook.com
There are no reproductions, although another member has mentioned in the past that a radiator from a '57 Chebbie is very similar in size, and reproductions for that car are readily available, and quite inexpensive compared to the cost of rebuilding an original.
You may still need a radiator shop to relocate the inlet/outlet fittings, however.
Brassworks is a well known radiator builder/rebuilder, and recently highlighted a radiator they did for a '55 on their Facebook page. Since we've done 3 '56 DeSotos and a '55, I inquired to them about their costs for rebuilding that radiator. They told me their restoration was $1100, which made the $600 I paid for our projects suddenly seem quite reasonable.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
Duane,
Keep in mind the '55 had two different radiator styles depending on series. The Firedome series had a cellular core and the Fireflite series had a fin and tube core. You can likely substitute one for the other unless you insist on 100% original.
A good local radiator shop can likely repair your radiator unless it is really shot. Have you had your current radiator shop tested?
Mark
