F Head Radiator Replacement

To all,

The 1956 CJ5 with an F head is in need of another radiator. The original radiator is shot, the bottom of the core where it attaches to the bottom tank is rotted away and then some.

I tried the search function, but had no luck finding an answer for the F head radiator replacement, most responses were V6 related.

A search on the interweb, found Omix ADA, one from TREX auto parts and an aluminum one. Prices were all over the place on the Omix ADA ranging from $230 and up. The TREX auto parts was $375 and the aluminum ones were under $200.

Any advice or input on this would be greatly appreciated,

Zootin in Oregon

 

Walcks shows a factory replacement. Not cheap, but original-looking. Radiator Assembly CJ5, CJ6 F Head 4 Cylinder

I would avoid Omix products in general, if there is any alternative.

Another possibility is to buy a hot rod radiator from Summit or Jegs. These can be had with bracket kits. No personal experience with this, but worth looking into. Should be cheaper than any aftermarket source specifically intended for this application.

 

Or find a radiator shop and have yours re cored.

 

Are you sure...?

I think any effort required to salvage the old radiator is a good investment. New ones are junk by comparison.

I am using several that are 50 years old and more. One or two had a recore, others are solid.

On the other hand, the new copper replacement on my '88YJ is nearly worthless after about six years.

Shop around, and don't get discouraged, members here have reported huge variations in repair quotes.

 

The replacement radiator cores I've seen have included the whole core; tubes plus top and bottom perforated plates, all soldered together. Some places may still replace the individual tubes, but not from what I've seen (at the only shop that I know of that still does this kind of repair in the Boston area). The only parts reused are the sides, brackets, and top and bottom tanks with necks. If the tanks are ok, the radiator could possibly be re-cored.

 

Or you can find a M38A1 radiator it's a larger radiator and bolts in place of the civilian one with no modifications.

 

Many years ago I bought a gas tank from Kaiser Willys, it was pretty good.
Then years later bought some more parts and the quality had gone down so much I sent them back for a refund.

OMIX seems a little too foreign and cheap for me.

I had my radiators fixed at the radiator shop. They are original and look good. Now if I can get get the engines assembled and test them out....
When I retire I plan to get them all running!!!
Dave

 

The first attempt I'd make is to contact Ron Fitzpatrick (G503) near Medford. He deals mostly with WW2 jeeps but has inventory for other models. I've bought NOS M38A1 parts on occasion from him.

After that, Daryl, if he's willing to ship.

Old school brass and copper radiators are heavy but can be shipped, so put an ad in the WTB section.

 

I didn't know that about A1s. How is it bigger?

 

I'd be curious where vendors (like Walcks, K-W, etc) source their radiators. It would not surprise me to learn that they all come from Omix. I'd ask before buying a new one from anybody. Just sayin.

My personal preference would be to repair the old one or find either a good used or NOS piece.

 

around here that job for a recore would run 400 or more
looked at these on ebay for my buddy jeep . still haven't bought one yet
1955-1968 Willys/Jeep CJ5, CJ6 F Head, 134 cu.in., 4 cylinder | eBay

 

Probably not much help but, here's a current discussion over on the 2A page.

replacemet Radiators ?

 

To all,
Thank you for all of the insight and assistance in this matter. I found an older radiator shop here in southern Oregon and took the radiator there for an evaluation.
Will see what happens from there.
Thanks again,
Zootin in Oregon

 

you might also check Rock Auto Parts.
Early Ford Falcon, Mercury.

 

Ray's Radiator & Glass ~ Radiators ~ New radiator Installation, radiator Service and Repair for passenger cars, trucks, industrial equipment and tractors, St. Helena CA, Napa Valley CA, San Francisco Bay Area, Northern California, Solano County, Marin County

This guy re cored mine for about $700 California dollars, Great job.
Hard to find these shops anymore.
There was a hazmat fee for the old core because of the lead solder.