Radiator replacement

[TomN]

I just got in a replacement for my old cracked and leaking radiator on my 1955 Cj5. It was listed as copper and steel and a direct replacement, however, it's not the same weight and thinner than the original. I'm wondering if that is just what the new ones are? Got to admit, I was disappointed in what I received for $500+ dollars!
I tried to have the original one repaired, but both of the tanks were cracked and was told that a weld wouldn't hold up. Any suggestions or is this what you get these days? This one came from the Jeepsterman.

 

[PeteL]

Find someone who knows how to repair them. Anything is possible.

Many years ago a guy I worked for told me "you can't braze a brass radiator tank," and not to try. But not knowing any better, I had already finished doing it.

The OEM units are far higher quality.

 

[Howard Eisenhauer]

I just got in a replacement for my old cracked and leaking radiator on my 1955 Cj5. It was listed as copper and steel and a direct replacement, however, it's not the same weight and thinner than the original.

Stock tanks were 2 core as standard equipment but 3 core units were available as an optional. Is this what you mean by thinner?

 

[PeteL]

but 3 core units were available as an optional.

Possibly the same as M38A1?

 

[Howard Eisenhauer]

Possibly the same as M38A1?

I believe they are (but don't quote me on that).

 

[TomN]

Stock tanks were 2 core as standard equipment but 3 core units were available as an optional. Is this what you mean by thinner?

On the original tank the core is thicker, so I guess it is a 3 core?

 

[Howard Eisenhauer]

On the original tank the core is thicker, so I guess it is a 3 core?

Sounds right. You should also notice the top of the 3 core is more "square" than the top of the 2 core whhick would have a more rounded appearance.

Two core rads will work just fine in most climates & most circumstances but a fan shroud is always a good thing to have.