Summit Radiator?

[JPM4]

My original radiator has a small leak. I've read multiple threads on what's available, but nobody has mentioned the Brass/Copper Radiator from Summit, PN:SUM-382037. I can't find any other new production brass/copper radiator. Has anyone tried one of these?

1989 FORD F 350 Summit Racing SUM-382037 Summit Racing™ Classic OEM Radiators | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Summit Racing™ Classic OEM Radiators with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Radiators at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

I ordered the Spectra brass/copper 4 row from RockAuto, but it's actually an all aluminum, in the process of returning now. The description/picture for the Spectra on RockAuto is completely wrong.

 

[The_Josh_Bear]

While I haven't tried the Summit one, I'm on my 5th Spectra Lifetime warranty works!

I'd email/call Summit and double check it's actually brass, as you know they are rare. Very cool though, for that price it better be VERY good!

 

[rreegg]

understandable you’d return the aluminum if it was supposed to be copper brass. Any reason you don’t want aluminium otherwise? If it’s just a small leak in the existing it possible to have it repaired or sealed up?
Sorry it doesn’t answer the original Q, most folks including myself replace with aluminum due to price and availability. I’m happy with it personally

 

[IDIBRONCO]

From my experience, Summit is a good place to deal with. They seem to have accurate pictures in their descriptions.

 

[u2slow]

For my dodge/cummins radiator, I had the same experience with Summit. The picture showed a conventional black radiator, but the description said aluminum. What showed up was a bright shiny aluminum welded unit. For the price, I'm not disappointed.

 

[12pilgrim]

Just be dumb and poor (now) like me and have the original recored for $1200

 

[Nero]

Just be dumb and poor (now) like me and have the original recored for $1200

I appreciate the offer but I must politely decline.

 

[JPM4]

Thanks guys! I'm going to take a chance and order the Summit. I know the aluminum would be fine, I just like the thought of good old copper and brass. My original worked great at cooling, never saw it go near half way on the gauge even when pulling heavy loads. I could get the small leak fixed, but I don't want to have to pull it when another small leak pops up. If there's one leak, there's probably other weak spots. It is 35 years old this year, one owner, technically 2 (my dad, then me), and just rolled over to 99,000. I'd like to keep it as original looking as possible.

Pushing $900 is a lot, but still less than a single month of a new truck payment

I'll post when I receive it so others can have that option.

 

[divemaster5734]

I put a new 4 core aluminum one in for $350, and it works great.
I figured the OEM one is 3 cores, so even allowing for better heat dissipation with copper, the additional core would be at least a straight push for performance.
Was quoted minimum $1,000 and six weeks for rebuild.
Instead got the new one in a day.
Call me a turn coat, I don't much give a rats a s s.
Especially after dumping over $27,000 into the C350 restoration that is only half way done.

 

[IDIBRONCO]

I just like the thought of good old copper and brass.

Same here.

Pushing $900 is a lot, but still less than a single month of a new truck payment

That's no lie!

 

[HammerDown]

Being my local mom/pop radiator/recore shop closed, several years agao I had to go with an aluminum from Advance Auto ... it's been working just fine and of course, the lifetime warranty.
Had to do the dame with my OE brass rad from my 81 Corvette.

 

[The_Josh_Bear]

It is 35 years old this year, one owner, technically 2 (my dad, then me), and just rolled over to 99,000. I'd like to keep it as original looking as possible.

Wow, low mileage family truck! Excellent.

Pushing $900 is a lot, but still less than a single month of a new truck payment

VERY well said!

 

[JPM4]

Received the Summit Brass/Copper Radiator. It is exactly as advertised, Brass/Copper. Haven't installed, but looks to be a good replacement.
Sorry for the upside down first pic

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[IDIBRONCO]

Do yourself a favor before installing it. Replace that crappy plastic thing inside the drain hole before you install it. I have one of those in mine that I always forget about until I want to drain it. They are miserable to use. Unless you have it just barely opened, it will squirt coolant all over.

 

[The_Josh_Bear]

It would be interesting to weigh it vs an OEM one to compare build quality.

But great find! Thanks for the update.