Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: alzink on January 30, 2025, 12:00:10 PM

Title: 1955 cadillac radiator
Post by: alzink on January 30, 2025, 12:00:10 PM
Just completed an a/c Vintage air installation. To complete the project I'm going to replace the 70 year old radiator. Any suggestion ?  aluminum or copper ? brand ?

thanks
Title: Re: 1955 cadillac radiator
Post by: Cadillac Jack 82 on January 30, 2025, 12:41:05 PM

Copper IMHO
Title: Re: 1955 cadillac radiator
Post by: dn010 on January 30, 2025, 09:03:14 PM
For the 55 I too would stick with the original Harrison copper radiator. They are better at transferring heat and easy to repair. Paint the tanks but try to leave the fins unpainted. However, if you don't have a radiator at all right now, I can see how the aluminum aftermarket could be attractive for $220.
Title: Re: 1955 cadillac radiator
Post by: Caddy Wizard on February 12, 2025, 12:08:15 PM
Copper all the way.  Rebuild the original one at a radiator shop.  Buy a new reproduction.  Get a heavy-duty one from Walker Radiator.

Aluminum ones work okay, but not quite as well.  And they look wrong in the engine bay (particularly the top "tank" portion of the radiator).