1950s 1955 cadillac radiator

[alzink]

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

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Copper IMHO

[dn010]

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.

[Caddy Wizard]

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).