Where to find a 57 radiator
 

I work a dealership parts counter and I have a customer who drives a gorgeous 57 4 door hardtop. He came in today and tells me the radiator is leaking. I told him I'd check online tonight but I've hit a brick wall. Does anyone sell a nice original looking radiator for a 57? He would like to buy a bolt in, not get it recored if at all possible.

Thanks

I'm pretty sure that U.S. Radiator lists it. Trouble is, I'm hesitant to recommend them, as I had a real hassle getting the correct radiator from them for my '59 GMC. I finally got it, but I'm stuck with the first one I bought (used it to test-run the engine before discovering it didn't fit the truck- so it's no longer "new"). I don't even know what it fits, since their application info is messed up.

In your search, be sure to specify if it is for standard or automatic transmission. The automatic transmission radiator has a chamber for cooling transmission oil, standard transmission radiator does not.

I bought one from US Radiator for my '61; it fit perfectly and worked great, but that was only my experience.

However, depending how your customer's radiator is leaking it may be repairable if you have a decent radiator shop in your area - it may just need a little soldering, or worst case they put a new core in it.

I have a 1955 Pontiac (Chieftain) and I just had my radiator start leaking. I too have been looking for one and can't find anything besides Brassworks for $775.. I noticed the 57 Chevy radiator looks very similar but would like the original. Any ideas?

Champion radiator had a direct replacement for my 61-Tempest.
Maybe they have one for the 57. Go to Classic Radiators and
see if they have what you need. Classic sells Champion radiators.
Hope this helps ya out.

GT.

Thanks but I checked many places called Classic Radiator and Champion Radiator and none of them had anything.. The only place I have seen so far for the 55-57 Pontiac radiator is brassworks for $775.. and they want 6 weeks to build it.

The radiator that U.S.Radiator built for my '59 GMC was only a little over $300.

I worked in a radiator shop about 50 years ago. When we got one badly damaged, we just re-cored it. Only part reused was the top and bottom pans. Maybe that is no longer an option in a throw away world.

I think re-coring is still an option and that's what I did a few years ago for my 56. It cost me a $150 as I recall. The top tank had a dent in it and they looked in a catalog of radiator tanks but none available for 55/56 (other year Pontiacs were available). So re-coring a 55/56 radiator seems like a good option. I think the only other option is to find a good used one. The 57 hydramatic radiator has the trans oil cooler in it so re-coring it would probably be more complicated.