1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

F Head Radiator Replacement

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by zootin, Nov 6, 2018.

  1. Nov 6, 2018
    zootin

    zootin Member

    SW Oregon
    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2016
    Messages:
    93
    To all,

    The 1956 CJ5 with an F head is in need of another radiator. The original radiator is shot, the bottom of the core where it attaches to the bottom tank is rotted away and then some.

    I tried the search function, but had no luck finding an answer for the F head radiator replacement, most responses were V6 related.

    A search on the interweb, found Omix ADA, one from TREX auto parts and an aluminum one. Prices were all over the place on the Omix ADA ranging from $230 and up. The TREX auto parts was $375 and the aluminum ones were under $200.

    Any advice or input on this would be greatly appreciated,

    Zootin in Oregon
     
  2. Nov 6, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    Walcks shows a factory replacement. Not cheap, but original-looking. Radiator Assembly CJ5, CJ6 F Head 4 Cylinder

    I would avoid Omix products in general, if there is any alternative.

    Another possibility is to buy a hot rod radiator from Summit or Jegs. These can be had with bracket kits. No personal experience with this, but worth looking into. Should be cheaper than any aftermarket source specifically intended for this application.
     
    Glenn likes this.
  3. Nov 6, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    I'd go with the Walck's radiator Tim linked to.
     
  4. Nov 6, 2018
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Messages:
    417
    Or find a radiator shop and have yours re cored.
     
    Rick Whitson likes this.
  5. Nov 6, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
    Joined:
    Aug 3, 2003
    Messages:
    9,754
    Are you sure...?

    I think any effort required to salvage the old radiator is a good investment. New ones are junk by comparison.

    I am using several that are 50 years old and more. One or two had a recore, others are solid.

    On the other hand, the new copper replacement on my '88YJ is nearly worthless after about six years.

    Shop around, and don't get discouraged, members here have reported huge variations in repair quotes.
     
    Hellion likes this.
  6. Nov 6, 2018
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    The replacement radiator cores I've seen have included the whole core; tubes plus top and bottom perforated plates, all soldered together. Some places may still replace the individual tubes, but not from what I've seen (at the only shop that I know of that still does this kind of repair in the Boston area). The only parts reused are the sides, brackets, and top and bottom tanks with necks. If the tanks are ok, the radiator could possibly be re-cored.
     
  7. Nov 6, 2018
    1957Willys

    1957Willys Member

    Birmingham, Alabama
    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2012
    Messages:
    698
    Or you can find a M38A1 radiator it's a larger radiator and bolts in place of the civilian one with no modifications.
     
  8. Nov 6, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    The one in my 3B came from Walck's in '02. I was impressed with the quality when I got it and still am now. Granted I don't know about the newest ones but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be selling junk ones at the price listed.
     
  9. Nov 6, 2018
    Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Member

    Fuquay-Varina, NC
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2003
    Messages:
    847
    Many years ago I bought a gas tank from Kaiser Willys, it was pretty good.
    Then years later bought some more parts and the quality had gone down so much I sent them back for a refund.

    OMIX seems a little too foreign and cheap for me.

    I had my radiators fixed at the radiator shop. They are original and look good. Now if I can get get the engines assembled and test them out....
    When I retire I plan to get them all running!!!
    Dave
     
  10. Nov 6, 2018
    gunner

    gunner Member

    Washington state...
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
    Messages:
    596
    The first attempt I'd make is to contact Ron Fitzpatrick (G503) near Medford. He deals mostly with WW2 jeeps but has inventory for other models. I've bought NOS M38A1 parts on occasion from him.

    After that, Daryl, if he's willing to ship.

    Old school brass and copper radiators are heavy but can be shipped, so put an ad in the WTB section.
     
  11. Nov 6, 2018
    gunner

    gunner Member

    Washington state...
    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2012
    Messages:
    596
    I didn't know that about A1s. How is it bigger?
     
  12. Nov 6, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    Three cores instead of two, they're thicker than the two cores but the increase is towards the front eliminating the felt seal. They were available on CJ's as a "heavy duty" option, I have one on Tonk.
     
    Glenn and gunner like this.
  13. Nov 6, 2018
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    I'd be curious where vendors (like Walcks, K-W, etc) source their radiators. It would not surprise me to learn that they all come from Omix. I'd ask before buying a new one from anybody. Just sayin.

    My personal preference would be to repair the old one or find either a good used or NOS piece.
     
  14. Nov 6, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407
  15. Nov 6, 2018
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
  16. Nov 6, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    A radiator from Walck's for my wagon says USA made. What Ron linked to says MTS, they make gas tanks and such....says USA made but couldn't find anything about the radiator. I'll bet Walck's also sells the MTS, Tim's and Ron's links look like identical radiators. Omix pictures look a lot different.
     
  17. Nov 6, 2018
    zootin

    zootin Member

    SW Oregon
    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2016
    Messages:
    93
    To all,
    Thank you for all of the insight and assistance in this matter. I found an older radiator shop here in southern Oregon and took the radiator there for an evaluation.
    Will see what happens from there.
    Thanks again,
    Zootin in Oregon
     
    Hellion, timgr and Glenn like this.
  18. Nov 6, 2018
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    Keep us posted on what happens.
     
    timgr likes this.
  19. Nov 7, 2018
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2006
    Messages:
    2,793
    you might also check Rock Auto Parts.
    Early Ford Falcon, Mercury.
     
  20. Nov 8, 2018
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Messages:
    417
    Glenn likes this.
New Posts