1968 M38a1 Radiator Assistance Please

I have a 1968M38a-1 with the F-134 in it. I had the original radiator recored about 8 or 9 years ago (but only about 1500 miles of driving). Stored in a heated garage when not in use...
It has decided to start leaking from the lower part of the core....

Do any of you know where to find an aftermarket replacement that won't break the bank?

 

The M38a1 had a larger radiator. I have a 52 A1 and have been looking for one too. I have thought about going with a CJ5 aluminum 3 core. But then it’s bright metal. Like the gas tank they ask a small fortune for a replacement. I am not aware of any cooling requirements for our A1’s compared to the earlier CJ5’s other than being a purest.

 

I’ve been really happy with my champion radiator. They work well and are reasonably priced…. And it looks like they’re having a sale right now. Not sure if they make one that is a direct fit for your application… https://www.championradiators.com/Jeep-CJ-series-radiators

 

I personally would make every effort to have the original repaired. They are much heavier-duty than modern replacements.

 

X2 on looking to have the original repaired. If it was recored that recently I doubt the core has rotted. A repair might not cost that much.

Having one recored nowadays isn't cheap, it cost me $360 about a year ago to have the radiator in my CJ5 recored, but I am happy with it.

If you want to save some money, and authenticity isn't a priority, an aluminum radiator can be painted black if the bright metal is the only thing that bothers you.

 

No listing I can find to fit with the F-134..plenty of options for either the v-6 or an engine swap...

 

I know the radiator cap is huge compared to a standard one..I had a hard time finding a new one here in Alberta, Canada...

 

When I called one of the few places left to get a narrow V6 radiator re-cored, I was quoted a phone price of $400 -$500. Called Barneys Jeep Parts
and got an MTS for $400, free shipping and didn't have to use my time making the trips to the radiator shop. Check with Barney.

 

I agree with the other posts suggesting seeing if its repairable. If it's not too bad, an old-school mom and pop radiator shop repair is your best bet. The radiator in my CJ5 wasn't worth patching (there was more patch than radiator when I bought it) but we have used a local shop for our fire department's M35A2, and even on a radiator that size, both times the repair was about 60 bucks. Never hurts to pull it and let someone like that look at it and see what they can do with it first, since the repair might be simpler than recoring again.

 

So, good news...the core is not leaking, I had a huge air pocket in the cooling system that was causing coolant to overflow and run down the radiator.
As far as repairing, a reputable shop here told me they would need me to drop off the radiator, and I should get an estimate to repair it in 2 weeks!
Glad I don't need to do that!