1976 Eldorado Radiator availability

[76eldo]

Here in Eastern PA it was warm and sunny today so I took my 76 out for a little drive.
After about 10 minutes I smelled antifreeze and when I opened the hood I saw a large amount of antifreeze down in the radiator cradle area and it was streaming out of the radiator.

Visually, the radiator looks almost new so is it better to take mine out and get it recored or are new OEM quality ones available?  I don't want a cheap imported replacement, looking for a Harrison or equivilant.

Thanks,

Brian

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

A good (reputable) radiator shop would be the best judge of the actual condition of the radiator.  In regards to an "OES" radiator, I think the last good replacement radiator was made (by the major manufactures such as Modine, etc) about 10 years ago.
For the last three replacements I have gone to US Radiator in California and had them make my replacements.  They are a bit pricey, but good quality and they have a few HD options.
Greg Surfas

[TJ Hopland]

I would take to a real old school radiator shop and see what they think.   

I dont think any of the typical parts store ones are worth a darn anymore.  I have heard very bad things about the typical aluminum ones that seem to be commonly available.  They are apparently very poorly made copies of the originals.   Aluminum is not a bad material to make a radiator from but the design has to be different to make it work correctly. 

Im sure there is semi custom made stuff out there that is good but I bet its expensive.     

[bcroe]

My experience is the same.  The common parts in recent years are
cheap, poorly performing imports.  A custom radiator can provide better
than new performance, but they are expensive.  I finally gave up on
junk, and spent $600.  Bruce Roe