Cold Case Radiator Trouble x 3

[FatherandSon]

I installed a Cold Case Radiator on my '50 AD Chevy build (SBC 383ci 400hp/AT/AC) and thought the quality, fit and appearance was good so I went back to Cold Case when I needed a replacement for my '69 C20 (SBC 350ci 290hp/AT/AC). Unfortunately, it started leaking from a tube after a couple months. I contacted Cold Case who required photos of an active leak (which I provided) but they would not pay for shipping to return the defective radiator. Fortunately, I had purchased the radiator through Summit and they replaced it promptly without shipping charges. Unfortunately, it also started leaking, this time from a tank. Here's where I confess stupidity - I initially looked for a comparably priced US made radiator but couldn't find one and I was really sold on Cold Case's 1.25" two row tube design so I thought "this must be a fluke/third time is the charm" but NO! It leaked as well, but worse than the first two. I'm not sure if this is a case of a bad batch from China or what but I thought I'd put it out there for you all. On the upside, Summit processed all 3 returns promptly and I'm very proficient at R&Ring a radiator!

[Joyridin]

Interesting because the CC radiators I warranted and the ones my brother warranted did not need to be sent back. You just take a picture of the leak, the serial number of the radiator, and they send a new one. I think I had to pay for shipping. After the 2nd bad one, the brand new radiator in the box went up for sale. Way too much time and investment for their cheap garbage.

[Sheepdip]

I know nothing about Cold Case Radiators....what I do know is I have 3 Champion aluminum radiators currently installed in a 49 Chevrolet pickup, a 1940 F*rd and a 1970 GMC with never a hint of a problem.

All 3 vehicles have A/C systems and get a work out in the summer months. One is over 20 years old.

I have no affiliation with Champion only good luck with their products.

[leddzepp]

I’ve used 2 Champion radiators myself and have no complaints or problems with them. I’m also in Riverside and their warehouse is local (Lake Elsinore) and you can buy in person at the counter.

[Already Gone]

I am lucky that there is old fashioned Rad Shop in my City. I took my original rad which was a 3 row but had 4 row tanks to that shop and they put a new 4 row core into it and also had my original heater core rebuilt with a new core as figured if I didn't and it being 50 + years old would be the weak link in the cooling system. Speaking of Cold Case I installed a set of their made for 67-72's Silicone Rad Hoses and they fit except had to trim a smidge of the bottom one where it connects to the rad.

[HO455]

I have had only one encounter with Cold Case radiators and it wasn't good. I ordered one for my Burban and found that it fit poorly. Poor enough that I returned it fearing i would have the kind of failure you did.

Here is a link to the story. Scroll to post 333 to start.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8235484

[72SB]

CC are made offshore. There can be quality control issues with anything made offshore as manufacturing standards are not stable. When companies, like US based CC, have 3rd party manufacturing in countries where labor and process is sub-par, end result is batches of product otherwise arriving fine can happen.

I have a CC in another car. So far, no issues but at its price point one needs to consider they get what they pay for. US made are always more $ but in long run a better product.

[54blackhornet]

My local radiator shop closed so I now have to drive out of town to use one . I happily do it for the piece of mind you receive knowing that the job will be done correctly.

[chevmn]

I recently went through either repairing or replacing my radiator. Initially I considered purchasing aluminum replacement, but just by chance I noticed a shop had recently opened up, so I took my old one to get a quote. In the end they re-cored it for about $450 (still having issues with the cost of things these days, but I won't get into the rediculous reasons why). It is a 4 row out of a big block c20 with air, and is a large heavy radiator. It did fit a bit tight but ultimately I was able to work it in and it works and cools like it should, and no leaks. And, I am confident they would make it right if not, but they pressure test and paint prior to calling me to pick up. Hopefully the last time I ever have to pull that radiator.