cokeaddict replied:

I cant believe the prices out there.
This is really becomming a joke...what a rip off. I've said it before...seems the 4wd owners are really getting whacked hard for parts and repairs.

Personally, I'd check out some wreckers, see what they charge and when you finally get a replacement radiator, spend some time fixing the rubbing problem from occuring again. Damn rip offs.....hate them with a passion.
Angelo

tour boy replied:

I remember seeing an ad for a mob that convert alloy to brass for a fraction of the cost. I saw it in a just 4x4 mag can't remember their name but worth a try.
Tour boy

Swine Hunter replied:

Hi there,
Sorry to hear of the woe.

Try Desert Cooler radiators, he is in Vic, and does exc ellent work, don't think he can repair your alloy one, but I would say he can certainly supply a suitable non-alloy replacement. He custom manufactures them for all types of vehicles, he has done 4 for me, 3 were hot rods, and 1 for a big block chev VN commodore in 5 core. Price was very good too, he advertises in the performance and hot rod mags regularly.
Hope it helps,
Cheers,
Wayne

ralph_s.a replied:

g'day V8,
try a motor bike radiator repairer, im in s.a. and have used a bloke in vic before, im afraid ive got no further information than that on him. (busted the radiator over 4 years ago) the radiator was fairly messed up and they welded it up and straightend it right out. if that fails, try a specialist alloy welder, might be cheaper than 1.4k!!!!!!!!!!! then again maybe not.

Member - Oskar (Bris) replied:

A mate of mine had his alloy rad repaired after the fan went into it.
No problems afterwards.
Worth checking out.
Oskar

Casnat replied:

Had a pinhole in my GU radiator also and Natrad quoted me a similar price for a new one saying aluminium couldn't be welded (I have since been informed that it can be ... I think special rods are required?). When I persisted enquiring about repairing options they finally came up with the option of some special "glue" which is applied with heat. They won't guarantee it but I went this way and have had no problems since. Have done Googs and Border Track since and no signs of problems.

I took the radiator out myself and dropped it in to them. Cost....$40. A lot cheaper than $1400! I guess the trade off is reliability and a risk of problems in a remote area. I guess Natrad don't offer this option readily because they make more money out of selling you a new radiator.

Removing and replacing the radiator took a while. Even though they were still ok while they were easy to get at I also replaced the top and bottom hoses and all fan belts and the old ones are now in my spares kit.

brian replied:

Hello small holes in aluminium can be welded by you at home with a simple gas torch no problem,i welded the aluminium pipe on power steering on my gu after hose from hydraulic winch rubbed a hole in it,just like soldering really just need special electrode.Tell you what leave email/contact details and i will send you an electrode that way you can fix it yourself for free.
Shows the value of this website,happy to help.

Member - Errol (York WA) replied:

Iv'e just had a new rad put in my 4.2 about 2 mounths ago . Cost $750 ,my advice , start shoping around , you can get yhem cheper than $1400 . Don't know where thay got it from otherwise i would tell you , but have a look around befor you pay that . Cheers Errol

rolux1983 replied:

Hi diesel
just did a google on aliminum welders western aus and heeps of ali fabricators over there. try some of the boat builders it can br done and will only be a fraction of the cost
rolux

Coops (Kalgoorlie) replied:

Choice Radiators in Bellevue might be able to help you on all counts V8

Truckster (Vic) replied:

shame your in perth, Awill does thisbleepfor a living. he made his own alloy radiator.

Exploder replied:

Gday all

You could always try a product called “Bars Leaks” It is also a corrosion inhibitor seen this stuff in action on a 4 Core Tractor radiator, It had 3 Big holes in it and it stopped them all to our surprise.

Welding a aluminium radiator, if you can get access to a high frequency Tig Welder you could have a shot

BenSpoon replied:

Leo's Radiators in Ozzie Park- They do everything to do with radiators, and are well knowledgeable.
Give the blokes a call-
LEO'S RADIATOR SERVICE
Osborne Park Un 8/ 7 King Edward Rd 6017 (08) 9445 1022
Midland 42 Robinson Rd 6056 (08) 9274 3409

V8Diesel replied:

Firstly, a big thanks to everyone for all the help and suggestions, the forum comes through again!

It's fixed!!! Both areas where the fan shroud had touched were ali welded for $50. I removed the radiator in 20mins and put back in tonight 15mins. Gotta be happy with that compared to $1,440.

The bloke who did it said he uses the welding rods from the guy at the Royal Show (as was mentioned above). He does motorbike radiators too (also as suggested).

Will look into getting hold of a reasonably priced brass one at leisure now.

Thanks again guys, owe you all a good drink or ten.

Cheers!

Member - Davoe (Widgiemooltha) replied:

blows the old nissan parts are cheaper myth out the window. brass radiator for 80 series 800 dollars fitted flushed refilled everything and thats country prices