Radiator replacement

[ShaneHobson]

the bottom tank of my radiator is leaking.
Hopefully just an O ring, we'll find out in a few days.

I seem to recall someone here imported a new radiator from US for a very reasonable price.

Care to comment on what you bought, how much it cost and has it worked out ok ?

[Blacky]

I believe the buyer was in Oz. Here's one for $119.49 and $28.46 shipping to New Zealand. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Silla-Co...5deaeb&vxp=mtr

Silla brand, very well made and perfect fit. I've had a couple for about 5+years.

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by ShaneHobson

the bottom tank of my radiator is leaking.
Hopefully just an O ring, we'll find out in a few days.

I seem to recall someone here imported a new radiator from US for a very reasonable price.

Care to comment on what you bought, how much it cost and has it worked out ok ?

Replacing the O-ring is not really an option.
A Silla is fine.

[ShaneHobson]

The radiator shop seems pretty happy that they can replace an o ring.
Why do you think it's a bad idea ?

cheers for the ebay link, I'll order one.

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by ShaneHobson

The radiator shop seems pretty happy that they can replace an o ring.
Why do you think it's a bad idea ?

cheers for the ebay link, I'll order one.

If you have a radiator shop that will try it, great.
Where I live not only is there no radiator shop without driving for hours the one we used to have would not touch an O-Ring replacement.
Also by the time an O-Ring goes the top tank is most likely brittle and ready to fail.
With a new radiator at least you are starting fresh.

[svxcess]

N.B. You are in NZ and kiwis can fix anything. Another NZ member had an absolutely beautiful alloy top tank fitted to his radiator during 2007, at a total cost of NZ$180.00, when the OEM plastic one split. These people can fix any radiator fault without a problem.

Refer --- Real Deal Radiators LTd, 17 View Rd Henderson, Auckland. Phone 09 836 3660.

Have a look at their excellent website --- www.rdradiators.co.nz

[andreoz]

Some 3 years ago I got one directly from partstrain.com - it cost me $400 landed while Subaru wanted to charge $1200. It was great service combined with Bongo for local US address and shipping.

[donmac45]

Did mine with a US import (Silla) in November. Ended up being about NZ$236 incl shipping and I had it in a week. Could have got one $20 cheaper if I had trolled ebay more thoroughly. (see Blackeys post)
Would have cost me more than $750 to get new alloy tank made and fitted in NZ, -By the time I had it made, shipped back and forth to CHCH & paid commission etc.
Very happy with it.
regards
Don McAlpine
SVX 95

[ShaneHobson]

My top tank is a hand made aluminium special, in fact the radiator who looked at my car a few days ago commented that he made the tank 8 years earlier.

I managed to get a Silla on eBay for $US147 inc post to NZ.

I don't there is any chance I could have got a local radiator shop to do any sort of repair for that money, so I'll be fitting the new Silla and will stash my leaky radiator with all my other worn out parts.

Pity my poor widow who has to clear the place when I die.

[ShaneHobson]

Silla radiator arrived from USA today. Taking it to mechanic to fit along with some replacement suspension parts.

[ShaneHobson]

Unpacked, looked ok.
Lightweight aluminium with plastic tanks top and bottom.
Didn't look like rubbish.
Should have taken a photo.

[ShaneHobson]

Installed ok.
Have done a couple of trips to Auckland and a round drip to New Plymouth (6 hours in a day).
No sign of problems.

[Blacky]

I'm up to almost 6 years with no problems on my two.