Choosing a new radiator..

[Lambroast]

Hi all,

Going to do a trip up the north WA coast later this year, but need a new radiator in the old bus first.(Peace of mind !) Got a 92 GQ TB42E Auto. Been hunting on Fleabay trying to get the best $$ I can.

Looking at these at the moment :

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/180685204876?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/130439014171?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/200767540374?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Anyone got any opinions to share ?


Called local Natrad - $542 for an exchange unit.

Doing the hoses, cap, thermaostat, and also Trans fluid at the same time so trying to save $ any way I can...


Cheers
Simon

[97_gq_lwb]

I would go 3 row and use a genuine thermostat save having any dramas.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NISSAN-PATROL-PETROL-GQ-RADIATOR-87-97-3-ROW-MANUAL-COPPER-HEAVY-DUTY-48MM-THICK-/230720193609?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b7fec449

[MQ MAD]

Wouldnt touch anything from fleebay
I bought my auto GQ rad from natrad, thru an independant and it was cheaper again
The issue youll have is the holes for the lower sensors arent on any new radiator,even from natrad they just dont do them ,so youll have to get holes made and threads work done for the sensors
Im not sure if anyone does the holes and threads now, but they didnt 18 months ago
Something for you to check if you have lower radiator sensors or not
I went to a steel header tank , copper core replacement as any radiator with plastic tanks ill steer clear from as the tanks cant be found

Ring around the price difference will shock you

[Sprattman]

MQ Mad is right steer clear of plastic tanks, they will crack and leak and cannot be repaired and alloy cores dont last as well as copper either.
Dont cheap out on your radiator, too much else relies on it.

[97_gq_lwb]

Look at the link i posted it is a 3 core copper brass radiator .
I can't see why people knock ebay nothing wrong with it and you can save money buying the same item direct from the same wholesalers that supplies your local spare parts store or people that sell online with very few overheads .

You do have to do your research like everything you buy if you shop around you compare quality and prices sometimes it is cheaper sometimes it isn't.

[Morton]

ditto to 97, fleabag is as good as YOUR research prior, know exactly what you want before buying from them & only buy what you researched, cant be dissapointed then

[White Elephant]

Yep, definately go for a 2-3 core copper brass mate. They will last a lot longer and are surely better value for money.

[big bell]

i bought a asi full alloy 3 core job off ebay ! bloody ripper of a unit !

[Lambroast]

OK,

Looks like this is the one. Opinions anybody ?


http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320816851523?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Cheers
Simon

[Stusgq]

copper all the way, plastic or alloy you can't fix em

[twisty]

Copper and brass is my pick as well. A sick (plastic) radiator can be more expensive than than an inconvenient overheat. My plastic rad slowly died (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?8179-GU1-Auto-Trans-not-engaging&p=211299&viewfull=1#post211299), killed my auto trans and ended up costing $6k. $1k for a new, quality radiator, all hoses and fit by my mechanic looks cheap now. I'm forever greatful we weren't on a trip.