eBay radiators

[Tim]

I'm looking to buy one of these to replace my leaking radiator:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/88-89-90-91-92-93-FORD-FESTIVA-1-3-L4-RADIATOR-NIB-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4ced883199QQitemZ330402640281QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Anyone bought one off eBay before?

The price seems decent, but are they good quality or junk that I will have to replace after a couple years?

I see they are a universal fit, so I assume that in order for it to work with my auto tranny, I would need to remove and reuse the connectors that screw on to the oil cooler?


Thanks!

-Tim

[wybnrml]

I see they are a universal fit, so I assume that in order for it to work with my auto tranny, I would need to remove and reuse the connectors that screw on to the oil cooler?

I sure it has the fittings on the radiator, so you wouldn't have to use your old ones.

[Wldfire]

I was looking at that same add awhile ago, wondering the same thing. Thats a darn good deal on it, but wondering if its poo or not.

[easywind]

From autozone a lifetime copper core radiator is $135. Pictures look the same but it weighs 3 pounds more.

[Tim]

I was looking at that same add awhile ago, wondering the same thing. Thats a darn good deal on it, but wondering if its poo or not.

Yeah, I'd like to hear from someone who bought one first, that way I don't waste my money....

From autozone a lifetime copper core radiator is $135. Pictures look the same but it weighs 3 pounds more.

Is there a difference between the copper and aluminum core radiators?

$125-$135 seems to be the going rate (I checked a few parts stores), but if I can get one for $80 shipped, I'd prefer to spend the savings on new hoses, thermostat, and radiator cap.

FWIW my radiator is the original and is made of brass, I think. I'm kicking around the idea of pulling it out and having a radiator shop repair the leak (probably much cheaper than a new one) but I'd rather not deal with the possibility of another leak occuring and creating more hassle.


-Tim

[FestYboy]

that's the one i run in Scrappy, haven't had an issue with it yet.

[Tim]

that's the one i run in Scrappy, haven't had an issue with it yet.

How long have you had the radiator? What did you think of the quality, and did it fit properly?


Thanks!


-Tim

[FestYboy]

4 years? perfect fit, not a fan of plastic endcaps, but no issues to report.

[Festy46]

I've had 3 or 4 of them and never had any problems. They are pretty tough, too. The current one was involved in a wreck and the bottom radiator outlet got bent sideways a little but never broke and doesn't leak.

[Tim]

Thanks for everyone's input.

I'm going to buy one and install it in my car.

At the same time, I'll be pulling out the dealer A/C, so if anyone wants to call dibs now is the time to do so....


-Tim

[deathegg]

The one thing I don't like about that particular rad is the plastic tanks. I got one from ebay about 2 years ago, I think the name of the people were Radiator Doctors, or some such thing,, it was a bit more $, but it is dual-core, all-metal, including the tanks, with a lifetime warranty.
I think they were based in Corona, CA.

[Tim]

The one thing I don't like about that particular rad is the plastic tanks. I got one from ebay about 2 years ago, I think the name of the people were Radiator Doctors, or some such thing,, it was a bit more $, but it is dual-core, all-metal, including the tanks, with a lifetime warranty.
I think they were based in Corona, CA.

Not a big fan of plastic tanks, either. I had a Volvo once, and I was changing out the radiator hoses. I went to grab the upper hose and the plastic outlet just snapped off the radiator.

Seems like Festiva radiators hold up nicely though. I've seen the plastic tank ones go for 200k+.

I'm on a budget so I'll just go with the plastic tank ones. Plus they have a lifetime warranty so if it dies I can just exchange it for another.


-Tim