1964 cj5 f134 radiator replacement

hey guys, finally got my engine and transmission put together and on the frame and when i filled the radiator with water it looked like a cartoon. water came out in tons of places. tried a quick fix by crimping above and below the leak but everything was so fragile that it would just crack.
so my question is - what would you recommend? yes i am on a budget. no i am not trying to make it back to original condition.
any advice would be much appreciated~

 

Personally, I'd look for an old-time radiator shop and ask about a re-core.

 

In my experience, today a re-core is more expensive than a commodity radiator. Not many shops do that kind of work anymore.

If you can find a commodity radiator that works, that will be the cheapest route. Common sources include early Mustang and the Fiero. If you search for threads about the Mustang or Fiero radiators, you will find plenty of discussion.

 

In previous threads here we've seen huge variation in re-core quotes. Definitely need to use caution.

My problem with cheap replacement radiators is they may only last two or three years, at least here in the salt states, being WAY less substantial than the older ones.

 

Well, you don't need a big radiator for the F134. If I was really short on cash, my inclination would be to make some measurements and go to the pick-a-part yard and look for one that I could make work. You need something that's about the right height and width, and with the outlets in the right place. You may even be able to make the hoses from the Jeep or from the donor work... otherwise flex hoses are available that have different diameters on each end. If it only lasts a few years, that's part of the cost of a budget repair.

Regardless, don't discard the old radiator. You may want to use the tanks someday for a proper re-core.

 

I used a new DJ radiator.. Listed as a 70 something in the catalog. Only had to drill new holes in the mounting
flanges...

 

DJ radiator?

 

@timgr I'm keeping it around for sure. i have the "don't throw anything away" disease.

 

i've seen the fiero threads here. i may look at a pull-a-part place around.

 

2WD Dispatcher Jeep, like the postals.

 

I'd check ebay for an aluminum one. Recore on my cj2a was about 400 so I bought an aluminum reproduction of the original for $135 and it bolted up like factory and works great

 

Early Falcon.

 

I'm running one in my 3b from an 80s Ford or Lincoln... Maybe a Mark XIII? Can't remember. Go hunting, you'll find something that'll work for cheap.

 

http://classicfordradiator.com/copperradiatorsforfords.aspx?page=3

What do you think? Middle top row.

Or this maybe? http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_f...l-aluminum-radiator-2-row-core-1963-1970.html

 

If you're ready to buy a Mustang radiator, they are available from RockAuto for ca $130. You can likely get the same radiators that RockAuto offers locally for the same price. Check with your local parts store and see what they can get.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=271575&cc=1332874&jnid=480&jpid=1

 

or two of them for the 1964 Falcon with the 144 ci (2.4 litre) six.

 

what catalog?

 

found one that will work i think from a 62 falcon:
http://www.amazon.com/Spectra-Premi...ie=UTF8&qid=1456337164&sr=1-1&keywords=CU1463