Bent Radiator - Replace or zip tie? ;)

Just when I thought that my day had gone to shit I read this thread. Feeling pretty good. Thanks guys, I can sleep well tonight.


ps .... OP, go with the zip tie ..... why sink any more $$$ in this than you have to ..... .

 

Hm So I'm thinking get a vice/clamp in there in the middle to bring it back a bit, or maybe put a board on both sides and compress them together to straighten it a bit? I was worried of it cracking tho...is it easy to crack? not much experience with bending alum radiators

 

OP, I like your style. Seems like you live on the MAN UP code. You gotta know the limits of your truck somehow. If shit breaks, then replace it with something better. That jump video looks like it was fun!

 

lol yeah you could link this thread to the one asking about buying new or used state your best case.
Nice low mileage tacoma for sale hardly broken .... in.

To the OP do you have a POV camera? You need to capture some this on video & get into a tacoma commercial
More $$ means more mods!

 

hahaha dude hucking huge off that dune!!! thats ridiculous haha

 

Not sure if I'd risk trying to bend it back, failure in that process and you're screwed. Have you considered trimming the shroud some to clear?

 

I wouldn't do that!

Aluminum is really malleable shouldn't crack plus if you do spring a leak you can temp fix it till you order a new one I paid 110 when I busted mine.

I found this after i bought mine https://www.radiatorbarn.com/search.php?product=radiator

Heard nothing but good things about them

 

Drain your coolant, uninstall the rad, and take it to your local rad shop. I live in a smallish town (100k) and we have a radiator repair shop. They will straighten it, braze/weld any leaks, pressure test, and return it to you. Usually for under (EDIT:$50) and in a few hours to a day.

I've done it before on other vehicles and was very happy with the result.

Here is just one (of a few) lists I could find of rad shops in your city. Good luck!'

http://www.mechanicadvisor.com/ca/santa-maria/radiator-repair-shops.aspx

Bored at work so called "Bisho's Radiator Services" in Santa Maria and he said would be about $50 to straighten it, weld it if needed, and pressure test it.

 

that is major air!!!

 

You make a good point but If he buys a new one its only 95 bucks shipped and no down time. The reason I said he should try to bend it back first is cause that damn red "special" coolant is like 30 bucks

You don't need to bend it all the way back just enough to make the shroud work

 

Looks to me like a little gentle leverage could shape at least the bottom of the radiator back to where it belongs. Then, I assume your clips would not but flexing so much, and probably stay on. If your other option is to buy a new radiator, you've got nothing to lose but a little time on your back.

 

Just leave it as is. Replace it when it finally gives out.

And the radiator barn is the best place to buy a new one.

 

agree, mind your own biz

 

I have to read it first to know if I like it

 

you amuse me

 

x2

 

Radiator Barn homes

 

When I sall that video. I was like he'll yea!!! I see guys spend all this money on there trucks and haven't seen ONE get air like you did. That was a sweet video Iam glad your truck handled it like a champ! I would hope to see that in a future tacoma commercial.

 

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