Local radiator rebuild shop (Chicagoland NW suburbs)

[Duodec]

I missed the chance to have Glen Ray do the job because I didn't find the correct core until it was too late.The radiator in my car now is a "Desert Cooler" bought in the '80s in Las Vegas; its a great radiator, but the fan shroud doesn't fit the tank profile so it was pushed back and bowed out in the center.

Anyone have recommendations for a _good_ radiator shop that can do a cleanup and almost certain recore on a radiator?  Don't need concourse, don't need date coding.  Just a quality rebuild.  Preferably in the northwest 'burbs outside of chicago.

Thanks!

[JH27N0B]

I seem to recall that when it was announced not long ago that Glen Ray wasn't taking in new business, and was going to retire at the end of this year, that someone was going to take over the business?  So they might get back up to speed again next year after this transition takes place.
Radiator shops are going the way of the dodo bird now.  They used to be all over the place, but with the advent of plastic radiators and gas tanks, they are a dying breed.
I've used Rex Radiator in the past and they were OK.  I used the one in Bensenville near where Victory auto wreckers was, but they also have a second place in Dundee.
I'm having a similar issue with finding exhaust shops, my convertible's mufflers are on their last leg, and I have some good lightly used components to use to build a new exhaust system, I would like to find a shop that could fabricate headpipes and modify my mufflers to install turndown tips.  Used to be exhaust shops including ones that did custom exhaust all over.  But in the last 20 years they've largely disappeared too.

[Katfish]

If you're not going for originality, why not get a Champion radiator?
Will cool better and probably cost less than what you're going to pay for a recore.

[Duodec]

If you're not going for originality, why not get a Champion radiator?
Will cool better and probably cost less than what you're going to pay for a recore.

I already have the used radiator (correct p/n, no idea on date code), and I have a really nice aftermarket US made brass/copper radiator (the Desert Cooler).  If the factory fan shroud fit the desert cooler properly, I probably wouldn't have sought out an original radiator.   Do the Champions have the tank profile (the 'ribbing') that matches the shroud or are they universal tanks that probably were modeled off a GM?

I'm happier keeping the stock appearance.  Its not a high end restore job but its also not ever going to be a very high horsepower car any more.  Initially it will have the stock 318 2 barrel, mildly upgraded.  Eventually I want it to have a stout 340 or 360 with an engine swap (and little else changing).  Not over 400HP, probably less.  I don't need  the extra capacity of an aluminum radiator compared to a 3-core rebuild of the factory radiator (or the 4 core desert cooler).

[Duodec]

I seem to recall that when it was announced not long ago that Glen Ray wasn't taking in new business, and was going to retire at the end of this year, that someone was going to take over the business?  So they might get back up to speed again next year after this transition takes place.
Radiator shops are going the way of the dodo bird now.  They used to be all over the place, but with the advent of plastic radiators and gas tanks, they are a dying breed.
I've used Rex Radiator in the past and they were OK.  I used the one in Bensenville near where Victory auto wreckers was, but they also have a second place in Dundee.
I'm having a similar issue with finding exhaust shops, my convertible's mufflers are on their last leg, and I have some good lightly used components to use to build a new exhaust system, I would like to find a shop that could fabricate headpipes and modify my mufflers to install turndown tips.  Used to be exhaust shops including ones that did custom exhaust all over.  But in the last 20 years they've largely disappeared too.

Thanks for the references, I will check them out.  I did hear about Glen Ray possibly continuing under new people, but until they establish a reputation I'm not sure I want to be a guinea pig given that they do charge quite a bit more than a local radiator shop probably does (plus 2x shipping).  I would have already made arrangements to ship my used radiator to them if it was the same person doing the work (my Glen Ray heater core rebuild is excellent).

[PLUM72]

If you dont need that "correct date coded item" check out Auto City Classic for a radiator.  Its aluminum but has the ribbed tanks.  A little black paint and I think many would be hard pressed to tell the difference.

https://www.autocityclassic.com/mopar-radiators/

[Racer57]

FYI... Local radiator shop took my 3 core and put the top and bottom on a 4 core.

[Duodec]

Pinged Rex Radiator but didn't get a clear answer if their Dundee location will do car radiator repair/recore or only truck (presumably big trucks/semis); the website implies that.  I'll call on Monday to confirm.  The radiator may or may not need a recore but they can test and confirm.  Given its age and apparent originality though, I expect it will get new cores.  Be just my luck that it passes all the testing then pops a leak during engine breakin if I don't.

do any of the aftermarket/repro radiators come from somewhere other than china?  I know its impossible to avoid chinese made stuff entirely but except for appearance items I'm really trying to avoid chinese made parts.