Installed the new radiator in the '83

[rickc5]

Does this daily repair stuff ever end with these old trucks? I buy a new radiator cap last week, and Tuesday the radiator blows a gasket (actually popped a solder joint I suppose). Died anyway.

The one radiator shop that answered the phone said $50-150 depending on what's needed. Thanks. So I bought a new one from Amazon (Prime) for $127 with 2-3 day Prime shipping. Same exact radiator sold by Rock Auto and on eBay and other online places. Now I'll go to Auto Zone and pick up some hoses & coolant. Wonderful.

To answer my own question: NO, the tinkering/repairs never end.

 

[toyotafan]

Yeah, didn't know if you were asking a serious question ... anyhow you answered your own question.

 

[jazz]

No it does not end, you just get occasional breaks. Like getting old, its always something.
I replaced my decrepit rad a few years ago while replacing engine and opted for the pricier model with brass tanks. Not a fan of the plastic ones as they seem to be prone to failure(cracking)

 

[toyotafan]

One of the things we're looking for in a new house is either a 3 car garage in which I can have a decent space to work ... or actually get a place with enough land and without a HOA so i can get a workshop in the backyard ... so I can get a project truck to work on. I'm actually thinking of something more like a rock crawler or even a buggy but I don't know yet. Have to get a place to do the work first.

 

[rickc5]

I'm still considering a stand-alone workshop, as my 3-car garage is full. OTOH, I'm not positive I want an old(er) truck to tinker with forever, now that I've have some experience. Gee, it's just not the same as it was back when I was 20-30 years old. Fun, but more pain than I recall.

 

[toyotafan]

What year is your pickup again? It's hard to keep track, put it in your signature to help a guy out who's had too many concussions.

 

[rickc5]

Yes, dear. Done.

BTW- My "Tinker Toy" is a 1983 4x4 Dlx short bed pickup (the pale yellow one).

New radiator showed up yesterday. Looks identical to the old one, thank goodness. Now I need to get the '87 sold so I can focus on the '83--lots to do.

 

[87Pickup]

My repair requirement never ends. I have to knock on wood though, right now after a new motor and then a new alternator the 87 has been running without any issues - For non transport issues: I finally have heat, was always embarrassing to give someone a ride in the Canadian Winter and tell them: sorry I have no heat. Arizona Truck of course did not need heat in the desert. Also finally repaired the odometer and speedometer so I know how fast or slow I am going. There are a few more mysterious things to repair ... it all comes down to who owned the truck before you. I also own a 1979 Mercedes C123 - unkaputtbar - had it for 20 years - only 2 repairs ... new tires ... new muffler.

 

[rickc5]

Did the install of the new radiator this morning. Took 2.5 hours. Also changed out 2 hoses/clamps and put in new coolant. Perfect fit, no problems, no leaks. The old radiator literally fell apart as I was removing it. The entire right side support just fell off. I think it was a rebuild of some sort, so no surprise.